The Body Factors First Program focuses on reducing strain and discomfort by identifying and reducing ergonomic risks through workplace assessments, interventions, and training.
Establish a clear and comprehensive Body Factors First policy that outlines program expectations, including:
Ergonomic practices and relevant workplace safety standards
Adherence to all company safety rules
Implementation of ergonomic aids and equipment
Roles and responsibilities
Training and education
Coaching for ergonomic improvements
Develop a Body Factors First Team by completing the following:
Identify a team champion.
Identify and provide initial training to team members.
Complete the initial risk assessment and review it at least annually for continuous improvement opportunities. Conduct semi-annual reviews to monitor progress and address ongoing or new concerns related to identified hazards and controls.
Within the first three months of the policy period:
Perform and document a risk assessment to identify 3–5 of the most significant hazards and work tasks that can cause or contribute to a musculoskeletal injury.
Review the loss history associated with musculoskeletal injuries.
Identify controls to prevent injuries or reduce hazards.
Provide a written description of how the controls will be implemented.
Secure written approval from top-level management to implement the plan.
Corrective actions should be completed within 10 months of the eligible policy period.
Train employees on the effective use of controls implemented as part of the assessment. Provide and document ergonomic training to all employees annually, including new hires. Training should cover ergonomic principles and how to recognize, troubleshoot, and report early symptoms, and should be a minimum of 30 minutes. Training may be combined across sources to meet the time requirement.
Examples of training opportunities include, but are not limited to:
WSI's Safety Academy courses: Industrial Ergonomics & Awareness
WSI ergonomic-focused webinars
Industry-specific procedures
Employer-specific procedures
Hands-on training
Employers selecting the Body Factors First Program for the first time must ensure the safety coordinator and any employees involved in implementation complete WSI's Safety Academy–based Body Factors First Program online course within the first 90 days of their eligible policy period.
LMS Access: Email [email protected] for assistance accessing this course through WSI's Learning Management System.