Part 3: Auditing Ergonomics Programs
Ergonomics is no longer a regulatory requirement in most states. The audit protocol below is used the same way regardless of whether it is regulatory compliance or management-practice conformance.
Compliance vs. conformance
The OSHA regulation for Ergonomics was repealed in 1998 because too many employers found “compliance” impossible to achieve given the complexity of musculoskeletal injuries. California adopted its own ergonomics regulation in 2000 and remains the only state where it is a regulatory requirement. Elsewhere, because ergonomic injuries are still the most prevalent and costly workplace injury type, employers adopt ergonomics “management practices” to which they conform.
Compliance and conformance audits are conducted the same way: compliance audits look for adherence to regulations, conformance audits look for adherence to designated management practices. Auditor notes on gaps or deficiencies are converted into corrective actions.
Live audit checklist
Review each audit item in the checklist and type in evidence you would expect to review during an actual ergonomics program audit. Try using the buttons to classify the evidence as conformant, non-conformant, or not applicable.
Ergonomics Program
A formal ergonomics program is in place that directs the company to address ergonomic risks in office and industrial job tasks.
Reviewer checks
- • Written program documents on ergonomics
The program includes the ergonomic evaluation tools needed to perform office and industrial ergonomic evaluations (e.g. REBA, light meter, Office Checklist, force gauge).
Reviewer checks
- • Documentation of completed evaluations
- • Interview ergonomists on use of tools
The program includes a process for management/leadership review of identified ergonomic issues and status of resolution (e.g. reviewed with Safety Committee, Site Leadership Team).
Reviewer checks
- • Minutes and agendas for leadership meetings
- • Section in written program document
The program requires the use of an ergonomic action plan to systematically address identified ergonomic issues at the facility.
Reviewer checks
- • Action tracking logs
- • Section in written program
The program includes a process for manager approval and procurement of recommended office and industrial ergonomics equipment, furniture, computing devices, and accessories.
Reviewer checks
- • Written program document for procurement
- • Procurement process documents
Environmental Ergonomics
Work areas are free from excessive noise and lighting; surveys have been conducted in work areas.
Reviewer checks
- • Sample one area with a light meter
- • Documentation on completed surveys
The room temperature in work areas is at a comfortable level (68–75°F).
Reviewer checks
- • Sample one area with a temperature gun
Office Ergonomics
The program requires employees to have an office ergonomic evaluation conducted on their workstation when starting a new job/task at a new workstation, as a new hire or transferred employee.
Reviewer checks
- • New hire process document
- • Documentation on completed evaluations
The program includes a process for employees to request an office ergonomics evaluation of their workstation whenever they are experiencing discomfort.
Reviewer checks
- • Written program on injury reporting
- • Documentation on completed evaluations
A validation process is in place to determine whether implemented office ergonomics mitigations are effective (e.g. scheduled, documented follow-up evaluation 1–2 weeks later).
Reviewer checks
- • Action tracking logs
- • Section in written program
Office ergonomic furniture, computing devices, and/or accessories are present in most office work areas (e.g. height-adjustable desks or keyboard trays, ergonomic mice, glare screens on monitors).
Reviewer checks
- • Work areas for ergonomic computing equipment and furniture
Industrial Ergonomics
The program includes a process for employees to request an industrial ergonomics evaluation of their work area or workstation whenever they are experiencing discomfort.
Reviewer checks
- • Written program on injury reporting
- • Documentation on completed evaluations
Mechanical devices have been provided to help reduce the chance of physical strain when performing lifting, pushing, and/or pulling tasks (e.g. carts, dolly, mechanical lift).
Reviewer checks
- • Worker areas for material handling assistive devices
A validation process is in place to determine whether implemented industrial ergonomics mitigations are effective (e.g. scheduled, documented follow-up evaluation 1–2 weeks later).
Reviewer checks
- • Action tracking logs
- • Section in written program
Ergonomic personal protective equipment is available to provide relief for employees working in static or awkward positions for extended periods (e.g. anti-fatigue mats, wrist and elbow supports, compression gloves).
Reviewer checks
- • Material and equipment storage areas
- • Inquire of managers and employees
Ergonomics Training
All employees have been trained on ergonomics including environmental ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders: causes, symptoms, prevention, treatment, and reporting.
Reviewer checks
- • Safety and Health training records
- • Inquire of managers and employees
Office employees have been trained on office ergonomics and how to set up their workstation to promote good office ergonomic practices (e.g. monitor height/position, desk arrangement, chair arm height).
Reviewer checks
- • Safety and Health training records
- • Inquire of managers and employees in office areas
Factory and facility maintenance employees have been trained on industrial ergonomics, reviewed the company Manual Materials Handling Procedure, and been trained on proper lifting and back safety techniques.
Reviewer checks
- • Safety and Health training records
- • Inquire of managers and employees in factory and facility maintenance areas