Choosing the Right Ergonomics Risk Assessor
Article by Dr. Ts. Hari Krishnan
Introduction
Many organisations conduct Ergonomics Risk Assessments (ERA) to meet legal requirements. However, one important question is often overlooked:
Are You Selecting The Right Assessor?
The quality of an ergonomics assessment depends on the competency of the person conducting it. A poor assessment produces generic recommendations, while a competent assessor identifies the root causes and recommends practical solutions that improve the workplace.
How to Evaluate an Ergonomics Risk Assessor
1. Review their portfolio.
Look at the industries they have served and the complexity of their projects. Experience across different workplaces demonstrates the ability to understand diverse ergonomic challenges.
2. Ask for previous assessment reports.
Don’t just look at the risk scores—review the recommendations.
If most recommendations are limited to:
* Workplace stretching
* Manual handling training
* Referral to an Occupational Health Doctor
then ask yourself: Are these solving the problem or simply managing the symptoms?
These measures have their place, but they rarely eliminate the source of the ergonomic risk.
Focus on Root Cause, Not Symptoms
A competent assessor investigates why the risk exists.
Why are employees bending excessively? Why is high force required? Why are awkward postures unavoidable?
Only after identifying the root cause should recommendations be made.
Effective recommendations often include workstation redesign, equipment modifications, mechanical aids, workflow improvements, tool redesign, or process changes. These solutions reduce risk at its source rather than relying solely on administrative controls.
Technical Knowledge Makes the Difference
An ergonomics risk assessor should have strong technical knowledge. Understanding engineering principles, manufacturing processes, equipment design, and workplace operations allows them to recommend practical and sustainable improvements, not just theoretical ones.
Final Thought
Certification alone should not be the deciding factor. Review the assessor’s experience, portfolio, and past reports. Most importantly, evaluate whether their recommendations address the root cause of the problem.
A good ergonomics assessor doesn’t just identify risks, they solve workplace problems.