Ergonomics Regulations for Employees

Section 8 of the OHS Act makes it compulsory for an Employer to provide a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees. Ergonomics Regulations supports the Act further by prescribing that every employer has an Ergonomics Risk Assessment conducted by a competent person before the commencement of any work.

What is Ergonomics?

In Ergonomics Regulations, Ergonomics is defined as “the scientific discipline concerned with the fundamental 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 optimise human well-being and overall system performance;”
 
In simple terms, Section 8 is supposed to keep you safe from breaking bones and shedding blood, while Ergonomics Regulations keep you safe from injuries to, or disorders of, the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs (Musculo-skeletal Disorders, or MSDs)
 
In most cases, employees are not aware of ergonomic hazards and risks, which makes it all the more important for the employer to have their Ergonomics Risk Assessment conducted by a “competent person”.

Don’t wait for symptoms

 
Information, Instruction and Training