Ergonomics is a Kaizen process, a continuous improvement approach to the workplace which when effectively implemented can result in increased productivity, improved quality, reduced injuries, increased job satisfaction and worker morale.

The effective management and implementation of an ergonomics program is crucial in the prevention and control of ergonomic hazards in the workplace, leading to a safe and healthy work environment. The Program Audit includes a walk-through review of operations, interviews with facilities management and operations personnel, engineering and supervisory staff, review of all pertinent records such as injury statistics, workers' compensation, medical records, and an overview of ergonomic initiatives currently in place. Based on the data obtained, recommendations for enhancing the ergonomics process along with a proposed ergonomics action plan for an ergonomics program will be presented.

Large and small companies alike should have a written ergonomics plan. This plan should benchmark the current status of ergonomic initiatives in the organization and the steps necessary to improve specific problems that have been identified.

A good ergonomics plan will allow your organization to successfully manage effort made as well as to measure their success. By understanding the cost of ergonomics problems today and keeping track of the cost of correcting these problems, it will later be possible to determine what the overall cost-benefit of the ergonomics program was.

Procedure Example

• Program Audit to benchmark what is currently working and what is not
• Review of Injury logs, OSHA logs and similar to identify deficiencies
• Ensure Management Support
• Involve Workers
• Provide Training
• Review of Identified processes encourage early reporting
• Data Collection to quantify challenges
• Review and Evaluation
• Presentation of findings and Recommendations

ETC will customize and trailer all programs to the individual needs and challenges of our clients. The above procedure is included as a sample only.