Ergonomics: Potential Job-Specific Concerns

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