Q. What is an ergonomic job analysis?

A. An ergonomic job analysis defines the essential functions of any given job. It then identifies and measures the critical demands of those essential functions.

Q. Why is an ergonomic job analysis needed?

A. It clearly identifies, in measurable terms, the exact requirements and risks of the job. It is the basis for any comprehensive ergonomic and human resource management program.

It provides the information necessary for: functional job descriptions, employee and job matching, engineering controls, administrative controls, OSHA compliance and ADA compliance.

Q. What is a functional job description?

A. A functional job description (FJD) defines the job requirements in functional terms. Functional denotes physical.

The FJD will list the physical actions required to complete the essential tasks assigned to the specific job description. It will identify how much, how far, how high/low, how many, when, how long and more.

Q. What is job matching?

A. Job matching is another term for pre-placement screening. Employees can be "matched" to specific jobs by comparing the physical requirements of the job with the physical abilities of the employee. This can only be accomplished if the exact physical measurements of the job are known.

Q. What are engineering and administrative controls?

A. Engineering controls eliminate high-risk postures, excessive forces, and repetitions by re-designing work stations, work methods, or tools.

Administrative controls reduce the harmful effects of high-risk functions through operational modifications. Examples include: (1) Job Rotation, (2) Job Sharing and (3) Education and Training.

Engineering controls combined with administrative controls can provide a risk-reduced work environment.

Q. What does OSHA recommend?

A. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 clearly states it is the general duty of all employers to provide their employees with "a work place free from recognized serious hazards". This includes the prevention and control of ergonomic hazards.

OSHA has issued guidelines to assist employers in their management of worker safety and health. They identify four (4) basic elements:

• work-site (job) analysis
• hazard prevention & control
• medical management
• training and education

OSHA specifies that worksite analysis should receive first attention.

Q. How does the ADA relate to the job analysis?

A. The functional job analysis is used to determine if a qualified individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

It provides measurable, job-related data. It is defensible.

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