Self-evaluation

Employees are encouraged to evaluate their workstation and/or job tasks using guidance provided on the IUEHS ergonomics webpage. If additional help is needed, employees may request an ergonomic evaluation by contacting IUEHS for their respective campus.

Safe lifting

Consider the following when planning or performing manual lifting:

• Wear supportive shoes when lifting. Examples of unsupportive shoes include high heels, sandals, flip-flops, etc.;
• Size up the load, its weight, shape and position, and decide on the route and destination for the object prior to lifting;
• Human or mechanical assistance (e.g. team lifting, hand trucks, carts, dollies, forklifts, hoists and wheelbarrows) should be used when carrying or moving heavy objects greater than 50 pounds or when an object is too large, awkward, or difficult to lift or move alone;
• If possible, reduce the size or weight of heavy or awkward objects by dividing the material or objects into more containers or pieces;
• Lifting belts or back belts shall not be used as personal protective equipment (PPE) for the purpose of preventing or reducing the risk of injury among uninjured employees. This requirement is based upon guidance specified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication Number 94-127;
• Avoid carrying objects that obscure potential tripping hazards from view; and
• Use safe lifting techniques. See the training section of this Program for more information regarding training and educational resources related to safe lifting.

Ergonomic evaluation

Upon request, IUEHS will conduct an ergonomic evaluation that may include an assessment of proper workstation setup, ergonomic equipment, the work environment, the rate and repetition of job tasks, and/or other work-related practices that may impact employee comfort or the likelihood of an ergonomic injury. If applicable, IUEHS will provide recommendations to minimize ergonomic hazards.

Prevention and control

Departments shall implement feasible methods to mitigate ergonomic hazards. When correcting ergonomic hazards, departments shall prioritize controls or corrective actions in the following order:

• Engineering controls: Implementation of a physical change to the workstation, tools, and/or machinery that eliminate/reduce the hazard of the job/task. Examples include using a device to lift heavy objects, repositioning tables, and redesigning tools;
• Administrative controls: Changes made to regulate exposure without making physical changes to the area or process. Examples include employee breaks and job rotation;
• Work practice controls: Safe procedures and techniques such as proper lifting techniques, proper use of tools, and correct use of ergonomic equipment; and
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Protection to reduce exposure to ergonomic-related risk factors such as: padded surfaces and thermal gloves.

Ergonomic office equipment

When University standards exist for specific furniture or equipment (e.g. chairs, sit-stand stations, keyboard trays, etc.), departments shall not purchase or acquire non-standard or restricted items without consulting with IUEHS and other applicable departments such as the University Architects Office (UAO) and Indiana University Purchasing.