Ergonomics: Potential Job-Specific Concerns
Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores
Figure 2. - Checklist for Identifying Potential Job-Specific Ergonomics Concerns
If the answer to any of the following questions is no, the activity may be a potential source of ergonomic concern, depending on the duration, frequency, and magnitude of the activity.
Cashiering
Are items within easy reach?
Are keyboard supports adjustable?
Can the cashier work with items at about elbow height?
Can the display be read without twisting?
Are all edges smoothed or rounded so the cashier does not come into contact with sharp or hard edges?
Are objects easily scanned the first time?
Are objects scanned without twisting hand motions?
Can cashiers scan heavy/bulky/awkward items without lifting them?
Are the scale, conveyor, and horizontal scanner plates all the same height?
Is the scanner plate clean and unscratched?
Does the cashier have an anti-fatigue mat and/or footrest?
Bagging and Carry Out
Can the bagger adjust the height of the bag stand?
Are all edges smoothed or rounded so the bagger does not come into contact with sharp or hard edges?
Do bags have handles?
Can the bagger put bags into cart without leaning over the checkstand or twisting the back?
Produce
Are knives kept sharp?
Are worktables, etc. positioned so that the work can be performed at about elbow height?
Are carts used to move heavy items?
Shelf Stocking & Stockrooms
Are step stools/ladders used to reach high shelves?
Is stocking performed with minimal twisting or bending?
Do totes and boxes have handles?
Are gloves used for handling cold items?
Are box cutter blades sharp?
Are carts used to move heavy items?
Are carts or pallet jacks used to keep lifts at waist height?
Are lightweight pallets used?
Are box weights within the lifting ability of employees?
Bakery
Are counter heights and widths appropriate for employees?
Are carts used to move heavy items?
Are routine job tasks performed without holding hands/wrists in a bent or twisted position?
Is work being performed at about elbow height?
Meat and Deli Related Tasks
Are knives kept sharp?
Are counter heights and widths appropriate for employees?
Are scales, grinders, slicers, etc. positioned so that the work can be performed at about elbow height?
Are routine job tasks performed without holding hands/wrists in a bent or twisted position?
Are box weights within the lifting ability of employees?
Are tool handles the right size (not too large or too small) for the worker?
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
www.osha.gov