Hazard: Workstation and task design
A workstation is an arrangement of equipment, such as desks, production lines or supermarket checkouts, at which people work.
If a workstation is not well set out, it can be a hazard. The risk of work-related injury is increased if work tasks are poorly designed – for example, the requirement to:
- carry out a particular action repetitively
- use force
- maintain an awkward posture
- work with inadequate rest periods
Under such circumstances, workers can develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – that is, injury to the hands, arms, neck or shoulders and/or back.
MSDs are a major cause of work-related ill health – most MSDs affect the back and are linked to manual handling, but MSDs also affect the upper limbs and are linked to:
- keyboard work and repetitive action
- awkward and tiring positions
- stress
Use of display screen equipment, such as computer screens, is also linked to eyestrain and headaches.
Control: Workstation and task design
Ergonomics is concerned with the interaction between people, equipment and the environment – it should be considered when a new workplace is being designed, new equipment is being selected and installed or new jobs and procedures are being introduced.
Workstations should be designed to suit the individual worker to improve his or her safety, comfort and productivity – in practice, this usually means including adjustable features to allow the height and position to be altered to suit the worker.
Typical measures to help to prevent MSDs include:
- redesigning workstations to reduce the risks caused by stooping, overreaching and similar actions
- reducing repetitive movements, such as by automation or job rotation and adequate breaks
- reducing the force needed to carry out a task
- reducing stress levels, which may contribute to poor posture
- training workers in correct posture and safety precautions associated with the task
- making environmental improvements, such as providing heating in cold areas
You should be trained to carry out your job safely and in how to assess your own workstation.
Some of the measures that can be taken to reduce the risks of work-related injury linked to the use of display screen equipment are:
- providing height-adjustable seats, with back rests and foot rests if needed
- allowing plenty of room for movement
- maintaining and selecting equipment, software and screen options to minimise flicker and reduce eye strain
- planning work to allow for breaks
- reducing noise distractions
- arranging for eye tests for certain workers
