Blog: Watch M10.1 Video!

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At the VA, we have a lot of various types of workplace issues depending on what you do. In my line of work (research), we are rarely exposed to high levels of radiological, biological, or chemical hazards because we are not located in the main hospital-we are in our own building for psychological research. However, because there is a lot of computer time there are many issues with Ergonomics. Because of the high use of computers, the VA requests its new employees to take an hour long ergonomic class where they provide you with valuable information and ergonomic tools depending on what your needs are. They are very helpful when it comes to preventing workplace injuries when it comes to ergonomics.
Using the hierarchy of controls, I would address the issue by: removing any equipment that might promote poor ergonomic motions, replace them with better ergonomic ones, educate people on how to prevent ergonomic injuries, implement policies that promote better ergonomic work places, provide free ergonomic equipment based on the person's individual need.

One barrier that might occur when workers are exercising their rights to a healthy and safe workplace would be cost. Administrators are always worried about the costs associated with change and another barrier would be lack of support from leadership. If leadership does not support the change and will not approve funding for it, then the workers needs are likely going to be ignored. 

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 1, 2018 at 3:25 PM

    Hi Kera,

    I think health organizations are heading towards becoming more ergonomic friendly - at least for those with the budget. I know at Kaiser they use these "standing" desks where one can change the height of the desk to promote stretching and less sitting. You bring up the major reason why it would be hard for change - money. Thanks for sharing about your work environment!

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  2. Daisy AlbarranNovember 1, 2018 at 3:27 PM

    Hi Kera,

    I think health organizations are heading towards becoming more ergonomic friendly - at least for those with the budget. I know at Kaiser they use these "standing" desks where one can change the height of the desk to promote stretching and less sitting. You bring up the major reason why it would be hard for change - money. Thanks for sharing about your work environment!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 7, 2018 at 11:01 AM

    Hi Kera,
    Thank you for sharing information about your workplace and the ergonomic issues which are present. That is so great that the VA offers an hour long ergonomic class for new employees. I think a lot of times people don’t think about how bad it is to sit at a desk for the majority of the day and how necessary it is to get up and move around and also the importance of posture and support while sitting. And thank you for a great example of how the hierarchy of controls can address the issue. I also sit at a desk at the front office and use the computer for the majority of the day and I worry about my eyes and also my skin. I found a great night cream from Murad, city skin overnight detox moisturizer, which focuses on addressing the harms of exposure to light from electronic devices. I highly recommend :)

    ReplyDelete

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