Ergonomic Hazards

Ergonomics is a science that deals with designing and arranging things so that people can use them easily and safely. Ergonomics helps fit a job to a person. Many of the tasks that workers perform in the oil and gas extraction industry are labor-intensive and demand considerable physical exertion. Ergonomics should be considered in the job design of the work processes within all phases of an oil and gas extraction operation.

Failure to apply ergonomics to job design may lead to the following work-related musculoskeletal disorders MSDs) and injuries:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness and tingling in the hand caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist)
• Tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon)
• Rotator cuff injuries (affects the shoulder causing a persistent, dull ache)
• Epicondylitis (painful inflammation of the tendons in the elbow)
• Trigger finger (affects a finger tendon causing it to remain in a bent position)
• Muscle strains and low back injuries
• Strains and sprains of various body parts

Work activities that pose the risk of ergonomic-related disorders and injuries include the following:

• Lifting heavy items
• Bending
• Reaching overhead
• Pushing and pulling heavy loads
• Working in awkward body postures
• Performing the same or similar tasks repetitively

To learn more about Oil & Gas Extraction visit our Oil & Gas Extraction Safety Online Training web page.