Geography / All / Source: / WORKSAFEBC
CHECKLIST TO ASSESS CONTROLS OF RSI RISK FACTORS
BENEFITS
Feb. 28, 2017 is International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. RSIs, also called musculoskeletal injuries or disorders (MSIs or MSDs), are injuries that affect tendons, muscles, nerves and joints, often in the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. The purpose this global day is to raise awareness of RSIs, one of the most common types of workplace injuries.
HOW TO USE THE TOOL
You should first try to eliminate any ergonomic or RSI-related risk factors. But if elimination isn’t possible, then the risk must be minimized using various kinds or combinations of risk controls.When choosing the appropriate risk controls, you should consult with the JHSC or the health and safety representative. To help identify and assess potential risk controls for a specific task or job, consider the questions in the checklist. Be sure to test the risk control before fully implementing to make it work within your company.
OTHER RESOURCES:
WorkSafeBC
MSI Risk Factors Toolbox Talk Handout
Overexertion Toolbox Talk Handout
10 commandments of ergonomics
Model Ergonomics Policy
Lifting Hazard Assessment Checklist
Office Ergonomics Risk Factor Checklist
CHECKLIST TO ASSESS CONTROLS OF RSI RISK FACTORS
Task Being Assessed:______
______
Person Completing Assessment:______
Date:______
YES / NO / COMMENTSEngineering controls: Physical modifications to facilities equipment, and processes can reduce risk factor for MSIs.
Can mechanical lifting aids such as hoists, pallet jacks, carts or conveyors be used instead of manual material handling?
Can the load be lifted within the range of knee to waist height?
Can the vertical distance the load has to be lifted or lowered be shortened, such as by limiting shelf height or raising the worker?
Can stooped or twisted positions be avoided by providing unrestricted work space or arranging the workspace differently?
Can the size of the load be made smaller, such as by ordering smaller containers or having workers make two trips with smaller loads rather than one trip with a heavy load?
Can carrying distance be shortened by changing the workflow?
Can equipment or furniture be modified to eliminate or reduce awkward postures for workers?
Can the workplace be modified to eliminate or reduce the need for lifting of heavy objects?
Administrative controls: Changing work practices and work policies, awareness tools and training can limit the risk of sprains and strains.
Can workers rotate between tasks involving different muscles, such as stacking boxes and driving a forklift?
Can workers use safe work procedures to minimize risk factors, such as using neutral wrist posture while pushing a cart?
Can workers be trained to perform the tasks using neutral postures?
Can storage space be organized so that heavy items are located between knee and waist height, and light items above shoulder height?
Can the task design be changed, such as by changing a lifting task into a lowering task, or changing a carrying task to a pushing or pulling task?
Can workers be given time to rest or recover when lifting or handling loads?
Can work demands and work pace be balanced more effectively?
PPE: PPE can only be used when engineering or administrative controls can’t be applied.
Do workers have suitable gloves that fit properly? For example, they may need padded, friction-enhanced or vibration-limiting gloves.
If workers are required to kneel, do they have knee pads or a kneeling pad?
Do workers have warm clothing if they have to work in cold conditions?
This tool and hundreds more available in the OHS Toolbox at . Templates and tools from OHS Insider are provided for members of our service. Members may use this document as is or as a starting point to customize their own documents. OHS Insider assumes no responsibility for the effectiveness or legality of any of its online templates or tools. Always consult your legal counsel and management before implementing any new policies or procedures.