The Seven (7) Ergonomic Risk Factors to be assessed in the Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (INERA)

The Seven (7) Ergonomic Risk Factors in the Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (INERA) – Masma Safety

Musculoskeletal Assessment in ERA

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the leading causes of workplace discomfort, injuries, and reduced productivity. These conditions often result from poor ergonomic practices such as improper posture, repetitive movements, or exposure to vibration

To prevent such issues, employers are required to conduct an Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (INERA) as outlined in the Guidelines on Ergonomic Risk Assessment at the Workplace 2017. This assessment helps identify seven (7) ergonomic risk factors that can negatively affect employees’ health and performance

At Masma Safety, our certified Ergonomic Trained Persons (ETP) are ready to help you assess and control these risks effectively

Ergonomic Risk Factors consist of different elements which are:

1. Awkward / Poor Posture

2. Static and Sustained Posture

3. Forceful Exertions

4. Repetitive Motions

5. Vibration

6. Contact Stress

7. Environmental factors

Ergonomic Risk Factors (ERF)

The 7 Ergonomic Risk Factors in the Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (INERA)

The Ergonomic Risk Factors are based on the Guidelines of Ergonomics Risk Assessment at the Workplace 2017.

1. Awkward / Poor Posture

Doing work-related tasks that require a body position other than neutral, such as twisting, bending, overreaching, arm abduction, head bending and others.

2. Static and Sustained Posture

Working for an extended amount of time while maintaining a specific position with little to no movement, such as continuous standing or sitting for a long period of time.

3. Forceful Exertions

Forceful exertions are where high-level force is applied when moving or supporting any weight, including when lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling and moving it with one's hands or by using one's body.

4. Repetitive Motions

Working for a long time which involves repetitive sequences of movement using joints and muscle actions.

5. Vibration

Performing tasks that expose the workers to kinetic energy from vibrating surfaces or tools, such as hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV).

6. Contact stress

Refers to either internal contact stress, where a tendon, nerve, or blood vessel is stretched or twisted around a bone or tendon, or external contact stress when a portion of the body scrapes against a component at the workplace.

7. Environmental risk factors

People's comfort, activity, and health might be impacted by working in a poor environment such as inadequate lighting or air ventilation, extreme temperature and excessive noise.

Why INERA is Important for Your Workplace

Monitoring Ergonomic Risk Factors (ERF) through an Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (INERA) ensures your workplace is safe, healthy, and productive. Benefits include:

✅ Preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

✅ Reducing absenteeism due to ergonomic-related injuries

✅ Improving employee comfort and productivity

✅ Enhancing workplace safety culture

✅ Ensuring compliance with DOSH Malaysia ergonomic guidelines

It is important to monitor ergonomic-related issues especially Ergonomic Risk Factors (ERF) at your workplace to ensure your employees are always in a healthy and productive condition

Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA) - Masma Safety

At Masma Safety, our certified Ergonomic Trained Persons (ETP) conduct professional Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessments (ERA) to help you identify and control workplace ergonomic risks.

📞 Contact us at 013-2419000 or email [email protected] to schedule an INERA today.

Learn more about these seven ergonomic risk factors and take proactive steps to protect your workforce. We are always dedicated to helping you create a safer and healthier workplace