Ergonomics Guidelines Clarification

Jennifer Preston

BKSK Architects

LEEDuser Basic Member

44 thumbs up

July 15, 2013

In reference to "developing a comprehensive ergonomics strategy" - the Credit Language states that: "Project teams must consult current ergonomics standards and guidelines relevant to the tasks that will be performed in the building. For computer workstations, these include BIFMA G1-2002 (to be superseded by BIFMA G1-2007 when balloted), AN-SI/HFES 100-2007, and CSA Z412-00 (R2005). For non-computer workstations these include Z1004-09, OSHA 3192-05N(2004) and OSHA 3182 (revised 2009)" Does this mean that all task furniture to be used in the project must meet all the recommendations and requirements of all of these standards?

Post a reply

Larissa Oaks

Specialist, LEED

USGBC

LEEDuser Expert

48 thumbs up

Mon, 11/25/2013 - 18:33

Hi, The task furniture does not need to meet the recommendations and requirements of all of the standards. Rather, the standards and guidelines should be reviewed for applicability, incorporated into the design as appropriate, and used to demonstrate that key interrelated ergonomic principles were incorporated into the interior design to facilitate occupant well-being (health, performance, and satisfaction).

Yuanguang Li

Project director

Atkins

LEEDuser Basic Member

2 thumbs up

Thu, 11/28/2013 - 02:18

The mentioned standards could be a good reference when the project has all the related equipment. Owing to the fact that the actual project conditions vary from working type, region, company culture, etc, the tailored ergonomics standard should be developed beyond the mentioned one. In addition, some companies pay special attention to the employees working health and have cumulative wisdom from years of experience, and come up with best practice of ergonomics, and could be more strict and applicable than the mentioned standards in some areas. The Pilot credit is allowing more practices to be come up and make the requirements more human-centered and applicable.