PHYSICAL TASKS:ERGONOMICS PROGRAMS IN INDUSTRY
ERGONOMICS PROGRAMS IN INDUSTRY
An important component of musculoskeletal disorders management efforts is development of a well- structured and comprehensive ergonomic program. According to Alexander and Orr (1992), the basic components of such a program should include:
1. Health and risk-factor surveillance
2. Job analysis and improvement
3. Medical management
4. Training
5. Program evaluation
An excellent program must include participation of all levels of management, medical, safety and health personnel, labor unions, engineering, facility planners, and workers and contain the following elements:
1. Routine (monthly or quarterly) reviews of the OSHA log for patterns of injury and illness and using of special computer programs to identify problem areas.
2. Workplace audits for ergonomic problems are a routine part of the organization’s culture (more than one audit annually for each operating area). Problems identified in this manner are dealt with quickly.
3. List maintained of most critical problems—jobs with job title clearly identified. Knowledge of these problem jobs is widespread, including knowledge by management and the workers.
4. Use of both engineering solutions and administrative controls and seeking to use engineering solutions for long-term solutions.
5. Design engineering is aware of ergonomic considerations and actively builds them into new or reengineered designs. People are an important design consideration.
6. Frequent refresher training for the site-appointed ergonomists in ergonomics and access to short courses and seminars.
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