Ergonomics

THE ERGONOMIC PROCESS

� What are two approaches to ergonomics?Pro-active intervention

(NIOSH Model)Reactive intervention

ERGONOMICS

� What is ergonomics? The study of work and the

science of designing the job, machine, or process to fit the worker.

THE ERGONOMIC PROCESS

� What are the approaches to controlling musculoskeletal disorders?ProactiveReactive

� What is the ergonomics rule that congress passed?29 CFR 1910.900

THE ERGONOMIC PROCESS

� Where is the simple proactive approach to the ergonomic process derived from?The National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

NIOSH ERGONOMIC PROCESS

� What does NIOSH look for when evaluating this process?For signs of work related

musculoskeletal disordersManagement's commitment to

solve problemsGeneral and specialized

trainingCollecting and assessing data

and information

NIOSH ERGONOMIC PROCESS

� What is NIOSH’s responsibilities in this process?Developing and evaluating

control strategiesHealth care managementCreating a pro-active

ergonomic programFollow-up, follow-up, follow-up

A Reactive Approach

� Give an example of steps to follow in the reactive approach.

—Evaluate: Injury Rates and Costs—Gain: Management Commitment—Talk: With Employees—Select: Several Key Processes—Adjust: Targeted Processes—Train: Employees & Management—Modify: Balance of Processes—Review & Repeat: on a Regular Basis

GAIN MANAGEMENT's COMMITMENT

� What are the management’s obligations in this process?Management must be

convinced of the cost effectiveness of ergonomics.

Management must follow the legal rules.

Management must provide the money to start the process and continue ergonomic evaluation and controls.

TALK TO EMPLOYEES

� How do you gather information from employees?Employees may not talk to

management representatives.Try to locate someone who is

neutral or is very well accepted by both hourly workers and management.

Trust is the key issue.

TALK TO EMPLOYEES

Talk to individual employees on all shifts.

Ask them where it hurts, and if there is any modifications that would make the job easier.

Most solutions come from the employees themselves.

Maintain employee anonymity if required and legal.

ADJUST SELECTED PROCESSES

� What is suggested for key areas that produce frequent injuries?Make adjustments to minimize

the stress.Buy equipment if necessaryCheck with the employees to

see if it helps them.

TRAIN EMPLOYEES

� What are the training requirements?Train all employees in

Ergonomics.Get testimonials from those

workers who were helped by the earlier changes you made to their job process or equipment.

Tell them that they are not paid enough to go home each night injured and hurting.

Encourage employees to participate.

TRAIN MANAGERS SEPARATELY

� What are the management training requirements?Regardless of how good relations

are between management & labor, many hourly employees will not participate in the process if management personnel are in the same room.

They are afraid of repercussions.Management's commitment may be

driven by $$$$$.

TRAIN MANAGERS� What are some suggestions on

how to train managers?Advise managers of the cost of each

accident type per department.Use graphics.Discuss rising workers compensation

costs and potential liability. Discuss lawsuits.Managers must enforce ergonomics.If enforcement is not part of the

process, the process will fail.

MODIFY THE REST OF THE PROCESS

� What are some other changes that will help the ergonomic process?Modify the tasks.Modify the process.Modify the machine.Modify the workload.Modify the workstation.Modify the worker attitudeModify the work environment.

Review & Repeat

� List the additional steps that should be taken to ensure the process is working?Follow upReview the progress

frequentlyMake adjustments as

necessaryRepeat the process oftenRepeatRepeat