Ergonomics

Policy Key Points

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Policy Overview

1. Purpose

This ergonomics safety policy aims to create a safe and healthy work environment by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among employees. Ergonomics involves designing tasks, tools, and work environments to match the capabilities and limitations of the worker, minimizing physical strain and preventing injury. By applying ergonomic principles, we seek to enhance employee comfort, productivity, and overall well-being.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all associates and work areas within Yaskawa America, Inc. It covers the evaluation, design, and modification of workstations, tools, equipment, and processes to prevent MSDs. It is the responsibility of both Yaskawa and Yaskawa associates to ensure compliance with this policy and take proactive steps to prevent ergonomic hazards.

3. What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries and conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, and other soft tissues. These disorders are often the result of repetitive strain, awkward postures, or overexertion during the course of work activities. MSDs can affect almost any part of the body but are most commonly associated with the arms, shoulders, neck, and lower back.

Examples of MSDs include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Lower back pain

MSDs are different from acute injuries caused by slips, trips, falls, or other accidents. They tend to develop over time due to repeated exposure to risk factors rather than a single traumatic event.

4. Risk Factors for MSDs

Common ergonomic risk factors that can contribute to MSDs include:

• Repetitive motions: Performing the same task or movement over and over, such as typing or using hand tools.
• Awkward postures: Working in positions that place undue stress on the body, such as bending, twisting, or reaching.
• Forceful exertions: Lifting, pushing, pulling, or gripping objects with excessive force.
• Prolonged static postures: Remaining in the same position for extended periods without movement, such as sitting or standing.
• Vibration exposure: Using tools or equipment that generate vibration, such as power tools or heavy machinery.

5. Ergonomic Design Approach

To reduce the risk of MSDs, we commit to the following ergonomic principles:

• Product Design: Ensuring tools, equipment, and materials are designed with ergonomics in mind to minimize strain and discomfort for workers.
• Process Design: Developing work processes that prioritize the reduction of repetitive motions and awkward postures, while allowing employees to use their bodies naturally.
• Workstation Design: Adjusting workstations to suit individual worker needs, including adjustable chairs, desks, monitors, and other equipment, to promote comfortable and neutral postures.
• Education and Awareness: Providing training for all associates to recognize poor postures and work habits that can contribute to MSDs, and promoting ergonomic best practices in the workplace.

Design Guidelines

Product and process design should take ergonomics into consideration by using the design guidelines (Download Ergonomic Design Guidelines PDF):

• Manufacturing and Material Handling applications.
• Vertical Location: The height of the hands from the floor. Lifting above shoulder height or below waist level increases the risk of injury.
• Frequency and Duration: The more frequent or longer the task, the lower the safe weight limit.
• Asymmetry: Twisting the body while lifting significantly increases injury risk.
• Grip: Objects with poor handholds or requiring a pinch grip require a lower weight limit.

Lifting Limits

Proper Desk Setup

Follow these recommendations to create an ergonomically sound desk arrangement:

• Chair Height: Adjust chair so feet are flat on the floor (or on a footrest) with knees at a 90-degree angle and thighs parallel to the ground.
• Monitor Position: Place monitor directly in front at arm's length, with top of screen at or just below eye level. Position screen at 90° to windows to eliminate glare.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Keep at the same height, allowing elbows to rest close to the body at a 90-degree angle with straight wrists.
• Desk Height: Ensure forearms remain parallel to the floor during typing and mouse use.
• Posture: Sit with back supported by the chair backrest, maintaining a neutral spine alignment without slouching.

Sit-Stand Workstations: Available upon request. Associates with a physician's order receive priority fulfillment without delay. Other requests are fulfilled by supervisors as budgeting allows. All units must be ordered through Facilities to ensure compliance with Yaskawa standard specifications.

Ergonomic Peripherals: Contact EHS for details on ordering ergonomic keyboards, vertical mice, or wrist rests.

6. Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities:

• Regularly assess work environments and processes to identify ergonomic risks.
• Provide ergonomic solutions through workstation modifications, tools, and equipment upgrades.
• Offer training and resources to associates on preventing MSDs and practicing good ergonomics.
• Encourage early reporting of MSD symptoms and ensure prompt medical evaluation and intervention.

Associate Responsibilities:

• Follow ergonomic guidelines and best practices provided by Yaskawa.
• Use ergonomically designed tools and equipment as instructed.
• Maintain neutral and comfortable postures during work and avoid awkward movements or excessive force.
• Report any symptoms of discomfort or early signs of MSDs to supervisors.
• Actively participate in ergonomic training and contribute to creating a safer work environment.

7. Prevention Strategies

• Proper Posture: Maintain a neutral, relaxed posture while working. Avoid slouching, over-reaching, or twisting.
• Practice Reverse Stretching (20/20 Rule): When maintaining a fixed posture for ~20 minutes, perform a reverse stretch for 20 seconds (e.g., after bending forward for 20 minutes, stretch backwards for 20 seconds; after looking at a monitor for 20 minutes, focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
• Workstation Adjustments: Adjust chairs, desks, keyboards, and monitors to fit individual body dimensions.
• Lifting Techniques: Keep loads close to the body, bend knees, lift with legs, and avoid twisting.
• Ergonomic Tools: Utilize tools designed to reduce hand-arm vibration, wrist deviation, and pinch-force exertion.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

This ergonomics policy is monitored through regular workplace assessments, associate feedback, and medical evaluations. Periodic evaluations occur when job duties, tools, or equipment change. If an MSD is identified, management investigates root causes and implements corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

9. Training and Education

Associates receive ergonomic training during onboarding and through periodic refreshers, covering early symptom recognition, risk factors, workstation adjustment, safe lifting, and early reporting protocols.

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Revision History

Rev #	Description	Release Date	Approved by
0	Initial Release	5/14/2016	Thurwanger
1	Added Design Guidelines	2/17/2021	Thurwanger

Program Review

Review Date	Reviewed by	Changes Required (Yes/No)	Revision # if updated
2/15/2017	Thurwanger	No	—
1/12/2018	Thurwanger	No	—
1/18/2019	Thurwanger	No	—
1/14/2020	Thurwanger	No	—
1/26/2021	Thurwanger	Yes	1
1/18/2022	Thurwanger	No	—
1/13/2023	Thurwanger	No	—
1/16/2024	Thurwanger	No	—
1/21/2025	Thurwanger	No	—
2/9/2026	Thurwanger	No	—