Ergonomics

HPS-SH-019
Page 2 of 17
Occupational Health and Safety Management System
Standard on Ergonomics
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Table of Contents
Section
Page
1. Purpose .............................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 3
3. Responsibility ..................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Affected Site(s) ................................................................................................................................... 4
5. Reference Document .......................................................................................................................... 4
6. Process Flow ...................................................................................................................................... 5
7. Procedure ........................................................................................................................................... 6
7.1 Reporting Ergonomic Hazards in the Workplace ........................................................................... 6
7.2 General Workplace Ergonomics Requirements ............................................................................. 6
7.3 Seated Operation ......................................................................................................................... 7
7.4 Standing Operation....................................................................................................................... 7
7.5 Awkward Body Position ................................................................................................................ 8
7.6 Control for Minimizing Ergonomic Hazards.................................................................................. 10
7.6.1 Engineering Control ................................................................................................................. 10
7.6.2 Administrative Control.............................................................................................................. 10
7.6.3 Work Practice Control .............................................................................................................. 10
7.6.4 Personal Protective Equipment ................................................................................................ 11
7.7 Hand Tool Ergonomics ............................................................................................................... 11
7.8 Using Microscope ....................................................................................................................... 12
7.9 Computer Work Station............................................................................................................... 12
8. Process Metrics ................................................................................................................................ 15
9. Records and Record Retention ......................................................................................................... 15
10. Terms and Definitions .................................................................................................................... 15
11. Revision History............................................................................................................................. 16
12. Approval ........................................................................................................................................ 16
13. Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 17
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HPS-SH-019
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1. Purpose
The purpose of this document is, to define a system in which the workplace layout, work
methods, machines and equipment and work environment are compatible with the physical
and behavioral limitations of the worker.
2. Scope
The scope of this document applies to all HGST Philippines Corp. employees.
3. Responsibility
Roles
Responsibilities
Shall ensure that workplace condition are feasible to the capabilities
of the working population.
Department In-Charge
Shall entertain/ assess employee concern or suggestion that allow

workers to bring their concerns to management and to provide
feedback.
Shall educate the employees on the WMSD and risk factors
associated to their task performed.
Shall consider ergonomic issues in designing a workplace/ new
process by using the Ergonomics Assessment checklist. Adjustable
work station is preferred to answer our Anthropometric issue. Work
station must always be checked so that work can be done without
stressing the body.
Shall have to consider ergonomic issues when developing
procedures/ work instruction.
Environment, Health and

Safety (EHS)
Department
Shall conduct education on Ergonomics.

Shall be responsible in receiving concerns on ergonomic problem
areas from department concerned, analyze the data and make
recommendations.
Shall be responsible in making effective ergonomic program which
includes work site analysis.
Shall be responsible for the assignment and communication to
various aspects of the ergonomic program so that assigned task can
be met.
Shall be responsible in the checking and approval of new workplace
design for any ergonomic hazard.
Shall be involved and support the ergonomic
Employee
Shall make reports if they have any problem on their workplace and
submit the report to their superiors.
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4. Affected Site(s)
Place an X Next to Site Affected
Corporate Headquarters Activities
Locations where Design (Research) activities occur
Locations where Development activities occur
Locations where Manufacturing activities occur
Locations where Service and Support activities occur
Remote non-HGST sites (e.g. Customer Locations)
X
Specific Affected Site(s): HGST Philippines Corp.
5. Reference Document
Document #
Document Name
ED-RESO-0146
Element Industrial Hygiene
N/A
HGST Occupational Safety and Health Manual

(SPARK > HGST Global Corporate Documentation > Occupational Health and
Safety)
HPS-SH-014
Personal Protective Equipment Standard
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6. Process Flow
Department In-Charge/
Requesting Department
Support Group/
Responsible Department
EHS Department
START
Ergonomic
issue/problem was
identified
Employee/Department
concerned to report
any Ergonomics Issue
to EHS though RESO
Helpdesk/phone call
77-2260 or 77-2246
Conduct investigation
using Ergonomics
Assessment Checklist
Evaluate the area for

compliance on the
requirements
Apply
countermeasure
NO
Complied?
YES
Inform concerned
employee/Department on
the assessment result and
closed RESO ticket
END
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7. Procedure
7.1 Reporting Ergonomic Hazards in the Workplace
7.1.1 Identifying ergonomic issues
If an activity causes discomfort, stop and evaluate the activity to look for
alternative approaches. Change positions if the activity is causing discomfort. As
identify ergonomic hazard, the employee shall assess the body/equipment
position according to the employee comfort ability if it need to relocate, move,
reposition etc.
7.1.2 Communication
Communication will act as a vital role for aiming zero incident as a target of the
company. In the Standard on Ergonomics, the identified unsafe condition may
report to the Department by RESO Helpdesk (refer to RESO Work Instruction
under QMS page see FAI-115 RESO Helpdesk System) by securing a ticket or
a phone call to safety department (77-2260 or 77-2246) by the employee.
Ergonomics issues shall evaluated and investigated by EHS Department
together with OHS Physician and OHS Nurse to determine the cause.
7.1.3 Evaluating
EHS Department, OHS Physician, OHS Nurse, et al. shall ensure all identify
ergonomics hazards may are evaluated and investigated. The area is subject to
evaluate using Ergonomic Assessment Checklist for compliance of the
requirements by law and company procedure.
7.1.4 Compliance
Counter measures shall applies to all reported / identified ergonomics hazard.
Base on the requirement and guidelines set below. All countermeasures are
subject for deliberation and study for employees comfort. Additional controls
may apply if the first countermeasures does not fit to the resolve the hazard until
ergonomic hazards are controlled.
7.1.5 Control
Hazard on ergonomics shall control through elimination process. The company
shall ensure employees safe working condition to its employee by eliminating
ergonomic illness to its employee for long term vision.
7.2 General Workplace Ergonomics Requirements
The basic ergonomic guidance provided below may help avoid WMSD.
Use two hands whenever possible, even when handling light objects or doing
small tasks. Alternate hands or use non-dominant hand as indicated.
When transferring of materials, use a cart or dolly, if necessary. Make several
trips with lighter loads.
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While carrying or transferring a load, avoid twisting your body from the waist.
Use proper body mechanics including, but not limited to:
- Working in neutral posture.
- Lifting with the legs, not the back.
- Tightening abdominal muscles when lifting.
7.3 Seated Operation
The items being handled do not require the hands to work at a level that
averages more than 15 cm above the work place.
Seated work does not require large forces (handling items more than 10 lbs)
although mechanical tools makes it possible to work with these weights while
seated.
Hands, wrists and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing and balanced. Generally,
it is in-line with the torso.
Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest.
Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or
slant slightly.
Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to
the floor.
Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.
7.4 Standing Operation
If the worker stands for a long period of time on hard concrete surfaces, antifatigue mats or cushion-soled shoes are recommended.
The height of the work surface should be approximate, usually 5 to 15 cm below
the elbow when arms are hanging in a relaxed posture.
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The range within which the worker has to reach to perform the work task should
be the same as for seated work. The limit should be about 35 to 40 cm from the
worker's body.
Elevating one foot while standing can help alleviate low back stress. Adjustable
footrest should be provided to suit the worker's preference.
The job should be structured to allow the worker to move his or her head
frequently. The ideal inclination of the head is about 15 degrees.
When a worker is doing a delicate work, the elbow should be supported to

reduce back strain. A good work height for this type of work is 5 to 10 cm above
elbow height.
Pushing power for a standing operator should not exceed 15 to 16 kg. for men,
and 7 to 9 kg. For women.
7.5 Awkward Body Position

The figure shows examples positions of awkward or "poor" postures, which occur
when the body is not in a neutral position. Figure 1 also shows an example of neutral
or "good" posture, which occurs when the muscles are balanced and tasks are less
physically demanding or stressful on the body. The differences between awkward
postures and neutral postures are often subtle.
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Awkward body postures examples:

BODYPART
POSTURE
Neck
Twisted, titled back, titled forward or bent side by side
Wrist / Hand / Finger
Bent u or down or twisting
Elbow / Forearm
Arm bent up, arms straight, arm away from body, palm up palm
down
Back / Shoulder
Elevated shoulders, slouched, inadequate lumbar support,

twisted or excessive reach
Leg
Insufficient leg clearance, contact pressure or inadequate

support
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7.6 Control for Minimizing Ergonomic Hazards

Apply controls to minimize ergonomic hazards when designing products and
environments. Consider engineering control first, then incorporate administrative and
work practice controls.
7.6.1 Engineering Control
Engineering controls, the preferred method for minimizing ergonomic hazards,
are highly effective. The controls can include incorporating factors such as:
anthropometry, strength measurements, testing, and evaluation and design
principles. Consider the following engineering controls when designing or
redesigning workstations, equipment or tools:
Accommodating the person(s) who will work at a given station.
Adjusting to accommodate the worker and the equipment.
Allowing for full range of movements needed for performing assigned
task.
Preventing or reducing awkward postures, repetitive motion, excessive
force, and static posture.
Preventing or reducing vibration, excessive gripping, pinching, or
pressure with the hands and fingers.
Involving end user and service personnel in design phase.
Planning ahead to anticipate future needs, space for equipment and
work tasks.
Including adjustability via electrical adjustable height work surfaces
whenever possible.
Decreasing the force or exertion applied to the body by providing
devices, tools or equipment that eliminate or reduce the need for
manually applying force or exertion.
7.6.2 Administrative Control
Administrative controls help reduce the duration, frequency, and severity of
exposure.
Examples include:
Decreasing the number of repetitive motions.
Rotating worker tasks. When rotating tasks, avoid assigning tasks to
workers that utilize the same group of muscles, tendons, and nerves.
7.6.3 Work Practice Control
Safe and proper work practices include:
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Using proper work techniques.

Using mechanical devices or additional personnel when lifting and
moving heavy loads.
Reducing risk factors as much as possible.
Maintaining neutral posture.
7.6.4 Personal Protective Equipment
Use all efforts to resolve problems by addressing the engineering, administrative,
and work practice controls. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as
gloves, padding, clothing, or equipment to resolve problems if the initial controls
are not sufficient. Refer to: HPS-SH-014 Personal Protective Equipment
Standard
7.7 Hand Tool Ergonomics
Hand tools can be manual, pneumatic, or power. Consider the purpose and use of
hand tools and their grip surface material, tool orientation, activation, weight, and
temperature. Examples of hand tools are screwdrivers, drills, paintbrushes, scissors,
tweezers, and hammers.
Key points to remember when selecting or purchasing hand tools are as follows:
7.7.1 Avoid tools that forces the wrist to bend. The ideal wrist position is neutral
(i.e., straight). Maintain this position while performing work.
7.7.2. Select hand tools that fit workers hands. A tool that is too large or too small
produces stresses in the hand and wrist. The ideal handle diameter is 1.5 in
or 3.8 cm for a man and 1.3 in. or 3.3 cm for a woman. Minimize tight
pinching or grasping.
7.7.3 Avoid heavy tools. If a job requires heavy tools, use overhead suspension or
counterbalancing as indicated.
7.7.4 Select power or pneumatic tools with built-in vibration dampening and/or
utilize anti-vibration gloves or tool wraps.
7.7.5 Choose tools activated by a trigger. Use a grip size that allows activation with
the middle part of the fingers versus fingertips, preferably with options to
activate the trigger with more than one finger.
7.7.6 Use a soft covering on a tool handle or wear gloves to protect the hands from
heat, cold, and contact pressure, vibration, and slipperiness of the grip. Such
covering encourages a more relaxed hold on the tool.
7.7.7 Hand tools should not weigh more than 5 lbs or 2.27 kg.
7.7.8 Pliant rubber or plastic should cover metal handles to add insulation to the
stress.
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7.8 Using Microscope

7.8.1 Use a chair that provides good back support. Ergonomic chair adjusted to
support back and thighs.
7.8.2 Sit close to the work surface.
7.8.3 Feet comfortably supported by floor or footrest. No unnecessary item under
the workbench.
7.8.4 Avoid leaning on hard edges.
7.8.5 Pad forearms and edges. Forearms supported, not under long periods of
static load.
7.8.6 Keep elbows close to their sides.
7.8.7 Work with wrists in straight, neutral positions.
7.8.8 Adjust chair, workbench, or microscope as needed to maintain an upright
head position.
7.8.9 Elevate, tilt or move the microscope close to the edge of the counter to avoid
bending their neck.
7.8.10 Use adjustable eyepieces or mount your microscope on a 30 angle stand
for easier viewing.
7.8.11 Take short breaks. Every 15 minutes, close the eyes or focus on something
in the distance. Every 30 to 60 minutes, get up to stretch and move.
7.9 Computer Work Station

7.9.1 Regardless of how good working posture is, working in the same posture or
sitting for prolonged periods is not healthy. Change in the working position
should be done frequently throughout the day in the following ways:
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7.9.1.1 Make small adjustments to your chair or backrest.

7.9.1.2 Stretch your fingers, hands, arms, and torso
7.9.1.3 Stand up and walk around for a few minutes periodically
7.9.2 There are reference postures that shows body posture changes that provide
neutral positioning for the body.
7.9.3 Monitors
7.8.3.1 Put monitor directly in front of you and at least 20 inches away.
7.8.3.2 Place monitor so top line of screen is at or below eye level.
7.8.3.3 Place monitor perpendicular to window.
7.9.4 Keyboard
7.8.4.1 Put keyboard directly in front of you.
7.8.4.2 Your shoulders should be relaxed and your elbows close your body.
7.8.4.3 Your wrist be straight and in-line with your forearms.
7.9.5 Desk
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7.9.5.1 Desk surface should allow you to place the monitor directly in front of
you, at least 20 inches away.
7.9.5.2 Avoid storing items, such as a CPU under desks.
7.9.5.3 Desks should be able to accommodate a variety of working postures.
7.9.6 Chair
7.9.6.1 The backrest should conform to the natural curvature of your spine,
and provide adequate lumbar support.
7.9.6.2 The seat should be comfortable and allow your feet to rest flat on the
floor or footrest
7.9.6.3 Armrests, if provided, should be soft, allow your shoulders to relax and
your elbows to stay close to your body.
7.9.6.4 The chair should have a five leg base with casters that allow easy
movement along the floor.
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8. Process Metrics
Ergonomics may measure in short term and long term results which will include decreased
medical claims, decreased lost time/days, decreased reportable injuries, decreased
employee clinic visit, decreased in OSH Physician findings etc. and increased in
productivity.
9. Records and Record Retention

Records
Retention Period and Location
Incident Report
7 years; RESO OFFICE
Clinic Report
End of corporation + 7 years; Clinic
10. Terms and Definitions

Acronym or Terms
Definition
ERGONOMICS
The science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the

capabilities of the working population.
WORK-RELATED
MUSCULOSKELETAL
DISORDERS (WMSD)
Musculoskeletal disorders (injuries or disorders of the muscles,

nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs) in which work
environment and the performance of work contribute significantly to
the condition. It is associated with repetitive exertions, awkward body
posture or movements.
REPETITION
A series of motion having a little variation and performed every few

seconds, may produce fatigue and muscle-tendon strain.
WORK POSTURE
It is a function of the work and the design of tools used in performing

the work.
ANTHROPOMETRY
Involves the measurement of the physical dimensions of the human

body.
WORK SITE ANALYSIS

(JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS)
Systematic and objective method for evaluating the ergonomic status

of a facility based upon a review of each operation.
ENGINEERING CONTROL
Redesigning equipment, tools, work organization and workplaces to

reduce workers exposures to certain hazards. Example: elimination,
substitution, isolation, ventilation, installation of silencers.
ADMINISTRATIVE
CONTROL
Changing or altering the way employees do their jobs to remove them

from exposure to hazards. (Example: job rotation, training, signage)
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
A variety of devices and garments designed to protect employees

from hazards in their work environment.
SUPPORT GROUP /
RESPONSIBLE
DEPARTMENT
Group of person who acts accordingly to the ergonomic hazards

identify. This may be RESO, contractor, outside source et al.
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13. Appendix
Name: ____________________________________
Dept./Sec: ________________________________
ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
RISK FACTORS
1.0 Physical Stress
1.1 Can the job be done without hand/ wrist contact with sharp edges?
1.2 Is the tool operating without vibration?
1.3 Are the worker's hands exposed to temperature >21C (70F)
1.4 Can the job be done without using gloves?
NO
YES
2.0 Force
2.1 Does the job require exerting less than 5kg of force while in seated operation?
2.2 Does the female worker require exerting less than 25 kg force?
2.3 Does the male worker require exerting less than 50 kg of force?
NO
YES
3.0 Posture
3.1 Can the job be done without flexion or extension of the wrist?
3.2 Can the tool be used without flexion or extension of the wrist?
3.3 Can then job be done without deviating the wrist from side to side?
3.4 Can the tool be used without deviating the wrist from side to side?
3.5 Can the worker be seated while performing the job?
3.6 Does the task require stressful body postures, such as stooping to the floor, twisting, reaching overhead, or
excessive lateral bending?
NO
YES
4.0 Workstation Hardware

4.1 Can the orientation of the work surface be adjusted?
4.2 Can the height of the work surface be adjusted?
NO
YES
5.0 Repetitiveness
5.1 Is the task designed to be performed with minimum:
Reaching?
Bending?
Twisting?
Lifting?
Pulling?
Pushing?
5.2 Does the task require fast movement, such as throwing, swinging or rapid walking?
5.3 Does lifting frequency exceed 5 lifts per minute?
5.4 Does the vertical lifting distance exceed 3 feet?
5.5 Does carrying duration exceed 1 minute?
5.6 Do tasks which require large sustained pushing or pulling forces exceed 30 seconds duration?
NO
YES
6.0 Tool Design

6.1 Are the thumb and finger slightly overlapped in a closed grip?
6.2 Is the weight of the tool below 5kg?
NO
YES
7.0 General
7.1 Is the object difficult to bring close to the body because of its size, bulk or shape?
7.2 Is the load hard to handle because it lacks handles or cutouts for handles or does it have slippery surface or
sharp edges?
7.3 Is the footing safe? For example, are the floors slippery, inclined or uneven?
7.4 Is the most of the load handled by only one hand, arm or shoulder?
7.5 Does the task require working in a confined area?
NO
YES
5.7 Do extended reach static holding tasks exceed 1 minute?
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HPS-SH-019

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Shall entertain/ assess employee concern or suggestion that allow

Environment, Health and

Shall conduct education on Ergonomics.

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Specific Affected Site(s): HGST Philippines Corp.

Element Industrial Hygiene

HGST Occupational Safety and Health Manual

Personal Protective Equipment Standard

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Evaluate the area for

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

7.4 Standing Operation

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

When a worker is doing a delicate work, the elbow should be supported to

7.5 Awkward Body Position

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Awkward body postures examples:

Twisted, titled back, titled forward or bent side by side

Wrist / Hand / Finger

Bent u or down or twisting

Elevated shoulders, slouched, inadequate lumbar support,

Insufficient leg clearance, contact pressure or inadequate

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

7.6 Control for Minimizing Ergonomic Hazards

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Using proper work techniques.

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

7.8 Using Microscope

7.9 Computer Work Station

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

7.9.1.1 Make small adjustments to your chair or backrest.

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Release Date: January 12, 2016

9. Records and Record Retention

Retention Period and Location

7 years; RESO OFFICE

End of corporation + 7 years; Clinic

10. Terms and Definitions

The science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the

Musculoskeletal disorders (injuries or disorders of the muscles,

A series of motion having a little variation and performed every few

It is a function of the work and the design of tools used in performing

Involves the measurement of the physical dimensions of the human

WORK SITE ANALYSIS

Systematic and objective method for evaluating the ergonomic status

Redesigning equipment, tools, work organization and workplaces to