What are administrative controls in ergonomics?

Administrative controls in ergonomics refer to the policies and procedures implemented within a workplace to minimize ergonomic hazards and reduce the risk of injury to employees. These controls are designed to change the way work is performed, thereby helping to create a safer work environment. By establishing guidelines, regulations, and standard operating procedures, administrative controls can effectively manage exposure to ergonomic risks rather than addressing them solely through physical modifications or equipment adjustments.

For example, an organization may implement policies that dictate safe lifting techniques, promote regular breaks to reduce repetitive strain, or create a rotation schedule to ensure that employees are not exposed to specific ergonomic risks for prolonged periods. Training seminars for employees are essential as part of the overall approach, helping individuals understand and apply these administrative strategies, but they are not the entirety of administrative controls. Similarly, individual assessments and physical equipment adjustments are important aspects of ergonomics but fall under different categories of control measures. Therefore, the correct answer captures the holistic approach of establishing structured methods to manage ergonomic safety through formal policies and guidelines.