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Managing an Ergonomics Program
Published in Stephan Konz, Steven Johnson, Work Design, 2018
Engineering controls involve modifying the workplace design, equipment, and tools to accommodate the physical and physiological capabilities and limitations of the workers. Engineering controls have the advantage that they do not rely on adherence by the individual worker or manager, as do administrative controls. For this reason, regulatory agencies prefer engineering controls as a means of reducing biomechanical hazards. Many engineering controls address the postures and motion patterns used by operators when performing their jobs. For example, by using multiple scanners for grocery store checkout operations, the wrist motions necessary to orient the product when scanning can be reduced. This is illustrated in Figure 29.4. Providing fixtures to reduce the need to grasp a part during assembly operations can significantly improve the efficiency of the operation, as well as reduce the risk of disorders. The material covered in many of the chapters, Chapters 11, 12, and 13 in particular, address the factors that should be considered for effective engineering controls.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Published in Barry Spurlock, Physical Hazards of the Workplace, 2017
Engineering Controls are methods used to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure. These can include self-sheathing needles, conveniently placed sharps containers and red bag containers for disposal of potentially infectious materials, handwashing facilities, and appropriately labeled (e.g., biohazard warning) cabinets or storage containers for blood or other potentially infectious materials. Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is the likelihood of occupational exposure. Food and drink must not be kept in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets, or on countertops or benchtops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present. Work Practice Controls reduce the likelihood of occupational exposure by assuring that procedures are properly performed:
Recognizing, Evaluating, and Controlling Workplace Hazards
Published in Frances Alston, Emily J. Millikin, Willie Piispanen, Industrial Hygiene, 2018
Frances Alston, Emily J. Millikin, Willie Piispanen
Engineering controls involve designing and adding physical safety features and barriers to the process or equipment to eliminate or reduce exposure of the worker to hazards. Examples of engineering control include adding a wet scrubber to a process to reduce dust emissions, adding ventilation to eliminate or reduce the release of fumes from a chemical process, or adding a guard to a table saw to prevent worker contact with the blade during operation.
Review of Generic Scenario Environmental Release and Occupational Exposure Models Used in Chemical Risk Assessment
Published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2023
William M Barrett, David E. Meyer, Raymond L. Smith, Sudhakar Takkellapati, Michael A. Gonzalez
Accounting for the reduction of occupational exposure through the use of control technologies and personal protective equipment (PPE) is an ongoing issue for the TSCA evaluation of chemical risks. For example, the consistent use, and requirement for use of personal protective equipment and emission control technologies varies from facility to facility. For this reason, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a hierarchy of controls developed for occupational exposure that identifies potentially more effective and proven means to protect workers from chemical exposure (NIOSH 2015b). Under this hierarchy, elimination or substitution of a hazardous chemical are deemed the most effective means of protecting workers, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and lastly, personal protective equipment (PPE). Engineering controls are physical modifications to the work environment, such as barriers, which separate the worker from a potentially hazardous condition of use. Examples of engineering controls include improved ventilation or separate areas for conduct of work, such as paint spray booths (NIOSH 2015a). The next level of risk reduction is administrative controls, such as policies and procedures, which change the way the work is performed. PPE is the lowest level of the control hierarchy. PPE is equipment worn by a worker to minimize exposure to hazards in the workplace, and includes items such as gloves, respirators, and protective clothing. Proper selection, use, and maintenance of PPE is essential to ensure workers are protected from workplace exposures (OSHA 2006).
A review of construction workforce health challenges and strategies in extreme weather conditions
Published in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2023
Sanjgna Karthick, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Apurva Pamidimukkala, Mostafa Namian
Seventeen strategies were identified for hot weather conditions and were presented from least effective to most effective based on the hierarchy of controls provided by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) [76]. The hierarchy of controls is comprised of five different types of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative and PPE) that range from most effective to least effective. Elimination is considered the most effective control and PPE is considered the least effective [76]. The strategies identified in this study were categorized based on the hierarchy of controls. As per the hierarchy of controls, any dangerous hazards leading to the death of an individual should be immediately eliminated or substituted [76,77]. Planning and scheduling some of the construction activities to cooler hours of the day can help in eliminating heat-related hazards. If the hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced, engineering controls can be adopted. Construction sites should be equipped with temporary cool shelters and places to rest with vending machines that offer cold drinks, which will help hydrate the employees. When air conditioning units cannot be installed in a workplace, local and personal microclimate cooling can enable the workers to withstand the high temperatures and can help increase the efficiency of workers [78]. Psychological strain induced by physiological challenges of working in hot weather can be mitigated by first addressing the physical challenges [36]. Adopting technologies like a physiological status monitor (PSM) and ultra-wideband can help monitor heat strain [45]. The psychophysiological monitoring system updates the real-time health status of workers to employers when it deteriorates from the norm by a system of sensors [15].
Microbiology in Water-Miscible Metalworking Fluids
Published in Tribology Transactions, 2020
Frederick J. Passman, Peter Küenzi
As regulatory pressures impact microbicide use, alternative microbial control strategies are being developed. Improved engineering controls have reduced worker exposure risks. Increased use of biostable additives and adjuvants has contributed to MWF bioresistance and decreased microbicide demand. Formulation of bio-concept MWFs that select for non-biodeteriogenic microbes have also been proven as an effective means of preventing MWF biodeterioration and reducing worker health risks.