Guidelines for Shipyards: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders

摘要

These guidelines provide recommendations for shipyards to help reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, increase employer and employee awareness of ergonomic risk factors, eliminate unsafe work practices, alleviate muscle fatigue, and increase productivity. In order to develop these guidelines, OSHA reviewed existing ergonomic practices in several shipyards, conducted site visits to observe these practices in action, and interviewed employees in shipyards. Many shipyards addressed ergonomic issues by integrating ergonomics into their overall health and safety programs (1, 2, 3). In addition, the Agency reviewed available scientific information regarding shipyard work activities that may benefit from implementing specific ergonomic solutions. The general information in these guidelines is intended to provide shipyard employers and employees with effective solutions and a useful referreference when determining the need for ergonomic assistance for specific jobs in the shop, yard, or on board a ship. The recommendations and information presented here are intended as general guidelines - a flexible framework to be adapted to the needs and resources of each individual shipyard.