IE117: Ergonomics 1
Prepared by: Engr. Katherine Gavino, MSIE
Introduction to Ergonomics
PRELIM Coverage
Ergonomics Defined

According to the International Ergonomics Association, the
definition of ergonomics is:

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned
with the understanding of interactions among humans
and other elements of a system, and the profession
that applies theory, principles, data and methods to
design in order to optimize human well-being and
overall system performance.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Ergonomics Defined





An applied scientific discipline that is concerned with how
humans interact with the tools and equipment they use while
performing tasks and other activities.
Interface between humans and equipment is a common focus.
It is also concerned with the physical and social environment
in which the tasks and activities are performed and how
humans and machines interact with the environment.
Derived from the Greek word “ergon” which means work and
“nomos” which means rules or laws.
A term used in place of ergonomics is human factors.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Ergonomics vs. Human Factors


Ergonomics
emphasized
work
physiology
and
anthropometry
while
human
factors
emphasized
experimental psychology and systems engineering.
Ergonomics in Europe was more on the industrial work
systems, while Human Factors in the United States was
more on military systems.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Overview of Ergonomics


The main objective of ergonomics is to improve the
performance of systems consisting of people and
equipment.
Methods Engineering and Ergonomics are closely related and
their general objectives are:


Improve the performance of existing systems and
To design a new systems for optimum performance
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Overview of Ergonomics

Ergonomics has a wide variety of applications, and these can be
classified into two main areas:
1. Work System Design: Interaction between the worker and
equipment used in the workplace. Safety, accident avoidance,
and related performance attributes are the objectives.
Includes consideration of factors related to the work
environment such as lighting and noise levels.
2. Product Design: Deals with the design of products that are
safer, more comfortable, and more user-friendly and mistakeproof. Issue is product liability lawsuits and their avoidance
through consideration of ergonomics.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Ergonomic Approach


“Fitting the job to the person” vs “Fitting the person to
the job”
If you are to choose, which is better?
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Ergonomic Approach



“Fitting the job to the person” vs “Fitting the person to
the job”
If you are to choose, which is better?
The ergonomic approach is diametrically opposite of FPJ.
The philosophy is “fitting the job to the person”.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Ergonomic Approach

“Fitting the job to the person”


It is designing the job so that nearly any member of the
workplace can perform it.
“Fitting the person to the job”

Recommends that workers be selected on the basis of their
mental aptitudes and physical characteristics for a particular
job opening.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Topic Areas in Ergonomics
PRELIM Coverage
Topic Areas in Ergonomics

Physical Ergonomics: it is mostly about manual labor.
 Physiology
 Anthropometry

Cognitive Ergonomics: concerned with the capabilities and
limitations of the human brain and sensory system while
performing activities that include a significant amount of
information processing
 Sensory system
 Perception
 Memory
 Response selection and execution
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Topic Areas in Ergonomics

Physical Work Environment: Work is performed in an
environment that includes both physical and social aspects.
 Visual environment
 Auditory environment
 Climate

Occupational Safety and Health: Constitutes an important
national issue that affects virtually every person who works.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Industrial Accidents
and Injuries
PRELIM Coverage
Definitions

Occupational Safety: Concerned with the avoidance of
industrial accidents and in particular accidents that cause
injury or fatality.

Occupational Health: Concerned with avoiding diseases and
disorders that are induced by exposures to materials or
conditions in the workplace.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Industrial Accidents and Injuries

Industrial Accident: an unexpected or unintentional event
that disrupts work procedures and has the potential to cause
damage to property and injury or death to workers.

Hazard: a condition or a set of conditions that has the
potential for causing an accident or other harmful outcome.

Danger: is the relative exposure or liability to injury, death,
and/or damage from that hazard.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Industrial Accidents Factors

Human errors. These factors relate to the worker or
workers who are responsible for the operation and make
mistakes that are sometimes the direct cause of an industrial
accident.

Job factors. This category refers to the kinds of tasks,
methods, materials, equipment, and so on that are used in the
operation. Some jobs are more dangerous than others.

Environmental conditions. Lighting, noise, temperature and
other conditions that surround the operation.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Human Errors and Accidents





Human error is often identified as the cause of an industrial
accident.
Human error can be defined as an improper and or
inadvertent human act or decision that has the effect or the
potential to reduce effectiveness or safety in the workplace.
Classifications:
Errors of omission occur when a worker fails to take some
action that is called for.
Errors of commission occur when a worker takes an action
that is incorrect.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Human Errors and Accidents

Factors that correlate with accident rates are:




Age
Time on the job
Fatigue
Stress
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Job Factors



Methods. It can be manual, mechanized, or automated, or
there may be combinations of these categories for certain
tasks.
Equipment. The equipment used by a worker can be a source
of hazards in a job.
Materials. Materials that cause hazards to humans can be
classified into three categories:
 Corrosive materials
 Toxic or irritant materials
 Flammable materials
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Classification of Materials


Corrosive materials are usually acidic or caustic substances
that can burn or damage human tissue. Exposure can occur
due to skin contact or inhalation.
Toxic or irritant materials are poisons that disrupt the
normal body processes. They include liquids, gases and solids.
Toxicology is the science that studies poisons and their
effects and problems. Effects may include:








Cancerous tumors and other tumors
Embryo damage
Irritation to the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract
Reduction in mental alertness
Altered behavior
General decline in health
Reduction of sexual function
Other short term and long term illnesses
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Classification of Materials

Flammable materials are those that present hazards or fire
or explosions. Three ingredients are needed to ignite a
flammable material:
 An oxidizer
 Heat
 A chain chemical reaction
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Environmental Conditions

These are the factors that are in the immediate surroundings
of an operation.These include:
 Physical factors
 Social or psychological factors
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Occupational Disorders
and Diseases
PRELIM Coverage
Occupational Disorders and Diseases
Overuse Disorder
 These are types of disorders that take years before their effects are
evident.
 These are also known as repetitive-motion disorders because they
are caused by repeated use of certain tendons and nerves, such as
those in the fingers, wrist, forearm, upper arm, and shoulder.
 Different terms have been used to describe injuries stemming from
repetitive motion such as:





Occupational overuse disorder (or injury or syndrome)
Regional or work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
Repetitive motion or stress or stress injury (RSI)
Osteoarthrosis rheumatic disease
Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Occupational Disorders and Diseases

Repetitiveness


Forcefulness


High repetitiveness is defined by Silverstein in 1985 as a cycle of
less than 30 seconds’ duration, or as more than 50 percent of the
cycle time spent performing the same fundamental action.
According to Silverstein, high force exerted with the hand (e.g
more than 45 N)
Tension related to posture

Static muscle tension, often generated to maintain body posture,
is stressful when high enough.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Occupational Disorders and Diseases
“Seven Sins”
 These are seven conditions in particular that need to be avoided:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Activities with many repetitions
Any activity that requires prolonged or repetitive exertion of more
than about one-third of the operator’s static muscular strength
available for the activity
Putting body segments into extreme positions
Making a person maintain the same body position for a long time
Pressure from tools or work equipment on tissues (skin, muscles, or
tendons), nerves, or blood vessels
A tool vibrating the body or part of the body
The exposure of working body segments to cold, including airflow
from pneumatic tools
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (writer’s cramp, neuritis, median
neuritis) (N)


The result of compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel
under the wrist. This tunnel is an opening under the carpal ligament on
the palmar side of the carpal bones.
Tingling, numbness, or pain in all digits but the little finger.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (N)


Compression of the ulnar nerve below the notch of the elbow.
Tingling, numbness, or pain radiating into ring or little finger.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

De Quervain’s syndrome or disease (T)


A special case of tendosynovitis that occurs in the abductor and
extensor tendons of the thumb, where they share a common sheath.
The condition often results from combined forceful gripping and hand
twisting, as in screw driving.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Epicondylitis or “tennis elbow”
(T)



This condition is often the result of
the impact of jerky throwing motions,
repeated supination and pronation of
the forearm, and forceful wrist
extension movements.
The condition is well known among
tennis players, pitchers, bowlers, and
people hammering.
A similar irritation of the tendon
attachments on the inside of the
elbow is called medical epicondylitis,
also known as “golfer’s elbow”.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Ganglion (T)

The affected area swells and causes a bump under the skin, often on the
dorsal or radial side of the wrist.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Neck tension syndrome (M)

An irritation of the muscles of the neck, commonly occurring after
repeated or sustained overhead work.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Pronator (teres) syndrome (N)

Result of the compression of the median nerve in the distal third of the
forearm, often where it passes through the two heads of the pronator
teres muscle in the forearm, common with strenuous flexion of elbow
and wrist.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Shoulder tendonitis (T)

Irritation and swelling of the tendon or bursa are often caused by
continuous muscle and tendon effort to keep the arm elevated.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Tendonitis or Tendinitis (T)

Inflammation of the tendon that is often associated with repeated
tension, motion, bending, being in contact with a hard surface, or
vibration.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Tenosynovitis (T)


This is a disorder of the tendons that are inside synovial sheaths.
The tendon surfaces can become irritated, rough, and bumpy.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Thoracic outlet (V, N)


A disorder resulting from the compression of nerves and blood vessels
between the clavicle and the first and second ribs, at the brachial plexus.
This ischemic condition makes the arm numb and limits muscular
activities.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

Trigger finger (T)

A special case of tendosynovitis wherein the tendon wherein the
tendons becomes nearly locked, so that its forced movement is not
smooth, but occurs in a snapping or jerking manner.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Common ODs
(Type of Disorder: N-nerve, T-tendon, M-muscle, V-vessel)

White finger
or “dead finger”, Reynaud’s syndrome,
vibration syndrome (V)


Stems from insufficient blood supply and brings about a noticeable
blanching. Finger turns cold, gets numb, tingles, and sensation and control
of finger movement may be lost.
A common cause is continued forceful gripping of vibrating tools,
particularly in a cold environment.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Avoiding Industrial
Accidents and Injuries
PRELIM Coverage
Common Hazards and Control Measures

Hazards present in the work environment can have a significant
effect on productivity, safety and health, worker satisfaction, and
employee turnover.




Dirty, cluttered, poorly organized work, traffic, and storage areas are one
common problem.
Other potential concerns include exposure to hazardous materials,
temperature extremes, inadequate lighting, or noise levels.
Less expensive solutions include administrative controls, such as
job rotation, rest breaks, and employee selection, as well as
implementing better methods of housekeeping.
Providing protective equipment and clothing is another potential
solution in some situations.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Ergonomic Issues

Typical occupational tasks and risk factors along with frequently
associated CTDs:
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Hand Postures
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Wrist Flexion & Extension
Extension
❖
Look for wrist fully deviated.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Flexion
Wrist Radial and Ulnar Deviation
Radial
❖ Look for wrist fully deviated.
Ulnar
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Grips
power grip
pinch grip
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Pinch Grip Force - Risk Level
Forces (lbs, kg)
Total Counts
Per Day
High
Medium
Low
1– 10
>20 lbs
9.0 kg 17– 20 lbs
11 – 100
>10 lbs
4.5 kg
101– 500
> 6 lbs
3.0 kg 5.1 – 6 lbs 2.3 – 2.7 kg
501– 2000
> 4 lbs
2.0 kg 3.3 – 4 lbs 1.5 – 1.8 kg 2.5 – 3.2 lbs 1.1 – 1.5 kg
2001 – 5000
>3lbs
1.3kg
9 – 10 lbs
2.6 – 3lbs
7 – 9kg
12– 16 lbs
5.5 – 7.2 kg
4 – 4.5 kg
6 – 8 lbs
2.7 – 3.6 kg
3.5 – 5 lbs 1.6 – 2.3 kg
1.2 – 1.4kg 1.7 – 2.5lbs 0.8 – 1.1kg
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Wrist Radial & Ulnar Deviation –
Wrist Posture versus Grip Strength
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Forearm Rotation
❖
Look for
palms
up”.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Elbow Height
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Acceptable/Unacceptable
Work Positions
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture
Avoid tilting the upper
body more than 20
degrees
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Shoulder Posture - Flexion
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Shoulder Posture
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Shoulder Posture
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Neck Flexion/Extension
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Neck Flexion
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
pistol handle grip before & after
*”The UAW-Ford Ergonomics Process”; UAW-Ford Joint Committee ©1990
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
handle grip before & after pistol grip and tool balancer
*”The UAW-Ford Ergonomics Process”; UAW-Ford Joint Committee ©1990
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
pistol handle grip before & after
*”The UAW-Ford Ergonomics Process”; UAW-Ford Joint Committee ©1990
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
Tilted away
before
before
after
Flat and too high
Tilted toward hand
Jigs should be located and oriented so that parts can be
assembled without flexing the wrist or limiting visual contact
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
before
after
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
Shoulder Abduction
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
before
after
Shoulder Abduction
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Posture – Before and After
before
after
Shoulder
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Pressure
Eliminate direct pressure on the body
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Pressure
Eliminate handles with sharp edges and
corners which press on small joints
*”The UAW-Ford Ergonomics Process”; UAW-Ford Joint Committee ©1990
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Pressure
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Reaching - Before & After
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Bending - Before & After
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Bending
poor
improved
Avoid bending over continually
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Bending
poor
improved
Design for Neutral Posture
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Reaching
before
Minimize reach distances
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
after
Twisting
Don’t twist your back
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Pushing
Don’t pull




Pulling large objects can be as hard on your back as lifting. Instead,
be sure to push.
Stay close to the load, without leaning forward
Tighten your stomach muscles as you push
Push with both arms, keeping your elbows bent
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Pushing
Push it
Be sure that you
can see over the
top
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Lifting Techniques




Think
Bend Knees
Load Close to Body
Lift with Legs
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Lifting
Lift between shoulder & knuckle height
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Occupational Safety and
Health Laws and Agencies
PRELIM Coverage
Occupational Safety and Health Act



It is also known as the Williams-Steiger Act
It was signed into law in late 1970 and became effective in
April 1971.
OSHAct created several new agencies within various
departments of the federal government:




OSHA
OSHRC
NIOSH
The following are the purpose of this law:
1.
2.
To ensure so far as possible that every working man and woman
will be provided with safe and healthful working conditions
To preserve the nation’s human resources
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)


It enforces the provisions of the OSHAct.
Its responsibilities are the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Implement safety and health programs
Establish mandatory occupational safety and health standards
Enforce the standards in industry by conduction inspections and
assessing penalties for violations
Define responsibilities and rights for employers and employees to
promote better safety and health conditions
Maintain a reporting system and database of occupational injuries
and illnesses
Work with states in the development and support of state
occupational safety and health programs
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Occupational Safety and Health Review
Commission (OSHRC)


This reviews citations and proposed penalties when employers
or employees contest enforcement actions of OSHA.
It is a three-member quasi-judicial panel that is responsible for
holding hearings and reviewing alleged violations of OSHA
standards and the penalties for these violations.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH)
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This engages in research, training, and education in the area of
occupational safety and health
It is an institute that was established within the U.S
Department of Health and Human Resources by the OSHAct
to conduct research and make recommendations for the
prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses.
Its major objectives are as follows:
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Conduct research to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses
Promote safe and healthful workplaces, through standards,
recommendations, and interventions
Improve global workplace safety and health through collaborations in
the international community.
Andris Freivalds and Benjamin W. Niebel, Niebel Methods, Standards and Work Design (13th Edition), 2014
Thank You!
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