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Ergonomics is the science of optimizing comfort, efficiency and safety by reducing physical and cognitive stresses through good design and layout practices.  Designing tasks, equipment and work areas so they can be used within the physical and cognitive capabilities of the operators is often referred to as “fitting the task to the person”.

Ergonomic hazards generally involve complex interactions between individuals and their environments. Using sound ergonomic principles is therefore vital to controlling the hazards and preventing their contribution to the development of discomfort, pain, or musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is a term that refers to soft tissue injuries that occur gradually over time and can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves. Some common examples of MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis and epicondylitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow), trigger finger (gamer’s finger).

Fleming College Ergonomic Policy

Click here to view: Fleming College Employee Ergonomics Process

Fleming College is committed to the prevention of workplace injury, which includes MSDs. There is a shared responsibility by the College and the worker to prevent ergonomic injury through education and remedy of contributing conditions. Fleming College will promote employee and supervisor education and ensure that resources are provided to improve ergonomic working conditions.

The roles and responsibilities may include,

Employee:

• Follow work practices related to their jobs and actively participate in the recognition, analysis, and reduction of ergonomic risks
• Identify and report early signs and symptoms of potential ergonomic issues
• Obtain medical documentation where required.

Supervisor/Manager:

• Encourage early reporting of signs and symptoms of potential ergonomic issues and actively participate in the recognition, analysis, and reduction of ergonomic risks
• Ensure ergonomics resources, education, and training are provided to employees
• Engage the support of the H&S Supervisor in risk prevention and assessment
• Engage the support of HR consultant when accommodations involve medical documentation (including formal ergonomics assessment)
• Budgetary responsibility for ordering ergonomic equipment & furnishings under $300.00

College H&S Supervisor:

• Educating supervisors and employees about ergonomic risk factors
• Prioritizing ergonomic evaluations based on available severity, prevalence and incident rates (where available)
• Performing ergonomic risk factor reviews and observations and communicating recommendations to supervisors and employees, including recommendations for formal ergonomics assessment
• Manage the Facilities Ergonomics budget, including Ergonomic Assessment suppliers and ordering ergonomic equipment & furnishings over $300.00.

Facilities Manager:

• Participate in the timely procurement and installation of ergonomic equipment & furnishings as requested by Department Manager / College H&S Supervisor.

Human Resources Consultant:

• Responsible for the facilitation of the College Return to Work & Medical or Disability Related Accommodations process.

Requesting an Ergonomic Assessment

If you are currently experiencing discomfort or have concerns about the ergonomics of your work, an informal ergonomic assessment by the Health and Safety team may be appropriate for you. This assessment may include evaluation of the workstation, advice for adjustments, and a follow-up ergonomic report with further information.

To request an ergonomic assessment, please enter a Work Order request under the “Ergonomic Assessment” work type.

Ergonomic Assessment Work Order Request