MOS6701
Ergonomic Assessment Process
Columbia Southern University
MOS6701
Task Description
In the video, the worker is depicted as performing the task of splitting logs, some which
seem quit heavy and unwieldy, for firewood with a gas-powered splitter. The task is being
performed outside during the day with no cover. The work area is somewhat cluttered with logs,
various equipment, and at one point a dog even shows up. The worker is wearing jeans a long
sleeved shirt, a hat, and gloves. There is an uncapped gas can away from the work and shield by
the stack of wood, but should still be properly stored.
M.S.D. Risk Factors
An important part of ergonomic safety process is periodic review and evaluation of the
workstation design and work practices When we watch the video, several M.S.D. risk factors
stand out. The first, and most glaring risk factor is the prolonged bent position of the worker’s
back while lifting wood. This position places undue stress on the worker’s lower back, which
over time can lead to strains, muscle spasms, slipped discs, and other ailments that can
incapacitate the worker. The next M.S.D. risk is the exerting of force to lift the logs from such
an awkward position. From personal experience, logs of that size run about 20-25 Lbs. and if
you see the linked chart in Appendix A, you will see that the weight limit for this task is 19.13
Lbs. This shows that the worker is already overexerting themselves from the beginning, and any
ill effects will just be compounded over time. Symptoms of excessive force injuries include
muscle fatigue and weakness that does not go away with rest and joint pain. Finally, attention
should be paid to the repetitive nature of the task. Repetitive injuries tend to affect tendons,
, muscles, nerves and joints in the neck, shoulders, hands, and arms. Indications of repetitive
strain injuries are numbness, tingling, and swelling of joints.
Quantification of Risk
Risk quantification is the scientific process of evaluating the level of risk in a
workspace through identification of hazards and development and interpretation of data. The
objective is to develop a ranking of the risks by order of severity as in most cases, there will be
neither the time nor the funding to eliminate all identified risks. A strategy put forth for the
development of quantification by Khanzode et al (2011) is based on “Dividing the work system
into manageable units, Identify and classify the hazards in each unit considered ...and identify
jobs performed at each unit by employees individually or in a group”. The action taking place
in the video we will focus on is the method of picking up and placing the logs onto the splitter.
The below chart ranks the risk of hazard in a job by designating a determination of high,
medium, or low to the severity of the injury and the probability.
Figure 1
Qualitative Value of Severity https://flylib.com/books/en/4.107.1.72/1/
Ergonomic Assessment Process
Columbia Southern University
MOS6701
Task Description
In the video, the worker is depicted as performing the task of splitting logs, some which
seem quit heavy and unwieldy, for firewood with a gas-powered splitter. The task is being
performed outside during the day with no cover. The work area is somewhat cluttered with logs,
various equipment, and at one point a dog even shows up. The worker is wearing jeans a long
sleeved shirt, a hat, and gloves. There is an uncapped gas can away from the work and shield by
the stack of wood, but should still be properly stored.
M.S.D. Risk Factors
An important part of ergonomic safety process is periodic review and evaluation of the
workstation design and work practices When we watch the video, several M.S.D. risk factors
stand out. The first, and most glaring risk factor is the prolonged bent position of the worker’s
back while lifting wood. This position places undue stress on the worker’s lower back, which
over time can lead to strains, muscle spasms, slipped discs, and other ailments that can
incapacitate the worker. The next M.S.D. risk is the exerting of force to lift the logs from such
an awkward position. From personal experience, logs of that size run about 20-25 Lbs. and if
you see the linked chart in Appendix A, you will see that the weight limit for this task is 19.13
Lbs. This shows that the worker is already overexerting themselves from the beginning, and any
ill effects will just be compounded over time. Symptoms of excessive force injuries include
muscle fatigue and weakness that does not go away with rest and joint pain. Finally, attention
should be paid to the repetitive nature of the task. Repetitive injuries tend to affect tendons,
, muscles, nerves and joints in the neck, shoulders, hands, and arms. Indications of repetitive
strain injuries are numbness, tingling, and swelling of joints.
Quantification of Risk
Risk quantification is the scientific process of evaluating the level of risk in a
workspace through identification of hazards and development and interpretation of data. The
objective is to develop a ranking of the risks by order of severity as in most cases, there will be
neither the time nor the funding to eliminate all identified risks. A strategy put forth for the
development of quantification by Khanzode et al (2011) is based on “Dividing the work system
into manageable units, Identify and classify the hazards in each unit considered ...and identify
jobs performed at each unit by employees individually or in a group”. The action taking place
in the video we will focus on is the method of picking up and placing the logs onto the splitter.
The below chart ranks the risk of hazard in a job by designating a determination of high,
medium, or low to the severity of the injury and the probability.
Figure 1
Qualitative Value of Severity https://flylib.com/books/en/4.107.1.72/1/
