BMZ ACADEMY
BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
, BMZ ACADEMY
Question 1 [20]
It is evident from the article above that there has been a shift to place greater emphasis on the
prevention of workplace injuries with the implementation of new regulations aimed at
preventing occupational diseases and injuries relating to ergonomic hazards in South African
workplaces. Explain the ergonomic risk factors in the workplace that have been identified by
safety regulation specialists? (Remember to reference the sources you consult).
Rapid or repetitive motion
According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019) tasks that require repetitive motions, such as
assembly line work, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. It is generally understood that rapid
or repetitive motion occurs with tasks where the action of the body is the same or similar over
an extended number of iterations.
Movements requiring force exertion or Forceful Exertions
Activities that involve heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling can strain muscles and lead to injuries.
According to Vincoli (2024) physical effort when performing certain tasks places a lot of
biomechanical stress on the employee’s body.
Awkward or non-neutral postures
Maintaining uncomfortable or awkward positions for extended periods can cause strain on the
body. These include extreme movements of reach, static muscle loading, awkwardly sustained
postures, and contact stress.
Prolonged duration of exposure
According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019) the risk of injury increases with an increase in
exposure to certain stressors in the workplace.
Poor working organization
Inadequate workstation design, which include poorly adjusted chairs, desks, and computer
equipment, can contribute to musculoskeletal problems (Vincoli, 2024). Employees who are
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
Page 2 of 27
, BMZ ACADEMY
expected to perform certain tasks without sufficient rest periods to ensure the body has enough
recovery time will see an increased risk of muscle fatigue and ultimately MSDs.
However, there are other ergonomics risk factors in the workplace, although they are not
included in the case. The following some of these factors.
Psychological stress at work and fatigue: According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019)
psychological stress at work is caused by many aspects, such as the design of tasks, employee
participation, management styles, work relationships, dangerous working environments and
job expectations.
Cold environments or handling chilled or frozen products: results in reduced dexterity, reduces
tactile sensitivity, and causes nervous block that reduces the ability to perform tasks.
Vibration: Exposure to vibration from tools or machinery can lead to hand-arm vibration
syndrome and other health issues (Vincoli, 2024). According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019)
vibration affects the body in three main areas: a. Effect of vibrating tools on the person’s hand-
arm system b. Effect on the spinal column from whole-body vibrations c. Effect on vision from
head vibration.
Gender: According to Vincoli (2024) gender and the development of MSDs (musculo-skeletal
disorders), with some claiming that women are more prone to develop these diseases than men.
Age : Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019) notes that elderly employees have reduced mobility, their
bones are more fragile and their ligaments their elasticity.
Abdominal body mass index: According to Vincoli (2024) employees with a higher abdominal
BMI have an increased risk of postural-related pain and injuries.
Contact stress and mechanical stress: Pressure on the body from hard surfaces, like leaning on
sharp edges, can lead to discomfort and injury (Holt & Allen, 2015). The contact and interaction
of human body parts with hard or sharp surfaces or objects will result in tenderness of body
tissue in the area of contact.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
Page 3 of 27
BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
, BMZ ACADEMY
Question 1 [20]
It is evident from the article above that there has been a shift to place greater emphasis on the
prevention of workplace injuries with the implementation of new regulations aimed at
preventing occupational diseases and injuries relating to ergonomic hazards in South African
workplaces. Explain the ergonomic risk factors in the workplace that have been identified by
safety regulation specialists? (Remember to reference the sources you consult).
Rapid or repetitive motion
According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019) tasks that require repetitive motions, such as
assembly line work, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. It is generally understood that rapid
or repetitive motion occurs with tasks where the action of the body is the same or similar over
an extended number of iterations.
Movements requiring force exertion or Forceful Exertions
Activities that involve heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling can strain muscles and lead to injuries.
According to Vincoli (2024) physical effort when performing certain tasks places a lot of
biomechanical stress on the employee’s body.
Awkward or non-neutral postures
Maintaining uncomfortable or awkward positions for extended periods can cause strain on the
body. These include extreme movements of reach, static muscle loading, awkwardly sustained
postures, and contact stress.
Prolonged duration of exposure
According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019) the risk of injury increases with an increase in
exposure to certain stressors in the workplace.
Poor working organization
Inadequate workstation design, which include poorly adjusted chairs, desks, and computer
equipment, can contribute to musculoskeletal problems (Vincoli, 2024). Employees who are
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
Page 2 of 27
, BMZ ACADEMY
expected to perform certain tasks without sufficient rest periods to ensure the body has enough
recovery time will see an increased risk of muscle fatigue and ultimately MSDs.
However, there are other ergonomics risk factors in the workplace, although they are not
included in the case. The following some of these factors.
Psychological stress at work and fatigue: According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019)
psychological stress at work is caused by many aspects, such as the design of tasks, employee
participation, management styles, work relationships, dangerous working environments and
job expectations.
Cold environments or handling chilled or frozen products: results in reduced dexterity, reduces
tactile sensitivity, and causes nervous block that reduces the ability to perform tasks.
Vibration: Exposure to vibration from tools or machinery can lead to hand-arm vibration
syndrome and other health issues (Vincoli, 2024). According to Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019)
vibration affects the body in three main areas: a. Effect of vibrating tools on the person’s hand-
arm system b. Effect on the spinal column from whole-body vibrations c. Effect on vision from
head vibration.
Gender: According to Vincoli (2024) gender and the development of MSDs (musculo-skeletal
disorders), with some claiming that women are more prone to develop these diseases than men.
Age : Esterhuyzen and Louw (2019) notes that elderly employees have reduced mobility, their
bones are more fragile and their ligaments their elasticity.
Abdominal body mass index: According to Vincoli (2024) employees with a higher abdominal
BMI have an increased risk of postural-related pain and injuries.
Contact stress and mechanical stress: Pressure on the body from hard surfaces, like leaning on
sharp edges, can lead to discomfort and injury (Holt & Allen, 2015). The contact and interaction
of human body parts with hard or sharp surfaces or objects will result in tenderness of body
tissue in the area of contact.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144
Page 3 of 27
