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Risk factor control 
Understanding the risks helps determine what an effective control should look like. In UBC’s case, manually moving large and heavy appliances up and down stairs was associated with an increased risk of MSI due to the high magnitude of the lifting/lowering forces, awkward postures, and contact stresses. Therefore, effective controls had to eliminate or minimize these risk factors. Determining effective controls involves consultation with joint committees and workers performing the job, as well as considering the hierarchy of controls. Note that there is often more than one risk control option to consider. For example, UBC trialled manual dollies with a representative sample of workers and scenarios before selecting the powered stair climber. The powered stair climber was an engineering control that was able to significantly reduce the force and contact stress required to move appliances up and down the stairs. Although there is still a degree of risk when using a powered stair climber, workers reported significant improvements in their ability to safely perform the task. In addition, the workers can perform the task efficiently while minimizing potential damage to the appliances. For control measures to be effective, workers must be trained on how to use them before they are implemented. In this case, UBC workers received on-site training on the correct use of the powered stair climber and its applications in various work scenarios. Workers provided positive feedback on the training, saying it increased their confidence and skill using the equipment — a crucial step in successful implementation. Visit worksafebc.com to learn more about managing risk and controlling risks. Read more We're here to help For resources, please visit worksafebc.com/ergonomics. If you have questions about ergonomics or human factors, or need help managing the risk of MSI in your workplace, please contact us at HumanFactors@worksafebc.com | |
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