risk management

Reason #2:  Failure to Tie Ergonomics Into the Mission and Strategic Initiatives of the Company

When I left the “comfort” of the my corporate position to start Kelby Ergo Design I was immediately struck by two things:  1) the majority of the people I met at business networking events hadn’t heard of my title, “ergonomist”, although most had heard the term ergonomics, and 2) they shared similar misconceptions of what ergonomics was and the impact it could have on business.  I thought I’d address the top three common “myths” that I see as an ergonomist.  There are definitely more than three but I’ll save those for other posts.

Myth #1—Ergonomics is just about safety

The debate on whether gait belts are safe lifting devices for caregivers to use with patients who require assistance has been going on since safe patient handling (SPH) became a focus issue for healthcare facilities and caregivers alike.  Just last week MNOSHA stated that they and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) do not consider gait belts as “lifting devices”(MNOSHA e-newsletter, Safety Lines, http://www.dli.mn.gov/OSHA/PDF/7

Are productivity and efficiency mutually exclusive of employee safety, comfort and zero injuries?  The answer is obviously no.  However how many meetings and projects occur between management, quality and employee health and safety departments?  This answer is almost never.  Why? 

One of the things that continues to amaze me is how many people, safety and ergonomic professionals included, believe that it is impossible to have a workplace that is free of hazards and therefore free of injuries.  I’ve heard many times from supervisors and even safety directors that it is impossible to remove all of the hazards from the workplace so they don’t even try.  They believe that achieving zero lost days or zero recordable injuries isn’t realistic.  Obviously situations, equipment and people change over time which makes it hard to identify and control hazards.  It requires commi

I find myself a little sleep deprived today after Christmas.  The normal amount of sleep I normally get each night was changed from the family get-togethers and other events and “to-dos” leading up to and right after Christmas.  My body and mind feel a bit more sluggish.  The words to complete this blog come slower than usual as my ability to think and maintain concentration are effected.  What I really want to do is to lie down and take a nap.

Dual monitors vs. Single monitor:  Which is better?

Having two monitors has become fairly common with the increasing number of applications that users have to work on or view simultaneously.  The question that arises in this situation is having two monitors the best solution for worker productivity, efficiency and comfort?  Let’s look at the factors for and against having two monitors.

In my previous blog I cited an article in the Star Tribune that was about a auto parts company that has their workers performing Pilates as a way to prevent injuries and reduce workers’ compensation costs.  Two questions came to mind when I read that article.  The first question “Is an exercise class the best way to lower workers’ compensation costs?” and second, “What is the cost/benefit of having such a program?”  I answered the first question in my previous blog so now let’s look at the cost/benefit of an exercise program, in other words what is the return on investment (ROI).

Recently there was an article in the Star Tribune about a auto dismantling company who started weekly Pilates classes for their workers who are required to participate.  The owners of the company, Ace Auto Parts, stated they hope the exercises will “help strengthen backs and shoulders and improve balance in ways that will ultimately reduce their workers’ compensation bills.”  (http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/103902038.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU).  The story goes on to say that their