Industrial Ergonomics

Record Review
A record review of OSHA and accident logs, and medical claims provides insight to injury trends that may be occurring in select jobs or processes and amongst various worker groups.

Ergonomic Risk Factor Screening/Audit
The risk factor screening/audit provides a general or baseline assessment of salient ergonomic risk factors present in a job or job task that may contribute to musculoskeletal injuries. The screening findings offer an overall impression of injury risk and direction for further ergonomic control intervention.

Industrial Ergonomic Assessment
The industrial ergonomic assessment includes an evaluation of the total workplace, with the goal of identifying ergonomic risk factors associated with primary (essential) and secondary (non-essential job) duties.

Risk factors are identified by
•direct observation
•direct measurement (and analysis)
• talking with employees and supervisors
• reviewing injury data

Workers are observed performing their usual job tasks. Key factors assessed and analyzed are position and posture, repetition, opportunity for rest breaks, force exertions and frequency of exertion, contact pressure, vibration and environmental factors. The written report, illustrated with case examples, clearly describes the risk factors associated with specific jobs and/or job tasks, and alternative control methods to minimize the risk exposure.

Ergonomic Intervention
Ergonomic control measures are developed for each client to minimize the identified risk. Whenever feasible, a variety of options are provided to address varying levels of exposure. Solutions are developed to reduce the risk to an acceptable level and to also be cost effective. The written report clearly identifies short and long term control options, which can include simple engineering controls, administrative controls and training, or longer term solutions that involve more extensive engineering controls or redesign.

Biomechanical Task Assessment
As appropriate, analysis of the job task to assess biomechanical load factors on specific body segments, particularly the spine and shoulder, are conducted. Biomechanical lifting models such as the NIOSH lift analysis are also used to assess the amount of spinal risk and compare the risk to the current and proposed alternative work methods.

Ergonomics Training
Ergonomics training is provided for employees, supervisors, task force members, health and safety professionals, engineers, human resources personnel and management. The focus of each training addresses the needs of each group, from basic injury awareness, to medical management, design principles and cost-benefit analysis. All training is customized, using real-life situations from the particular work setting. Train-the-trainer is also available.

Injured/Disabled Worker Workstation Evaluation & Modification
Implementing ergonomic job changes can often enable the injured or disabled worker to return to work, in a full or part time capacity. The health ergonomist’s understanding of limitations posed by various medical conditions assists in making realistic return-to-work accommodations for individual users. These evaluations can also be useful when ADA job accommodations are needed.

Ergonomics Program Development & Assessment
A written ergonomic policy can provide a framework for the roles of various personnel throughout an organization in helping to implement ergonomics and establish accountability. The program addresses the responsibilities of line workers to management, supervisors, health and safety, facilities, and engineering, as well as that of the ergonomics task force. Medical management of work-related injuries is an important component of the program. In addition to helping companies develop their program, periodic assessments of how a company is doing in its ergonomic program efforts are also available, as follow-up to on-site evaluations.

Design Reviews
Ergonomics is best introduced into a system in the planning phase, so that from the onset, attention to this health and safety element can be integrated into the proposed design of new systems, tasks, workstations, tools and equipment. Design reviews are important in both industrial and computerized office settings and help assure that ergonomic principals are applied to ensure optimal work efficiency.

Usability Testing
Products and equipment are evaluated to ensure that ergonomic principles have been applied and intended user groups can use the product/equipment comfortably and easily.

Contact us at 973. 334.7499 or at ellen@ellenradersmith.com