Reducing Fatigue and Error: Ergonomic Considerations for Electrical Work

When one thinks of the dangers of electricity, electric shock and electrocution usually come to mind first. However, ergonomic injuries are more common. They account for more workers' compensation claims than any other injury class. Ergonomic issues include factors that create physical strain and muscle injuries, which can occur in several ways.

• Repetition of the same movements for extended periods.
• Fatigue can come about from lack of sleep or working long shifts.
• Lifting heavy loads incorrectly
• Prolonged positions of the body.

Distractions include too loud noise, bright light, or an uncomfortably raised or lowered temperature.

Ergonomic injuries can affect any part of the human body, from the back and neck to the wrists, shoulders, and feet. Let's examine some of the best industrial ergonomics practices for maintaining safety and reducing injury.

Be Ready For the Task

Electrical workers may have to go out in all kinds of conditions. Prepare yourself for the unexpected.

Wear appropriate clothing, including steel-toed rubber shoes.

• Have adequate lighting.
• If it's noisy, wear noise-canceling earplugs or earmuffs.
• If it is a hot day, keep water with you so you do not get dehydrated.
• When workers have many tools, a mobile toolbox is safer than wearing a heavy tool belt.

Store items Safely

Whether storing tools and equipment temporarily or permanently, keep safety in mind. Keep pathways clear so people don't trip over or bang into items. For example, place tools, wire spools, conduits, and other job site accessories out of harm's way.

Keep the floors as clutter-free as possible—store material on racks, shelves, or pallets to keep it out of the way. Clean up and organize the workspace at the end of every day or shift. This will make work easier and safer the next time you (or the next crew) show up.

Lift, Carry, Push, and Pull With Care

It’s easy to get hurt when carrying or moving objects. However, taking the time to consider the best strategy can often help prevent workplace injuries.

• Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, head and ear protection, insulated sleeves, and rubber-soled shoes.
• Use tools to lighten your load. Don’t carry heavy items when you have transport solutions such as hand trucks, pallets, and jacks. Even if you can lift something yourself, reducing the strain on your body is better. Remember that ergonomic injuries don’t happen simultaneously; they occur when someone repeatedly overstrains.
• Lift mindfully. When you do have to lift manually, do it strategically. Keep items at the height between your thighs and chest, sometimes called the power zone. This reduces the strain on your back and shoulders.
• Organize materials and tools. Keep items together by category so workers don’t waste time searching. If workers are busy in different areas, keep materials centrally located to reduce the time it takes for anyone to retrieve something.
• Crouching, kneeling, and stooping for extended periods can cause strain and injuries. Stools should be available when working in lower areas.

Make Optimal Use of Vehicles

Trucks or vans are often used to transport workers and equipment. By using vehicles efficiently, you can improve ergonomics and safety.

• Vehicles with hydraulic lift capacity are used to transport heavy loads.
• Ramps make it much easier to move heavy materials on and off trucks.
• A slide-out truck bed is functional when workers have to unload items.
• When loading trucks, place the items used most often or the heaviest near the doors or tailgate. This will reduce the distance workers need to reach.

Workplace Policies to Boost Safety

These rules help workers, managers, and crew leaders keep everyone safe and healthy.

• Plan work times around harsh weather. Put off work if the weather is unsafe, such as too hot or cold.
• Rotate tasks. To lower the risk of repetitive motion injuries, ensure the same people don’t do the same activity for too long.
• Ensure that everyone uses the proper tools. This includes using the most efficient tools so workers don’t do excessive repetitive tasks. For example, wire or cable pullers are more efficient than manual pulling.
• Inspect tools and equipment regularly. Malfunctioning equipment can cause injuries. Replace tools with damaged handles, as these cause extra strain on hands, arms, and shoulders.
• Keep up with the latest developments regarding electrical safety education.

Ergonomic Principles to Practice

The more you practice basic ergonomic principles, the safer the workplace will be. Workers should be trained on proper procedures and updated as needed (e.g. when new equipment is introduced). Here are some general guidelines that everyone should follow.

• Keep materials close at hand. The further workers must move to retrieve items, the greater the risk and the less productive the process.
• Have workers team up to lift and carry heavy loads.
• Fatigue is a prime cause of injury. Workers should come to work well-rested; regular breaks and task rotation help reduce fatigue.
• Avoid staying in one position too long. In addition to repetitive motion, staying in one place too long is dangerous. If it’s necessary to remain in one place, it helps to take short breaks for stretching and moving around.
• Reduce repetitive strain. Manual repetition is a major cause of injury, so look for ways to reduce movements. For example, replace hand tools with electric ones when possible.
• Workers should have sufficient clearance. Working for extended periods in tight spaces causes strain and the risk of banging one's head. There should be enough room to comfortably move one's feet, knees, and head.

Better Ergonomics Keeps Everyone Safer

Workplace injury prevention for electrical workers requires everyone to pay attention to everyday practices. This may require changing routines and acquiring more efficient tools and equipment. In the long run, following safe and ergonomic principles is better for everyone. Following these principles will also boost productivity, as injuries can cause employees to miss work.