Step 2: Identify Ergonomic Hazards
This is Step 2 of a six-step approach to preventing musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). Each step builds on the one before it to help employers identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, and create safer workplaces.
This step focuses on identifying jobs, tasks, and activities that may expose workers to ergonomic hazards.
Identify hazards before injuries occur
The best time to identify ergonomic hazards is before someone gets hurt. Hazards should be identified proactively so risks can be addressed early.
Start by prioritizing jobs and tasks where workers have:
- Experienced a work-related MSI
- Reported an MSI to first aid
- Reported signs or symptoms of an MSI
- Reported an ergonomic hazard
Review workplace records
Reviewing workplace records can help identify jobs and tasks that may present a higher risk of injury.
Review information such as:
- First aid records
- MSI claims history
- Incident reports and investigations
This information can help identify injury trends and help decide where to focus your efforts.
Talk to workers
Workers often know their jobs best and may have valuable insight into the tasks that place the most strain on their bodies.
Ask workers:
- Which tasks they find most physically demanding
- Where they experience discomfort or fatigue
- Whether they have concerns about specific jobs or activities
- What changes could help reduce strain
A discomfort survey can help identify which parts of the body are most affected by specific tasks and reveal hazards that may not be visible through observation alone.
Observe the work
Observe workers as they perform their jobs to identify potential ergonomic hazards.
A workplace inspection checklist can help identify activities that involve ergonomic hazards and help you prioritize jobs and tasks for further assessment.
Tools to help identify hazards
The following tools can help you identify and prioritize ergonomic hazards:
Occupational Health and Safety Risk Mapping Tool (PDF)
Plot where injuries are occurring in your workplace to identify areas with a higher risk of injury. Risk mapping provides a visual representation of injury trends and can help start discussions about workplace challenges and potential solutions.
Gather information about physical discomfort experienced during specific jobs or tasks. Survey responses can help identify hazards and often provide useful suggestions for improvement.
Workplace Inspection Checklist (PDF)
Inspect jobs and tasks throughout your workplace to identify ergonomic hazards and prioritize areas for further assessment.
Involving workers
Worker participation is an important part of identifying ergonomic hazards.
- Ask workers which tasks they find most physically demanding
- Have workers complete the discomfort survey
- Include workers from all shifts, as hazards and exposure levels can vary across the workplace
- Encourage workers and supervisors to report ergonomic hazards during inspections and routine walkthroughs
- Review worker concerns, fatigue reports, and discomfort patterns, as they may be early indicators of ergonomic hazards
Key performance indicators
- Number of hazards identified
- Number of prioritized jobs and tasks identified
Ready for the next step?
Once you've identified potential ergonomic hazards, the next step is to assess the level of risk they present and determine which ones should be addressed first.