B5. Physically Demanding Work

Code 8.0

Worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding tasks, including manual material handling and heavy or repetitive lifting, prolonged standing, and highly repetitive or forceful assembly tasks shall be identified, evaluated, and controlled.

Elements to Demonstrate Compliance to RBA Code

1. Policy

Ensure company's health and safety policy includes physically demanding work elements such that worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding work is controlled effectively.

• a. Workers' exposures to physically demanding will be identified, evaluated, and adequately controlled in accordance with the hierarchy of controls, which is maintained through ongoing, systematic monitoring of worker's health.
• b. There is a proper budget and staffing allocated to conduct risk assessment, re-engineering, equipment and tools, and medical evaluations as well as training of individuals and coordination with local authorities as appropriate.

2. Procedures & Practices

Procedures & Practices are in place such that:

• a. The facility has implemented a program to evaluate worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding work (e.g., ergonomic risk assessments, worker discomfort surveys etc.)
• b. Procedural, physical, and administrative controls are in place to reduce the hazards of physically demanding work.
• c. Workers use proper equipment to lift heavy objects (e.g., vacuum hoists; mechanical lift tables; cranes, etc.).
• d. Workstations do not require prolonged awkward postures.
• e. Assembly tasks are designed to reduce forceful exertions (e.g., use of power tools, jigs, etc.) and highly repetitive motions.
• f. Workers are provided with the means to change posture throughout the work shift (e.g., workers can alternate between sitting and standing postures).
• g. Encourage early reporting of discomfort.

3. Controls & Monitoring

Controls & Monitoring should include:

• a. Periodic ergonomic task analyses.
• b. An adequate and effective recorded program to control the identified potential hazards of physically demanding work is in place and follows the hierarchy of controls in a documented gated process, demonstrating that each hierarchy level has been fully evaluated and reasons why it could not address the risk fully before proceeding to the next hierarchal level.
• c. Review and trend analysis of injuries related to physical demands of job duties.

NOTE: If during a regular monitoring cycle, it is determined that there are no changes to the facility or work setup, a re-assessment is not needed. This "no-change" determination should be recorded.

4. Records

Records are maintained including:

• a. Assessments and analysis reports including worker input, any medical assessments (with proper privacy controls).
• b. Identification of roles with residual physically demanding work and the controls and protections in place to minimize worker exposure.
• c. Plans to further mitigate risk.

1.0.0 (2024-01-01)

Initial release.