Implementing An Ergonomic Program In Workplace

Introduction To Health And Safety System

Dated 04/22/2015

Introduction:
Ergonomics is a scientific discipline, which is concerned with improving the productivity, health, safety and comfort of people, as well as promoting effective interaction among people, technology and the environment in which both must operate. In a more practical sense, ergonomics is the science of human comfort. When aspects of work or the workplace challenge or stress the human body beyond its capabilities, the result is often a musculoskeletal injury (MSI). O/E (overexertion injury)
RSIs (repetitive stress or repetitive strain injuries)
ASTDs (activity-related soft tissue disorders)
CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders)
Whatever name is used, these injuries belong to a group of sprain and strain injuries that can affect muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood vessels, or spinal discs in the body. To help avoid MSIs, work demands should not exceed the physical capabilities of the worker. A proactive initiative will be described in the following case study is how to implement an ergonomics program into a workplace of 20 employees. Human Resources Department’s support beside management in executing the ergonomics program will increase workers productivity and proficiency. In this case study there are five steps that will be used to develop and implement the program called ‘The Leadership Activities For Managing Control Model’ also known as ISMEC model. 1. Identification of the work. 2. Standard Established. 3. Measuring performance 4. Evaluating performance 5. Commending and Correcting.
I-Identification of the working
One of the most important aspects of ergonomics program is accurately identifying the potential hazards in the workplace. The identification of this case study is to increase all managers, supervisors and workers awareness of MSI. Lack of knowledge to MSI could develop the risk in the workplace. Some risk factors of MSI common in the workplace are Performing the similar task repetitively, working in awkward posture or being in the same posture for long period of time, localized pressure in the body part, cold temperature, hot surface, and combine exposure to several risk factors. HR along with management will be Collecting data that identifies injury and illness trends are called monitoring. Monitoring would be either passive or active. Passive monitoring is to conduct a records review, which looks at existing data such as first aid record books, workers’ compensation claims, trips to medical facilities, and absentee records. Active monitoring uses observations, interviews, surveys, questionnaires, checklists, and formal worksite evaluation tools to identify specific high-risk activities
S-Standard
Proper training and education are intended to help managers, supervisors and workers work related ergonomics risk factors, and to understand apply appropriate regulatory strategies. Training in the early recognition of MSI signs and symptoms as well as control will be given by HR as follows: * To all new workers during orientation. * To all workers assuming a new job assignment. * When new jobs, tasks, tools, equipment, machinery, workstations, or processes are introduced. * When high exposure levels to ergonomics risk factors have been identified. * A list of the exposures that have been associated with MSIs. * Training to set up explaining the ergonomics program and their role in the program. * A description of early MSI signs and symptoms, and consequences of injuries that are caused or aggravated by risk factors related to work as well as those not related to work. * The methods used to minimize risk factors related to work as well as those not related to work. * Implement exercise and stretching program in the workplace. * Annual comfort surveys to monitor for potential injuries;

Training will be provided using one or more of the following formats: * Oral presentations and discussions * Videos * Hands-on equipment and work-practice demonstrations

M-Measurement
Ergonomics should not be approached as just a program; it is an on-going process, and as such it needs to be monitored and occasionally corrected. So in order to ensure the standard are measured and achieved for setting up an ergonomic workplace, education and training for all managers, supervisor and workers will put in place. The following measurement will be conducted: * Ensure that personnel performing worksite evaluations and training are properly trained. * Ensure that control measures are implemented in a timely manner. * Ensure that a system is in place for workers to report MSI signs or symptoms and suspected work-related risk factors to managers and supervisors.

E-Evaluation
In order to ensure that issues have been addressed and new problems have not been created, monitoring and evaluation will be conducted on an ongoing basis. The methods will include use of individual interviews and checklists to re-evaluate jobs or tasks, to ensure that risks have been reduced, minimized, or eliminated.
Methods used to evaluate problem jobs and processes will include the following: * Walk-throughs and observations, which may include photos and videos * Worker interviews * Surveys and questionnaires * Checklists
Detailed worksite evaluations and assessments

C-Commending and Correction
The Human resources will conduct a program review at least every three months to assess the progress and success of the program. The review will consider the following: * Evaluation of all training programs and records * The need for retraining of managers, supervisors, and workers * The jobs, processes, or operations that have produced a high incidence rate of work-related MSIs * The length of time between a request for an ergonomics evaluation and the actual evaluation * The length of time between the point at which the results of the evaluation are known and the beginning of the implementation of controls * The length of time between the beginning and completion of the implementation of controls * The program’s success based upon comparison to previous years, using the following criteria: * a. Number and type of lost workdays * b. Cost of workers’ compensation cases * c .Worker feedback through direct interviews, walk-through observations, written surveys and questionnaires, and re-evaluations

Conclusion
By implementing the proactive ergonomics program is to effectively eliminate or control Work-related musculoskeletal injury (MSI) and hazards. It is the program to provide all workers with a healthy and safe workplace. A proactive ergonomics program is integrated into written occupational health and safety program and in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation of Alberta.

Bibliography
Musculoskeletal injury(MSI) http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/rmirsi.html Ergonomics program in workplace. http://www.healthyalberta.com/713.htm Ergonomics evaluation
https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=ergonomics%20evaluation