Administrative controls in ergonomics are methods that manage workers' exposure to hazards by changing work schedules or procedures, rather than altering the physical environment or equipment.
Understanding Administrative Controls
Based on provided information, Administrative Controls – these regulate exposure to ergonomic hazards without making physical changes to the work area, equipment, tools or work process. These controls focus on managing when and how long workers perform tasks that involve ergonomic risks.
Unlike engineering controls, which modify the physical workspace or tools to eliminate or reduce hazards at the source (e.g., using a lift to replace manual lifting, adjusting workstation height), administrative controls rely on organizational policies, work practices, and training. They are often used when engineering controls are not feasible or as a supplementary measure.
Examples of Administrative Controls
The reference provides key examples of administrative controls:
- Job Rotation: Workers switch between different tasks that use different muscle groups or require varying postures. This prevents prolonged strain on any single part of the body.
- Job Task Enlargement: Expanding a job to include a wider variety of tasks. Similar to rotation, this helps vary physical demands and reduce repetitive motions.
- Increased Break Schedules: Providing more frequent or longer breaks allows muscles to recover and reduces cumulative fatigue and strain from repetitive tasks or sustained postures.
Other common administrative controls include:
- Scheduling High-Demand Tasks: Planning tasks requiring significant physical effort for times when workers are least fatigued.
- Limiting Exposure Duration: Setting limits on the amount of time a worker spends on a highly repetitive or physically demanding task per shift.
- Training: Educating workers on proper techniques for lifting, posture, using tools, and recognizing early signs of discomfort.
- Planned Maintenance: Ensuring equipment is well-maintained to prevent the need for excessive force or awkward postures during use.
How Administrative Controls Manage Risk
Administrative controls work by modifying the duration, frequency, or intensity of exposure to ergonomic stressors. By implementing strategies like rotation or increased breaks, you:
- Reduce Cumulative Load: Less time spent performing the same motion or holding the same posture reduces the total strain on tendons, muscles, and joints.
- Allow for Recovery: Breaks and task variation provide opportunities for the body to recover before excessive fatigue or strain builds up.
- Vary Muscle Use: Shifting between different tasks utilizes different muscle groups, preventing overuse of specific ones.
While crucial, administrative controls are generally considered less effective than engineering controls for eliminating hazards entirely, as they rely on worker compliance and supervision. However, they are essential tools in a comprehensive ergonomics program.
