POSTURAL ASSESSMENTS

JRL Solutions Ltd carries out postural assessments to enable employers to meet their obligations under a range of legislation and protect the health of their employees.

Poor ergonomics and posture in the workplace can lead to a range of health problems including those affecting the back, neck, shoulder, lower limbs, upper limbs, hands, wrists and fingers.

The risks presented by poor postural ergonomics at the workplace arise from the following factors:-

• standing
• stretching of body and arms
• twisting of body
• stooping of body
• wrist rotation
• wrist flexion
• finger pincer movement
• hand open and closure

It is necessary to include the anthropometric standards in the assessment of risk in tasks carried out whilst sitting and standing. The visual workspace is assessed using ergonomic standards and references. When considering the risks to fingers, hands and wrists caused by poor postural conditions in the workplace the following factors should be considered:-

• Is the wrist bent repetitively up and/or down
• Is the wrist held in a position that is bent up or down
• Are fingers should gripping or used whilst wrists are bent
• Is the wrist bent to either side
• Are hands should held with palms facing up or down
• Does the task require repetitive or static application of force greater than 4 Kg
• Does the task involve using the tip of the finger, thumb or hand to press
• Does the hand apply force by twisting or squeezing
• Is force applied when the wrists are bent and/or with arms raised

JRL Solutions Ltd is competent to carry out the assessment of postures in the workplace.