Ergonomics Intervention of Workplaces Using SEANES Ergonomic Checkpoints

Abstract

Ergonomics improvements in the workplace are gaining impetus in industry. As a means of fitting the workplace to workers, ergonomics improvements are increasingly applied with the aim of improving safety, health and productivity at work. A broad range of ergonomics measures can be applied through the initiative of workers. To support ergonomics application in several types of workplaces, a new manual specifying Ergonomic Checkpoints for indoor and outdoor workplaces was developed by the Southeast Asian Network of Ergonomics Societies (SEANES). This paper presents SEANES Ergonomic Checkpoints for Indoor and Outdoor Workplaces, with an illustration from Process Control room activities. The goal was to motivate workers to recognize hazards in the work environment and take initiatives that minimize the impact of unsafe acts on workers. The initiatives are published in the form of a self-guided manual. The manual makes use of a Workplace Checklist comprising low-cost actions in six technical areas: materials handling, workstation design, machine and tool safety, physical environment, welfare facilities, communication and work organization. Generic issues shared by 12 workplaces were identified in order to standardize and modify existing checkpoints.