Putting It All Together NIOSH 97-117: Elements of Ergonomics Programs

What Now?

You have the basics of ergonomics You understand the risk factors You know several methods of control Now you need a program

Why do you need a program?

Proactive versus Reactive approach Benefits are not limited to W.C.

Methods to improve overall process

Elements of an Ergonomic Program Management Commitment Employee Participation Worksite Analysis Hazard Prevention and Control Training Medical Management Program Review

Management Commitment Develop a written policy Develop measurable goals/objectives Provide resources, motivation and leadership Top Management must value ergonomics  Give them the bottom line:$$$$

Employee Involvement Develop a Ergonomics Committee Perform Job Hazard Analysis, include ergonomics Give incentives for solutions to identified ergonomic problems Provides ownership of program

Worksite Analysis Look at your OSHA 300 logs Review your accident investigation and WC forms Survey your employees Review your absentee records Develop a method for ergonomic inspections Include ergonomics in your change analysis

Hazard Prevention and Control Evaluate jobs for risk factors Develop a surveillance schedule Develop a hazard tracking system Understand job rotation controls Involve employees

Training Involve all employees Basic ergonomic understanding Awareness of symptoms and signs Understand risk factors Vary training methods Provide additional training to:  Supervisors   Managers Office employees

Medical Management Return to work programs Light duty jobs Medical surveillance Pre-employment assessments Ensure health care provider is familiar with your facility and tasks involved

Program Evaluation Are we meeting our goals?

Are the employees responding?

Has this program effected our Injury and Illness incidence rate?

Have we seen a decrease in absentee, waste product, reworks?

Have we seen an increase in production, moral, quality?

Continuous Improvement Strategy

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Identify Team Members Identify problem jobs Survey Employees Develop Plan of Action Select most feasible item Train Users Implement on small scale Measure user response Wider application or goto 4 Goto 2 Define and Measure Analyze Improve and Control Sustain

What is OSHA’s Role