Ensuring workplace safety is a top priority for any responsible organization. A significant part of this is creating an environment that is not only safe but also comfortable and efficient for employees. This is where ergonomics comes in. Proper ergonomic design helps to reduce stress and eliminate injuries associated with bad posture, overuse of muscles, and repetitive tasks. Organizations often utilize tools like an OSHA ergonomics checklist to assess and improve their ergonomic practices.
The OSHA Ergonomic Checklist
For each risk factor below, check either the “Yes” or “No” box. If “Yes,” use the “Note” column to briefly explain the specific activity or complaint, referencing the question number.
This information is needed to determine the overall risk rating.
| Risk Factor | Yes | No | Note | |
| 1 | Have any shop workers been previously diagnosed with any of the following CTD’s: Carpal tunnel, Tendonitis, Tenosynovitis, De Quervain’s disease, Trigger Finger, White finger, Hand Arm Segmental Vibration Syndrome, Muscle strains, or Back ailments? | |||
| 2 | Have there been any worker complaints concerning ergonomic issues? | |||
| 3 | Do employees perform high repetition tasks? (100 reps/hour to 2000 per/day) | |||
| 4 | Do the employee’s routine tasks require repeated heavy lifting? (>20 lbs) or occasional heavy lifting (>50 lbs) | |||
| 5 | Are employees using awkwardly designed tools, which cause the worker to operate the tool outside of a neutral position for an extended period of time? (> 1 hour) | |||
| 6 | Do employees perform tasks with an awkward head or neck position for an extended period of time? (1 to 3 hours) | |||
| 7 | Do employees perform tasks that require awkward back angles to be held for extended periods of time (2 to 3 hours)? i.e…hunching, bending, or squatting | |||
| 8 | Do employees perform tasks with an awkward elbow angle for an extended period of time (1 to 3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 9 | Do employees perform tasks with an awkward elbow abduction angle for an extended period of time (1 to 3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 10 | Do employees perform tasks with an awkward wrist flexion angle for an extended period of time (1 to 3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 11 | Do employees perform tasks with an awkward wrist extension angle for an extended period of time (1 to 3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 12 | Do employees perform tasks with an awkward back/hip flexion angle for an extended period of time (1 to 3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 13 | Do employees perform tasks with an extreme reaching distance for an extended period of time (1 to 3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 14 | Do employees perform tasks with an odd work station height (either standing or sitting) for an extended period of time (1-3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 15 | Are high impact tools used routinely? i.e., riveters, bucking bars, or impact wrenches | |||
| 16 | Are high vibration producing tools used routinely? i.e., die grinders, sanders, weed eaters | |||
| 17 | Do employees perform tasks at an extreme height (high or low) for an extended period of time (1 to 3 hours) or with extreme force application? | |||
| 18 | Are there any other areas of concern either from your observations or employee complaints? |
How to Score Your Risk Level
Once you have completed the checklist, you can determine your workplace’s ergonomic risk level. This rating helps you prioritize actions.
High Risk
Your workplace is considered High Risk if you answered:
- “Yes” to question #1 (and the underlying issue has not been fixed).
- “Yes” to questions #2 or #3, plus two or more “Yes” answers between #4 and #15.
- “Yes” to six or more questions between #4 and #15.
A high-risk rating means you should take immediate action to address these hazards.
Medium Risk
Your workplace is considered Medium Risk if you answered:
- “Yes” to question #1 (but the shop has already made changes to address it).
- “Yes” to questions #2 or #3, plus one other “Yes” between #4 and #15.
- “Yes” to three to five questions between #4 and #15.
A medium-risk rating indicates that problems exist and should be addressed soon to prevent them from becoming more serious.
Low Risk
Your workplace is considered Low Risk if you answered:
- “No” to questions #1, #2, and #3.
- And you have fewer than three “Yes” answers for questions #4 through #15.
A low-risk rating is great news, but it’s still important to be vigilant and encourage good ergonomic habits.
You Finished the Checklist Now What
Completing the checklist is the first step. The real value comes from what you do with the information. The “no” answers on your list are your action items. Many of these issues can be fixed with simple adjustments.
For issues that are harder to solve, it might be time to consider different equipment, like a more adjustable chair, an external keyboard for a laptop, or lifting aids for manual tasks. The goal is to systematically reduce the strain on your body. By addressing these ergonomic risks, you’re not just improving comfort, you’re investing in long-term health and preventing painful, costly injuries down the road.
Take Your Ergonomics to the Next Level with Ergo Global
While a self-assessment is a great start, sometimes you need an expert eye. That’s where we come in. At Ergo Global, we specialize in creating safer, more comfortable, and more productive workspaces. Our team of experienced ergonomists can provide comprehensive assessments that go beyond a basic checklist to uncover the root causes of ergonomic risk in your workplace.
We don’t just identify problems; we provide practical, customized solutions that fit your company’s specific needs and budget. From one-on-one workstation evaluations to full-scale industrial ergonomics programs, we are here to help you build a healthier, more efficient work environment.
Ready to create a workplace that works for your people?
Contact Ergo Global to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your safety and wellness goals.
