Industral ergonomics - Essay Example

The present study focuses on an ergonomic critical analysis of a health hazard evaluation report. The report that has been selected for the study is Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA-99-0283-2855, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The evaluation of the Yellowstone National Park had been considered on the concerns arising from the riding snowmobiles to patrol roads and maintenance of the park that was known to cause injuries and pains in the muscles of those individuals who worked in the park.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was in charge of the evaluation of the health hazards in the area and they worked on determining whether the park workers had problems with the work and whether the work was causing health hazards to them. Also, there were measures on the part of the managers and the employees that had been suggested by the NIOSH in this regard (NIOSH HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION REPORT, 2001, p. 3). The ergonomic evaluation of the case involved determination of the health hazards that could be associated with such park works.

These included overexertion injuries and musculoskeletal disorders that may lead to pain in the lower back, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms are possible and need evaluation in this case that involved repetitive, stereotyped movement of the body joints, vigorous physical exertions, lifting, uncomfortable or fixed postures during work postures, nonstop pressure on nerves and soft tissues, working in uncomfortable environments like in the cold weather, whole body being exposed or segmental vibration.

The evaluation included these ergonomic issues and conducted tests to determine the effects of the work on the workers (NIOSH HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION REPORT, 2001, p. 5). The evaluation method included measurements of dimensions and adjustability ranges of