People + Process = Performance

ergonomics

5 Ways to Effectively Sustain Ergonomics

One of the most common question I am asked about ergonomics pertains to how to best sustain the program and improvements.  Most companies experience very few issues in starting ergonomics, whether that be initial training of an “ergo team” or making primary improvements to a work area.  However, sustaining those effects seems to be where things break down.  The following are 5 methods to ensure sustainability of ergonomics.

1. Integrate ergonomics into your current methods your company uses for sustaining process, quality and productivity improvements.

5 Ways to Manage Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common types of injuries that occur in most industries.  MSDs on average account for up to 75% of workplace recordable injuries.  In order to reduce the injury rate and related expenses, companies should focus on methods to reduce and/or prevent MSDs.  There are essentially 5 different approaches to managing MSDs.  Listed from least effective to most effective, they are: 

5 Reasons Why Your Vehicle Is A (Literal) Pain In The Back And How to Fix It

Does your vehicle cause pain in your back, neck, shoulders or legs?  If you say yes you are far from alone.  For those of you who don’t drive often or for long distances, the discomfort for the most is minimal.  However, if driving is an essential part of your job or if you have a long commute, the discomfort could be quite an issue.  In severe cases, the only fix is get a different vehicle which isn’t always an easy or cheap.  So, how do you prevent getting the wrong vehicle for you? First you need to know what causes discomfort and then you need to know yourself, i.e.

Is Job Rotation Effective for Reducing Musculoskeletal (MSDs)Disorders in Manufacturing?

One of the questions I am asked frequently is what do I think about job rotation as a method to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).  Instead of answering this question out right, let’s answer it based on a recent meta-analysis study which looked to determine the effectiveness of job rotation to prevent and/or control the risk of MSDs.  The study, Job Rotation Designed to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders and Control Risk in Manufacturing Industries: A Systematic Review, was published in the Applied Ergonomics journ

Top 5 Home (and Work) Office Ergonomics Mistakes (Part 1)

Working from home is commonplace these days.  Many companies who have employees that do computer-based jobs allow these employees to work from home—from 1 day per week to everyday.  Having a workstation that fits the employee well is just as important if they work from home as it is if they work in the office.  I’ve lost track of how many office ergonomics assessments I’ve done over the years be it at work and home (and travel, but that’s a totally different environment).  There are common mistakes or misconceptions that people make when it comes to their computer workstation.  Take a look

How Much Waste Are You Still Missing By Doing Lean Without Ergonomics? (Part 1)

It seems as though everyone is doing Lean these days—Lean Office, Lean Manufacturing, Lean this and Lean that.  Lean is a very good process improvement methodology started by Toyota.  However, Lean is frequently done without inclusion of human factors/ergonomics (HF/E).   This lack of using a human centered approach lessens the effectiveness and sustainable of Lean improvements.  This article will explain the reasons for that statement and help you understand that a significant amount of waste is still present after Lean has been done without regards to HF/E.