Franquicia Master - Tangerine Systems

Transcription

El Mercado de los productos ergonómicos
Introducción
Las enfermedades musculoesqueléticas son las enfermedades más frecuentes que afectan al
mundo laboral. El crecimiento en la última década ha sido tan importante, que la Organización
Mundial de la Salud ha declarado la presente década como la Década de las enfermedades
musculoesqueléticas.
Y es que, como se puede observar en el gráfico siguiente, todos los estudios epidemiológicos
en los países industrializados, tienen como denominador común la mayor incidencia (nuevos
casos) y prevalencia (casos existentes) de estas afecciones en el sector laboral.
Como indica en gráfico de prevalencia de la siguiente página, las afecciones de la columna
lumbar y cervical son las más importantes. Esto tiene como consecuencia la disminución del
rendimiento laboral, aumento del ausentismo (en USA representa US$ 70 millardos al año),
incremento en los costos médicos, clima laboral inadecuado. Los efectos en la productividad
de las empresas son cada día más catastróficos.
Como podrás darte cuenta en la gráfica sobre la prevalencia por sectores industriales (página
3), el sector salud, educación, administración pública, figuran entre los más afectados, y el problema afecta hoy en día a ambientes (como el de intermediación financiera) que con anterioridad se consideraban libres de riesgo.
Los elevados costos de los tratamientos médicos, quirúrgicos y de rehabilitación hacen cada
vez más importante el problema para ser enfrentados con los ingresos de la familia promedio.
En Estados Unidos los estudios indican que el 70% de la población sufrirá, por lo menos una
vez en la vida, de dolor lumbar, y de esta proporción el 10% se cronifica, requiriendo tratamientos que están por el orden de US$100.000 anuales.
Además, la calidad de vida se deteriora, ya que estos dolores no desaparecen durante el descanso nocturno y agregan un elemento que promueve el Estrés en las empresas (página 4).
La Cultura de la Silla
“Nosotros pasamos mucho tiempo, mientras estamos despiertos, en una silla. En
nuestra cultura sedentaria, cada uno de nosotros debe escoger de más de dos
docenas de sillas a lo largo de la rutina diaria—en nuestro comedor y cocina, salas y
dormitorios, estudios, patios, automóviles, subways, buses, oficinas y escuelas. Nosotros tocamos las sillas, no sólo con nuestras manos sino con todo el cuerpo. Pero, a
pesar de su íntimo lugar en nuestras vidas, conocemos muy poco sobre ellas y sus
efectos sobre nosotros, tanto física como mentalmente.
Sin lugar a dudas, sus efectos son profundos. Lo que es cierto para la silla lo es para
todos los artefactos que creamos. Nosotros los diseñamos, pero una vez construidos, debemos adaptarnos a ellos.
Como sentarse en sillas ha sido una conducta muy extendida para la persona
común a lo largo de los siglos, ha dejado su marca sobre el cuerpo humano y
sobre la conciencia humana. La silla permite vislumbrar en nuestras ideas colectivas
el status y honor, confort y orden, belleza y eficiencia, disciplina y relajación. Al
mismo tiempo que cambian nuestras ideas, lo hacen nuestras sillas.
Las nuevas ideas en el campo de la ergonomía están cambiando el diseño de las
sillas. Pero, independientemente del amplio rango de especialidades involucradas en
el diseño de sillas—la ingeniería humana, la investigación ergonómica, la medicina
física y rehabilitativa y las investigaciones de mercado—los conceptos básicos de
belleza y confort eluden una definición. En parte porque tanto la belleza como el
confort se mezclan con el status.
La silla en la que una persona se sienta revela el status social de él o ella, el cual
toma prioridad sobre la belleza y el confort. La silla representa un rol, tanto que las
personas tienen mucho cuidado en no sentarse en “otras sillas”. El trono o la sillas
presidencial, o la del director y la secretaria, la del gerente y el visitante, todo indica
un orden establecido y el establecimiento de niveles jerárquicos y funciones dentro
de la organización.
Las implicaciones sobre la salud de las sillas requiere la formulación de políticas
públicas, ya que el dolor de espalda está en segundo lugar de las dolencias, después
del resfriado común. Ello ha hecho que la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, la
Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Organización Internacional de Trabajo tengan
dentro de sus políticas más importantes la promoción de ambientes de trabajo,
seguros y saludables. Las legislaciones de los países industrializados hacen cada vez
más énfasis en normas de salud y seguridad laboral, y las empresas se verán obligadas a adoptar esta normativa, que implica que las adquisiciones de sillas tendrán que
hacerse con base en estos principios.
The Chair. Rethinking culture, body, and design
Galen Cranz, Ph.D.
Professor of architecture at the
University of California at Berkeley,
specializing in the sociology of architecture.
Certified teacher of the Alexander Technique
Efectos de la silla sobre el cuerpo humano
Como podrás apreciar en las gráficas que siguen, las sillas en las que habitualmente nos sentamos, están diseñadas para agradar a la vista más que para aceptar en ellas a nuestro cuerpo. El
humano al tratar de adaptarse obliga al cuerpo a adoptar posturas peligrosas, que a la larga
originan las enfermedades crónicas que antes mencionamos.
Las torsiones exageradas, la flexión extrema hacia adelante o hacia los lados, la rigidez traen
microtraumatismos en la columna, articulaciones y contracturas musculares (espasmos) que
ocasionan dolor. Las lesiones pueden avanzar hasta el punto en que sólo el tratamiento médico
o quirúrgico podrán aliviarle.
La rigidez del cuerpo a la que obligan las sillas convencionales, hace cada vez más difícil la
nutrición y oxigenación de músculos y articulaciones, trayendo como consecuencia la enfermedad degenerativa de las articulaciones u osteoartrosis. La falta de movimiento de las piernas
conduce al éxtasis sanguíneo, con propensión a las várices, edema e incluso enfermedad
tromboembólica, causante de la muerte súbita (embolía pulmonar).
Para combatir la rigidez, la persona entonces trata de buscar una nueva postura que le alivie el
malestar, con lo que pierde la concentración en la actividad y su rendimiento baja considerablemente.
El malestar hace que cambie su estado anímico y comienza a gestarse un ambiente de trabajo
turbulento que afecta al resto de los compañeros de trabajo. La comunicación interpersonal se
transtorna y la atención a los clientes se hace difícil.
El advenimiento del uso de los ordenadores en la oficina y el hogar ha hecho que los factores
de riesgo de enfermedades musculoesqueléticas estén presentes en grupos etarios menores.
Ésto agrava más el problema y lo extiende a una gran parte de la población.
El mercado de productos ergonómicos
Una vez que hemos planteado la naturaleza del problema, y las necesidades a satisfacer con los
productos ergonómicos (entre los cuales está la silla), podemos inferir el segmento del mercado al cual van dirigidos nuestros productos.
La población busca en nuestros productos, comodidad, salud y seguridad.Además de un diseño
visual que resalte su percepción de sí mismo (status, belleza, comodidad, etc.). La mayoría de las
personas no tienen conciencia de lo importante que es la silla para su calidad de vida. Por ello
debemos despertar esa necesidad en el cliente potencial, a través de una estrategia promocional
que permita que el proceso de decisión de compra del cliente, sea consciente, responsable y
satisfactorio.
Se trata de un cambio en la cultura de sentarse, que requiere un esfuerzo educativo. Afortunadamente las políticas públicas de los países y agencias de desarrollo se encaminan al mismo
objetivo, por lo que la oferta de nuestros productos tiene buena aceptación.
El mercado emergente de la ergonomía se incrementa en forma exponencial. Existen varios
factores responsables del creciente interés en los productos ergonómicos:
❐ Las enfermedades musculoesqueléticas relacionadas con el trabajo, constituyen hoy la
segunda causa, después del resfriado común, de consulta médica.
❐ La alta incidencia y prevalencia de estas afecciones influye en el rendimiento de los
trabajadores y en la productividad de las empresas. Aumenta la fatiga, los costos médicos, el ausentismo laboral, la insatisfacción en el trabajo, genera estrés en el ambiente
de trabajo, coloca barreras a la comunicación intraorganizacional y entorpece la relación con clientes y proveedores.
❐ En la casi totalidad de los casos, el origen de estas dolencias es la adopción de posturas
peligrosas en el trabajo que ocasionan microtraumatismos crónicos en la columnar, inducidas en gran medida por el uso de sillas inadecuadas.
❐ La silla es uno de los principales componentes del puesto de trabajo (workspace) en el
estilo de vida de la empresa moderna. El uso de sillas inadecuadas provoca lesiones en
los usuarios, mientras que una silla cuyo diseño está basado en principios ergonómicos,
facilita el trabajo, permitiendo movimiento y soporte del cuerpo, que son las características que producen la sensación de confort.
❐ Las regulaciones gubernamentales de los países desarrollados y en vías de desarrollo,
hacen énfasis en lograr condiciones de trabajo seguras y saludables para los trabajadores, y obligan a las empresas a aplicar las normas de ergonomía en los ambientes de
trabajo. La legislación es cada vez más exigente al respecto.
❐ El estilo de vida moderno, luego de satisfacer las necesidades básicas (Pirámide de
Maslow), hace que el consumidor busque productos que preserven su salud, le brinden
bienestar físico y mental, por lo que cada vez más buscan satisfacer sus necesidades con
productos ergonómicos, diseñados en función de dar respuesta a estas necesidades. La
demanda por estos productos es cada vez mayor tanto en la oficina como en el hogar.
❐ El crecimiento de los “trabajos desde el hogar” hacen que el ambiente destinado a tal
fin deba tener condiciones que permitan realizar las labores con bajo riesgo ergonómico.
Por lo que la dotación de estos ambientes es cada vez más importante, e incluso son
objeto de legislaciones que obligan a diseñarlos en forma adecuada.
❐ La alta incidencia y prevalencia incide en el incremento de la siniestralidad y en el aumento de las primas de seguro para las empresas. Liberty Mutual, por ejemplo, incentiva la
adopción de medidas ergonómicas (que reduzcan el riesgo de estas afecciones) en las
empresas concediendo primas más bajas que a las empresas que no las aplican.
❐ No hay ambiente de trabajo en el que las medidas ergonómicas no deban ser aplicadas,
por lo que el segmento del mercado es sumamente amplio: desde los niños a los ancianos, desde las oficinas a las fábricas. Por lo que nuestra misión es detectar las necesidades en los ambientes de trabajo (u hogar) y satisfacerlas con productos de alta calidad
(como son nuestros asientos HÅG).
❐ Como la mayoría de las personas no tienen conciencia de sus necesidades, los gobiernos y las agencias de desarrollo (como OMS, OPS, OIT, Banco Mundial, BID, etc) tienen
programas de educación y entrenamiento dirigidas a los trabajadores y a los empresarios. La tendencia es a incluir el tema de la ergonomía como parte de los programas de
formación académica en carreras como medicina, odontología, ingeniería, escuelas de
negocios, etc. Esto hace que exista una presión constante para el equipamiento futuro
de las empresas con productos basados en la ergonomía.
A continuación se presentan una selección de artículos, extraídos de ERGO WEB (http://
www.ergoweb.com/news_sitemap.cfm) , que permiten ilustrar las características del mercado
de los productos ergonómicos, en especial de nuestras sillas y sus tendencias. He resaltado
algunos textos para facilitar la visualización de algunos conceptos que considero de importancia.
THE U.S. MARKET FOR OFFICE FURNITURE
The SBI Market Profile on the U.S. office furniture industry is an in-depth analysis of
this $14 billion industry. This valuable research document provides readers with
insights on how to stimulate sales growth and boost profit margins in the face of
increasing competitive pressures, weaker price gains, and slowing growth. In order to
accomplish this goal, U.S. shipments and import trends are organized into four
major product categories-seating products, desks and tables, storage units and filing
products, and systems furniture. Shipments are further segmented into 18 product
categories. Shipments are provided by material - wood and nonwood - and are
provided in dollars and units. The author of the report also provides shipments on
ready-to-assemble wood home office computer furniture. Product line shipment
and import data can be used to uncover growing market niches in order to
effectively plan new product introductions. This investigation also evaluates office
furniture distribution channels. Data on wholesalers and retailers are analyzed in
order for readers to take advantage of the consolidation in theses markets and
their ability to sell to the SOHO market. The role of the Internet in office furniture
distribution is also discussed. In addition, the author evaluates the cost structure and
profitability of U.S. office furniture plants. Market share and operating ratios are
calculated for the industry’s leading competitors - Steelcase, Haworth, Herman
Miller, HON Industries, and Knoll. These trends were collected as part of our effort
to provide competitor intelligence. Twenty-two manufacturers are profiled in order
to review the growth strategies of key manufacturers. The plant data and company
information is provided for readers to develop their own strategies to stimulate
growth and maximize profit margins. Shipment and trade data are provided for the
Canadian market as well.
Ergonomics Today(TM) - The Trusted Source for Ergonomics News
01/11/2003 9:06 PM
Ergonomics as a Global Initiative: Presence and Purpose
June 6, 2001
Background
Ergonomics/Human Factors began
began in the United
States largely after World War II. The term
'ergonomics' was coined in Europe nearly 100 years
before in 1847. Since then ergonomics has
has played a
role in many Industrially
Industrially Developed Countries (ICs)
Scandanavia, and North America.
in Western Europe, Scandanavia,
Sponsor
The primary focus in many of these
these areas
areas became
became
military applications dealing with both physical and cognitive design.
As greater industrialization occurred ergonomics moved into the private sector
addressing both health and safety, and productivity in manufacturing settings. From
manufacturing, ergonomics has spread to many industries and environments showing
a strong representation in product and system design.
Having successfully addressed ergonomics issues as they pertain to health and
safety, many countries are now using ergonomics principles to enlarge, enrich, and
enhance both work and home life.
IDCs
What about countries who do not have the same amount of growth or capital as
those mentioned above? Does ergonomics exist in their models?
Industrially Developing Countries (IDC) have actually found ergonomics to be an
almost necessary perspective to effectively and successfully implement technology
transferred from more developed countries.
The fundamentals of ergonomics again: to make the best fit possible between
humans, equipment/tools, and their shared environment.
With regards to IDCs, an ergonomics perspective can help to best use the human and
technical resources by optimizing the fit between existing and any new or transferred
technology, and the local user population and operating environment. Particularly in
the aspect of technology transfer, an ergonomics perspective can be beneficial.
One of the main purposes of technology transfer is within economic development
where two goals are strived for simultaneously. The primary goal is the removal of
extreme poverty by satisfying the most basic needs of food, shelter, health,
employment and education. The secondary goal is the modernization and growth of
national output forth for domestic consumption and to earn income through exporting
(Shahnavaz, 1997).
So how exactly can ergonomics play a role in technology transfer. An often seen
scenario is when equipment that was made for one population, say northern
European, is transferred to a population of a different anthropometric size, for
instance an Oriental population. This leads immediately to awkward postures and a
higher rate of accidents and occupational diseases. Another example is transferring
equipment with all instructions in the German language to a Tiawanese speaking
population. In both cases the risk for personal injury, poorer production, and even
disaster has increased by poorly matching the user and the equipment or
environment.
As great differences can exist among countries participating in an exchange including
natural and human resources, infrastructure, environment, business experience,
http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?print=on&id=349
Page 1 of 3
01/11/2003 9:06 PM
cultural background, anthropometry, etc., it may be inappropriate to transfer
technology without any modification.
Lanza (1985) sees the disaster at the Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India as
an example of just that: "The real cause of the Bhopal tragedy is blind technology
transfer. It is the result of establishing a highly complex chemical facility in a region
with no extensive history of technological evolution."
Other considerations whose neglect may cause a mismatch between the worker,
tools, and environment can include the preferred working posture of the population;
possibly nutritional inadequacies; greater fatigue; psychology; culture in the sense of
learning, training and motivation; and cultural responses to stimuli.
For instance, American subjects have an almost perfect response to the color scheme,
red-stop and green-go. Implementing technology from America to a country where
neither the color red nor green brought about a programmed response could prove
ineffective at best and disastrous at worst. What if these controls were part of a
nuclear facility and in the event of an emergency, the operator was unable to
determine which stimuli required a certain action? Examining such a transfer from an
ergonomics perspective would likely highlight such mismatches.
In fact, leading scholars and practitioners in both ICs and IDCs have stressed the
importance of ergonomics in the successful transfer of technology (Human Factors
Society, 1987).
Future work with ergonomics
The International Ergonomics Association (IEA), formed in 1959, aims to promote the
knowledge and practice of ergonomics by initiating and supporting international
activities and cooperation (IEA, 2001). As such, the IEA is the federation of ergonomics
and human factors societies around the world. As of June, 2000, the IEA included 35
federated societies. These represent a broad geographic and cultural area including
the ergonomics societies from the countries of China, Yugoslavia, Croatia, India, Brazil,
Russia, and Turkey.
Increased awareness of and activities related to ergonomics in these countries will
surely benefit their continued growth.
REFERENCES:
Human Factors Society, 1987. Human Factors Society Bulletin, 30, 12, p.11
IEA: http://www.iea.cc. 2001
Lanza, G.R., 1985. Blind Technology Transfer: the Bhopal Example. Environment
Science and Technology. Vol. 19., 7, pp.581-582.
Shahnavaz, H. Technology Transfer and Ergonomics. Center for Ergonomics of
Developing Countries, CEDC. Lulea University, Lulea, Sweden.
-- R. Michael
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© 2003, Ergoweb, Inc. All rights reserved.
Ergoweb, Inc. authorizes you to print this page for personal, non-commercial use only, and this
copyright statement must remain a part of the printed copy. The printed document may not be
reproduced or distributed in any form without the express written consent of Ergoweb, Inc.
The electronic version of this document can be accessed on the world wide web at
http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=349.
Page 3 of 3
01/11/2003 9:27 PM
The Rapid Emergence of Ergonomics
January 15, 2001
The word ergonomics is experiencing an explosion of
usage. From computer accessories
accessories to garden tools,
the latest marketing buzzword is capturing
audiences like never before. And
And it’s only just
beginning. Companies and consumers are
responding to ergonomic products and services in
exponential numbers. A prosperous society,
Sponsor
educated consumers, government standards, and
the Internet are thrusting the science of ergonomics into the limelight.
But why now? According to Dr. Peter Budnick, a professional ergonomist and CEO of
ErgoWeb, ergonomics is here to stay primarily because of societal changes. “In
today’s world, we’re living longer, we’re better educated and we expect more out of
life. We take better care of ourselves; nobody wants to be crippled when we’re older.
A prosperous society has given us choices. The best way to have a safe, productive
workplace is to have a prosperous, educated society.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 1.8 million
workers suffer from ergonomics injuries each year, and that businesses spend up to
$60 billion annually on workers’ compensation related to musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs).
The three primary risk factors that contribute to MSDs, explains Budnick, are posture,
force and repetition. “One of these, or a combination of two or all of them- is at the
root of most problems in the workplace, whether it’s health, production, or quality.”
Luckily, ergonomics is becoming an easier sell. Study after study concludes that a
properly implemented ergonomics program can reduce workers’ compensation costs,
absenteeism and turnover while increasing production efficiency, product quality and
worker morale. It’s a competitive business strategy that is separating the early
adaptors from the pessimistic proponents of “the way things were.”
“Companies that institute a comprehensive, multi-faceted ergonomics program can
expect to see dramatic results within a few years,” claims Budnick. “It demands
attention at many levels of a company, but it pays off handsomely.”
The reduction in medical costs alone can bring significant savings to a company.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care costs for companies have
increased 2.5 times faster than any other benefit cost. Considering that just one MSD
costs a company an average of $22,500, prevention can be quickly justified. OSHA
reports that $1 dollar out of every $3 dollars of workers’ compensation costs are
currently spent on work-related MSDs. A General Accounting Office 1997 study
concluded that sound ergonomics programs reduce company MSD compensation costs
by as much as 36-91 percent.
But it’s still the bottom-line that influences most decision makers. In a national survey
of human resource managers, those companies with an ergonomics program created
it primarily to prevent injuries (56%). Other reasons include responding to injuries on
the job (33%) and lowering insurance premiums (11%).
Another driving factor in ergonomics popularity is government regulation. The OSH Act
of 1970 was created to assure safe and healthy working conditions by authorizing
enforcement of the standards developed under the Act. The Secretary of Labor may
promulgate (put into law) any new occupational safety or health standard by following
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01/11/2003 9:27 PM
long procedural and political steps. In November, OSHA issued an Ergonomics Program
Standand that will protect approximately 27.3 employees from musculoskeletal
disorders.
Also under the OSH Act, states are able to pass their own regulations to protect
workers. Currently three states, California, North Carolina and Washington, have
taken advantage of this and passed their own ergonomics standards. Washington
and California are initially focusing on education and implementation rather than
enforcement and citations. North Carolina’s ergonomics standard is identical to OSHA’s
Ergonomic Program Standard.
With the advent of the Internet, the education and implementation component is
easier than ever. The Internet has given the world information that was never
available in the past. Budnick recalls, “We learned early on that there was a thirst for
this kind of information. When we launched our site back in 1994, our users craved
knowledge. We responded by providing case studies, reference materials, discussion
groups and news information. Our worldwide audience continues to share their
personal struggles and success stories in an effort to educate and help one another.”
“It’s exciting to be working in the field of ergonomics right now,” comments Budnick.
“The days of blind opposition to ergonomics are over. It is now accepted as a true
science that improves the lives of our workers while increasing productivity and
quality. Ergonomics is a business strategy that is a win for everyone.”
-- Joan Guetschow
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01/11/2003 8:29 PM
Does Ergonomics Make Business Sense?
February 18, 2002
The answer is that ergonomics can make good,
strategic business sense, but the effort must be
deployed correctly. Ergonomics initiatives have been
credited with saving companies from
from $2
$2 million
million per
year in workers compensation costs (AlliedSignal,
(AlliedSignal,
1999 Applied Ergonomics Conference) to $1.2 million
per year in reduced product build costs (Lucent
Sponsor
Technologies, 2001 Applied Ergonomics Conference).
The flip side to this is that hundreds of ergonomics initiatives do not achieve any
measurable results. Many initiatives incur readily apparent costs, such as those for
ineffective training, expensive solutions that don't solve the facility's problem, and
wasted time in committee meetings with little progress, while concrete results have
yet to materialize.
For ergonomics to make business sense, it must be deployed as a business initiative.
A few characteristics that can be applied to any successful business improvement plan
are:
A logical sequence of plan-do-check-act that non-technical managers can
understand. By aligning your ergonomics activities with the PDCA continuous
improvement cycle, you will ensure that your efforts are targeted at the highest
priority concerns and that solutions adequately address identified problems.
Effective methods for evaluating potential problems and solutions which yield
clear priorities. Most ergonomics improvement initiatives invest a great deal of
time in job analysis, yet many analysis techniques are flawed - they either require
too much time or don't provide sufficient detail to pinpoint the problem.
Continuous attention to the improvement of the existing environment and an
upstream focus on new product/process introductions. An ergonomics initiative
that only addresses the current workplace misses the opportunity for low-cost,
high-impact improvements to next year's workplace. Yet, a sole focus on the
future will leave many immediate improvement opportunities unrealized and
potentially put workers at risk of injury.
Swift implementation of changes only when everyone agrees that the benefit will
be greater than the cost (financially and otherwise). Well-conceived ergonomics
improvements often enhance quality and productivity. Capturing the dollar value
associated with these will turbocharge your ergonomics program.
These points will be explored in further detail as a four-part series in The Ergonomics
Report™, ErgoWeb's 12-page monthly newsletter available at Ergonomics Report.
Mike Wynn, CPE
Vice President
Humantech, Inc.
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01/11/2003 8:09 PM
OSHA Agreement Affects Small Business
Business Ergonomics
December 2, 2002
On November 21, OSHA and the Small Business
Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding to
help small businesses reduce ergonomics hazards
through education, information, and training.
According to an OSHA press
press release
release marking the
and SBA will
event, as part of the agreement, “OSHA and
establish an information sharing process to
Sponsor
information to small
distribute ergonomics program information
businesses. The partners also will create a referral procedure to submit small business
input on industry and task-specific ergonomics guidelines.”
Memorandums of Understanding are the government agency equivalent of private
industry Alliances also created by OSHA. In this specific Memorandum of
Understanding, the first one seemingly created to address Ergonomics in particular,
the Small Business Alliance is agreeing to distribute information and resources
regarding ergonomics and take input from small businesses regarding ergonomics
considerations. OSHA’s part in the process includes encouraging small businesses, of
which there are currently in excess of 25 million in the U.S., to access ergonomics
information, and help create an ergonomics information sharing process for small
businesses. OSHA also created the press release to accompany the signing event.
Up to three-quarters of all new jobs generated in the United States in any given year
are attributed to small businesses which can be as small as one-person sole
proprietorships or as large as 500 employees. Any employee or employer falling into
the small business category in the U.S. could be affected by this Memorandum of
Understanding and any potential voluntary guidelines for small business ergonomics it
generates.
Editor’s note: November’s Ergonomics Report, a 12-page monthly newsletter produced
by Ergoweb Inc., addressed the issue of OSHA and Alliances in greater detail. Follow
this link to inquire about a free trial issue of The Ergonomics Report.
Sources: OSHA, SBA
-- Jeanie Croasmun
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01/11/2003 8:49 PM
Relating Productivity to Ergonomics
October 9, 2001
Many companies have heard about the cost savings
associated with preventing musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) in the work place. The savings
these companies have most likely heard about have
been focused on reduced workers' compensation
claims, lower insurance premiums, less employee
turnover, and possibly avoiding regulatory fines.
Sponsor
What some companies haven't heard is that
improving ergonomics almost always can improve a company's productivity.
Any ergonomics intervention must be viewed in light of its effect on productivity, and
the best ergonomics solutions will often improve productivity. Simply put, reducing
unnecessary or awkward postures and exertions almost necessarily reduces the time
it takes to complete a given task, thus improving productivity.
Body motions, visibility, workload, and other important ergonomic parameters will also
affect the quality of work, and the quality of work product. When a task is matched
with the ability of the people that will perform it, they will make fewer errors and
produce less waste. Ergonomic design considerations have also been shown to
influence employee recruitment and retention. The following table shows examples of
successful performance approaches.
Company
Intervention
Results
Applied Materials (supplier to
the silicon chip industry)
Properly designed and tested
casters for manually moving
7,000 lb. clean room
manufacturing equipment
400% increase in productivity,
in terms of man hours,
reduced potential for
workmanship errors
Applied Materials (supplier to
the silicon chip industry)
Researched and selected a
better torque hand driver tool
50% increase in productivity
Telecommunications plant
Ergonomic redesign of four
workstations
Increased production, reduced
data entry error rates and
improved job satisfaction
Fast Food provider
Redesign of workstation to
include anthropometric
dimension of worker
A 20% increase in productivity
Steel Company
Ergonomic redesign of an
observation pit
Save over $150,000 in 1 year
through reduced waste and
higher productivity
Toy Manufacturing Plant
Product design change
A savings of $0.11 per part
When calculating ergonomics into equations at your workplace, don't forget to look at
possible productivity gains. This may be just the information needed to convince a
manager or team member that good ergonomics is definitely what you're looking for.
An excerpt from Ergoweb's Applied Workplace Ergonomics Manual.
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 8:49 PM
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Ergonomics Increases Employee Satisfaction
June 1, 2000
With the unemployment rate at a 30-year low, the
American workplace is struggling with employee
retention and satisfaction. The layoffs in the 1980’s
and early 1990’s destroyed the tradition of loyalty
and replaced it with a culture of job-hopping and
negotiating. As people search for new positions,
they are valuing and demanding that employers
provide a safe, healthy and comfortable working
environment. Ergonomics is quickly factoring into that equation.
Sponsor
In a U.S. Health and Human Services survey this year, 95% of U.S. companies with
more than 50 employees said they have taken action to improve workers’ health, up
from 81% in 1992. Consider that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by
ergonomic hazards are the biggest safety and health problem in the workplace today,
accounting for nearly one-third of all serious job-related injuries, and you see why
companies are embracing ergonomics more than ever before.
“I enjoy coming to work in the morning because I know that it will be a comfortable
experience. Knowing that the company cares about me certainly makes me more
willing and able to put in the extra effort,” states Ryan Jeppeson, a sales associate
whose workstation was configured by an ergonomist.
This attitude is backed up by a recent ergonomics case study where beverage delivery
workers were ranked in the top five for severity of injuries on the job. After an
ergonomic solution was implemented, there was a reduction in the injury and illness
rate, improved physical and psychological comfort and increased employee
satisfaction.
The employer who looks after employee’s well-being stands a higher chance of
retaining a good employee. A Gallop organization study shows that most workers rate
having a caring boss even higher than they value money or fringe benefits. A healthy
dose of gratitude can go a long way according to Coors. They introduced stretch
breaks, hired ergonomics experts to redesign machines and built on-site gyms and
health clinics.
“Everyone wants to be productive and perform well. Proper ergonomic solutions
increase productivity and quality of work or product,” comments President and CEO of
ErgoWeb, Dr. Peter Budnick.
Not only is it good for employee moral, it’s good for the bottom line as a result of
employee retention, lower numbers of injuries, insurance costs, lost work days and
improvements in employee comfort. This kinder and gentler approach to management
is proving to be the competitive edge companies need in order to attract new
employees and gain a few more productive years out of their workforce.
-- Joan Guetschow
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Page 2 of 2
01/11/2003 9:09 PM
The Office Workstation at Home
May 7, 2001
Have a home office? You are not alone. More and
more people are finding the convenience of a home
office a must. It is used for keeping
keeping up
up with friends
and family, organizing personal finance, and for
occupational work.
What many don’t know is that home offices can
Sponsor
present some of
of the
the same
same risk factors for the
development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as your company office.
Home offices do have many benefits. You are more able to control your speed of work,
when you can take breaks, and duration of any one task. You may not suffer from
extra stress related to personal relations at work, or you may not be exposed to as
much noise.
While there are all good things associated with the home office, there are also some
negative trends. The computer workstation is one of the top concerns. Many people
use a coffee table, the kitchen counter or other objects to serve as the workstation.
The problem with this is that these surfaces were not designed to be used with a
computer making the user more likely to assume awkward postures while working. A
common chair for these home workstations is the old dining set chair that you only pull
out when grandma comes for dinner. Again this chair was not designed for computer
use. It is not adjustable and does not provide the support needed for extended
periods of sitting.
If the computer workstation also doubles as the kids game/homework station, a
proper fit is even more important. If it is not possible for the child to get their own
workstation designed with their dimensions, some extra adjustments should be made.
Pillows or phone books or whatever will help raise the child will reduce the amount of
reach they have in their arms. Workstations for children are available on the market
and can be found at www.ergobuyer.com.
Some also manufacture keyboards and other input devices specifically for children’s
hand sizes.
The following report released by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association
(AFMA) also has some tips for your home office. For more information about this, visit
the AFMA.
AFMA Report
Nearly one-third of American households have a home office, according to a
study conducted by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association
(AFMA). Whether it's located in the den, a spare bedroom or even exists as
part of another room, such as the kitchen or master bedroom, the home
office has become an important part of our culture today, and its popularity
and prevalence are only expected to increase. Fueled largely by trends in
technology and telecommuting (nearly half of all U.S. households now have a
personal computer), the home office is clearly here to stay.
"Consumers don't have to worry that home office furniture is cold or
commercial in its look, or that one size fits all," says Jackie Hirschhaut, AFMA
vice president. "The wide variety of home office furniture and accessories
available today can reflect your lifestyle and personality, and even
complement other rooms in your home."
Page 1 of 3
01/11/2003 9:09 PM
Making Room for Work and Play
According to the AFMA survey, of those with home offices, nearly 40 percent
use their office primarily for entertainment, to surf the Internet, send e-mail
or shop; 30 percent use it for work; and 22 percent use it to organize their
home and pay bills. In addition, 55 percent of those surveyed spend more
than five hours per week in their home office.
Considering the extensive variety of everyday uses for a home office, it's
difficult to understand why some consumers deny themselves a home office.
"People may not recognize when they're ready for a home office and may
not realize how home office space can provide so many benefits – whether
it's a room of its own or a part of another room," Hirschhaut says. "And there
are so many furnishings options in all price ranges so anyone can – and
should – enjoy office space wherever it works best in their house."
Indeed, nearly half of today's home offices currently share space with
another room. The master bedroom pulls double duty most often, followed
closely by the family room. "People can still pay bills, send e-mail or work in
the family room if that's the most convenient place for them," says
Hirschhaut. "They don't have to use the coffee table as a workstation
anymore."
Put the "Fun" in Functionality
According to the AFMA survey, the desk was named the most practical piece
of home office furniture. On consumer wish lists for home office furniture, the
chair ranked highest. "Considering the popularity of ergonomics as well as
the unlimited number of colors and designs available, this is no surprise,"
Hirschhaut says. "There is so much more variety than there was 10 years
ago. Why settle for your father's office chair?"
In addition to the variety of chairs, today's workstations, desks, filing
cabinets and lamps come in all shapes and sizes. "Consumers have many
more options today. For those just starting a home office or even for those
looking to add versatility to their current space, just start with a desk and
add on pieces that you need," says Hirschhaut.
All the Comforts of Home
Home offices offered by manufacturers can meet the needs and
specifications of every individual or business. The common thread is that
they can be personalized to reflect the needs of families or individuals who
use them, as well as create an atmosphere that is both functional and
fashionable. "One person might prefer a more elegant or traditional
workstation, while another may want today's high tech colors and sleek
designs. Fortunately, there is a piece that suits every taste and style," says
Hirschhaut.
"Just like any other room in your home, your home office should reflect who
you are, what you like and what's comfortable for you," Hirschhaut
concluded.
Quiz: Are You Ready for a Home Office?
Do the bills in your household pile up on the counter? Does your kitchen
table double as a computer desk? Take this quiz to determine if you're a
candidate for a home office.
Does your home computer make its home on your kitchen table?
Do your dresser drawers double as your filing cabinet?
Would you or your children benefit from an organized, well-lit
workspace?
Do you have some unused space in your home that could serve a more
functional purpose?
Page 2 of 3
01/11/2003 9:09 PM
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be ready for a
home office.
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-- R. Michael M.Sc., AEP
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01/11/2003 8:24 PM
Using Checklists to Evaluate Risk Factors
May 8, 2002
As Ergoweb reported in "MSD Risk Factors Cost Even
Before They Injure" (Ergonomics Today™ May 3,
musculoskeletal
2002), recognizing risk factors for musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) like force, awkward posture,
posture, and
repetition can be a cost saving endeavor for
companies.
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But how do you identify and document the presence
of risk factors? One way to start is through the use of checklists. For example, risk
factors can be listed in a checklist format and identified as existing in a workplace with
a Yes or No response. Expanded checklists may include additional information, such as
an estimate of force or body angles, but usually the purpose of a checklist is to quickly
and non-intrusively record job information during a facility walk-through.
Checklists are typically very qualitative in nature. That is, they will not provide
quantitative risk assessment, but rather will document the existence of particular risk
factors. Where more detailed risk assesment is desired, the evaluator should utilize
job/task analysis methods that provide more detail and are more quantitative in
nature (e.g., NIOSH Lifting Equation, biomechanical modeling, RULA, Strain Index,
etc.).
Checklists can be useful as a first pass snapshot of potential risk in a job or task. For
example, a risk factor checklist might include questions like:
Are there awkward postures?
Is there static muscular work?
Are there repetitive motions at a high rate?
Are there heavy tools/parts that must be handled?
A "Yes" answer to a question does not mean that there is high risk of injury/illness,
rather, the analyst's attention is drawn to that feature of the job/task for further
review.
Risk factor checklists have certain advantages, including:
They
They
They
They
can be tailored to a specific workplace, job, or task type.
can be used to identify higher priority jobs in terms of ergonomics concerns.
are usually fast, simple to administer, and easy to understand.
usually don't require special equipment or tools.
Risk factor checklists also have some disadvantages. Not having a comprehensive
understanding of ergonomics, it may be easy to oversimplify a task or operation
believing that a "simple checklist" will identify and control areas of concern. In fact,
quite the opposite is true. A checklist will not comprehensively evaluate a work area,
and usually provide little assistance in controlling identified concerns. These tasks are
still the responsibility of the evaluator or ergonomist. A checklist can, however, aid the
evaluator by helping to identify and prioritize tasks that may need further analysis or
interventions.
This article is partially excerpted from Ergoweb's Workplace Ergonomics Manual.
-- R. Michael and Peter Budnick
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Page 2 of 2
01/11/2003 7:56 PM
Ergonomics and the Telecommuter
June 18, 2003
Over 28 million Americans went to
to work
work today
without ever leaving their homes, courtesy of
telecommuting. And each day, that number is
increasing as employers are warming up to the idea
that employees actually can work from home.
In a 2002 survey, AT&T, a vast proponent
proponent of
Sponsor
teleworking, was found to be saving an estimated
$25 million each year on office space in addition to over $65 million annually in
improved productivity thanks to its home-based workers.
But as the
ergonomic
with guest
someone’s
number of teleworkers increases, the question that arises is how
is the home environment? Desks crammed into corners, sharing spaces
rooms, laptop computers on dining tables and chairs hauled down from
attic can all compromise home office ergonomics.
At one point, OSHA tried to intervene. In late 1999, the agency issued an advisory
letter regarding telecommuters that suggested employers be responsible for
ergonomics at their workers’ in-home offices. The recommendations included periodic
inspections by employers, a concept that didn’t bode well with either employer or
employee. Subsequently, the letter was withdrawn and telecommuters were given
back the responsibility of making their homes ergonomically sound business
environments. With offices that double as kitchens and basements, that’s no easy
feat.
“The biggest challenge is the space available for a home office,” says home office
furniture designer Jack Kelly. “The scale of the furniture is very important. I’ve talked
to interior designers who have converted living rooms into home offices. Also, shared
spaces are another consideration,” Kelley says. People have to be able to live in their
houses, says Kelley and very few people purchase a house with the notion that they
may need to secure an extra bedroom for their employer. Plus, ergonomics are rarely
at the top of the manufacturers’ to-do lists.
It’s not just the manufacturer, however, who takes the blame for the somewhat
compromised ergonomic conditions of the home-based office. Employees tend to look
for a couple of things, says Kelley; they either want inexpensive furnishings which
could mean hand-me-downs from other parts of the home or they want styles that
blend in with their decor – something that traditional office furniture has never been
good at.
Some employers take the matter of ergonomics into their own hands. At Allina Metro
Hospitals in Minnesota, for example, over 50 percent of the transcriptionists
telecommute. According to Allina representative Barbara Lietz, the telecommuting
program, which was started over 11 years ago, includes an on-site in-home
evaluation. Plus, all telecommuters are provided an ergonomic chair and a computer
and resource materials. “We are concerned for the well-being of our employees . . .
medical transcription is a sedentary job and it is essential to implement ergonomic
accommodations,” says Lietz. But not all employers take the extra steps to ensure
that telecommuting employees’ workspaces are ergonomically sound.
Designer Kelley sees hope on the horizon for the ergonomics of telecommuting, noting
design trends that incorporate appropriate lighting conditions into the furniture, office
furnishings that are being scaled down to fit the home environment, and concepts like
workstation armoires that function well as workstations when open but have the
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 7:56 PM
appearance of a well-designed hutch when closed. Kelley, who has been designing
office furniture for decades, is also seeing more homes built with dedicated office
spaces, indicating that the cramped multi-purpose room could eventually become a
thing of the past. For the estimated 28 million Americans who never left their home
today but still managed to punch the time clock, that all sounds like good ergonomic
news.
Editor’s Note: For more information on setting up a home office with ergonomics in
mind, see the June 2003 issue of The Ergonomics Report.
Source:Data courtesy of International Telework Association and Council
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-- Jeanie Croasmun
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01/11/2003 7:37 PM
Improved Productivity Doesn't Have to Equal Increased Stress
September 10, 2003
With recent productivity jumps indicating that
American businesses
businesses are
are getting
getting more bang for their
employee buck, it seems like the picture being
painted by last quarter’s 6.8 percent productivity
increase would be a bright one. But more often than
not in the recent weeks, those positive productivity
improvements were turned into negatives: employee
stress, job burnout, overworked workers.
Sponsor
A report earlier this month on MSNBC noted that Americans are reaching high workrelated stress levels. The reason? Layoffs, pay cuts and cut-short vacation time means
those employees who remain at a company have to pick up the slack of those who are
gone. And Ronald Downey, Kansas State University Professor of Industrial and
Occupational Therapy, concurred, telling MSNBC, “As the workforce has shrunk, people
are overloaded and stress is the result. If the stress keeps on unending, then they’re
in trouble.”
By trouble, Downey was referring to employees who take on more job responsibilities
while losing control over work, racking up long work hours and trading in more of their
free-time for work time. Stress, it has been found, can lead to physical health
problems as well including an increased risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs). According to the MSNBC report, the American Psychological Association
estimates that absences due to psychological problems cost the workplace over $57
billion annually and health care costs are nearly 50 percent higher for workers
reporting high levels of stress.
But productivity doesn’t have to mean more stress on workers. By applying some
basic ergonomics principals, workers can be more productive without being more
stressed.
It simply comes down to understanding how people work and designing the
workplace to best match those characteristics with business objectives. Is it easier to
move a box from a shelf to a platform and back to a different shelf when packing it or
could the entire process be done in one location? Is it faster for an attorney to dictate
a letter that the assistant then listens to and retypes, edits and proofreads or could
voice recognition software replace the dictation step?
Saving steps and increasing productivity and quality have long been goals of
ergonomics, and these business goals should remain as valuable by-products when
ergonomics is applied with a safety and health focus. As businesses look for new
ways of solving the problems associated with workforce stress, ergonomics’
productivity-enhancing abilities and its positive impact on a business’ bottom line
should be primary reasons to initiate ergonomic improvements.
Contact Ergoweb Inc. to learn more about how we can help your company improve its
bottom line.
Sources: Ergoweb Inc., MSNBC.com, ABCNews.com
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-- Jeanie Croasmun
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One-stop Solutions for Profitability, Productivity and Safety
November 6, 2002
ergonomics can
Want to know more about how ergonomics
affect the company’s bottom line? Or how replacing a
simple hand tool can impact worker performance?
It’s all in Vegas at the 2002 National Ergonomics
Conference and Exposition (NECE) 2002 where
everything from basic office and industrial
ergonomics to specifics regarding
regarding product designs or
the economics of ergonomics will be presented
presented to
attendees of the annual event.
Sponsor
Featuring a host of experts in the ergonomics field, including Dr. Peter Budnick, C.P.E.,
President and CEO of Ergoweb Inc., the conference will offer solutions, suggestions
and examples of what’s working today and what’s on the horizon for companies and
their relationship with ergonomics.
Overall, more than a thousand professionals are expected to attend the 2002 NECE in
Las Vegas, Nevada, December 9-12. Billed as the premier event for ergonomics,
continuing education, and cutting edge solutions and technologies, the conference will
feature over 50 sessions, keynote addresses and case studies from companies
including Verizon, UPS, Toyota and United Technologies Corporation. Other featured
topics including new approaches to maximizing an ergonomics budget and improving
company profitability, plus an exhibition hall of new ideas and products, all aimed at
helping companies improve productivity, safety and the bottom line.
For eight years, the NECE has offered the ergonomics community's an opportunity to
see, touch and compare advances in materials handling devices, hand tools, office
furniture, software, input devices and much more. In all, more than 100 exhibitors will
participate in the exposition.
According to Walter Charnizon, President of Continental Exhibitions, Inc., which owns
and operates the show, "the 2002 NECE is on track to be the largest yet, with
registrations outpacing any previous year and with more ergonomics solutions than
have ever been assembled in one place.” One reason for the popularity of this event
is ergonomics' unmatched effectiveness for improving productivity and health and
safety. "In this tight economy, companies are looking for effective ways to improve
productivity and reduce costs, while at the same time protecting their workforce –
their most valuable asset,” said Charnizon.
The NECE covers trends in ergonomics, from child safety to an aging workforce, as well
as new approaches and technologies for business. In addition to course offerings in
five tracks of programming, three keynote speakers will address NECE attendees
including Verizon executive Jack D'Angelo discussing Ergonomics, the Board Room and
the Bottom Line, OSHA’s John Henshaw discussing OSHA’s current approach to
ergonomics, and finally a presentation on UPS’s ergonomics’ program and its impact
on injury reduction, employee efficiency and comfort.
Dr. Budnick’s sessions will include a wide range of ergonomics-related topics, including
Product and Process Design to Benefit the Manufacturer and End Use, and Integrating
Ergonomics into Corporate Success. Budnick will also act as moderator for the sessions
Gaining Management Buy-In for Your Ergonomics Program, and Ergonomics Regulations
and the Impact on Business. Additionally, Budnick will host an informal luncheon-table
discussion on Evaluating the Design of Ergonomics Products.
For more information on the NECE conference program and to register, visit
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01/11/2003 8:53 PM
www.ergoexpo.com .
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-- from NECE
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01/11/2003 9:35 PM
Side-Effects from Sitting
August 7, 2000
Sitting is a posture we have taken to new levels
since the Industrial Revolution. Never in history have
so many people sat still
still in
in aa chair
chair for such long
periods of time. And companies are cashing in on
chairs designed to tolerate even the toughest whitecollar worker. A good
good chair
chair is one solution, but
learning how long to sit in it is another.
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Between 75-85 percent of all people will experience some type of back pain at some
point in their lives according to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. In
fact, more people see doctors for back pain that any other ailment except coughs. The
Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that back pain accounts for more than 40% of all
occupational injuries in the U.S. that results in days away from work.
Most back pain can be associated with bad posture, sitting in the wrong type of office
chair, sleeping in a bed without good support, lifting incorrectly or the weekend
softball game. Whatever the cause, prevention is the key and the earlier the better.
Ergonomic chairs for children is a market that is just beginning to take off as people
become educated in this field.
A recent article in the Tampa Tribune interviewed Dr. Jay Brand who works for
Haworth, a large office-furniture supplier. He summarized the sitting process as
follows:
1. Within 8-10 minutes of sitting, gravity starts pushing the ischial tuberosities
through their overlying tissues closing the surrounding capillaries.
2. Prostaglandin E2, a central nervous system depressant, is released into the
bloodstream.
3. Fatigue sets in affecting performance and productivity.
Perhaps George Costanza from “Seinfeld” is onto something when he climbs under his
desk for the afternoon snoozes. An article in msnbc.com had a statistic from a
chiropractor showing there’s approximately 25 percent more pressure on your spine
when you’re sitting than when you’re lying down.
So once you’ve purchased an ergonomic chair, remember to stand up, stretch, take a
walk or do whatever it takes to get that pesty prostaglandin E2 out of your
bloodstream. This might be just the excuse you need to justify more frequent office
breaks.
-- Joan Guetschow
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Page 2 of 2
01/11/2003 7:41 PM
Can Ergonomics Fix Back Pain?
September 1, 2003
It’s a fact – with or without ergonomics, 80 percent
of all workers will still face some sort of low back
pain at some point in their lives. So does that make
ergonomics a futile effort in the fight against back
pain? According to Stover Snook, Ph.D., CPE, in an
interview for The Ergonomics Report™, not at all, but
it is time to refocus ergonomics to work with back
pain rather than just trying to prevent it.
Sponsor
His idea is nothing new; Snook, a lecturer in Ergonomics in the Department of
Environmental Health at the Harvard School of Public Health and a modern pioneer in
ergonomics, first addressed the subject of ergonomics as a management tool for back
pain rather than a preventive measure back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He
noticed that the epidemiological data was indicating that regardless of intervention,
low back pain would still exist.
And today, it’s no different. For most people, low back pain is just a part of aging and
genetics, says Snook. Presently, back pain is the number two reason for missed days
in the workforce, second only to the common cold. But even with the knowledge that
the workforce is aging and that back pain accompanies the aging body, workplaces
are still seemingly hesitant to refocus jobs to accept this fact.
“It gets down to an old ergonomics principal,” Snook said, indicating that jobs should
be designed for the worker. “Yet we continue to design jobs for young strong people.
The job doesn’t change throughout the years but the person does. We have to begin
designing for older people.”
To learn more about Snook’s opinions, and to gain practical guidance for workplace
material handling, see the September, 2003 issue of The Ergonomics Report™.
-- Jeanie Croasmun
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How Ergonomics Helped Arthritis
December 4, 2002
Tuesday’s Arthritis Society of Quebec
Quebec fundraiser
treated the attendees to a special activity – a
demonstration on how an ergonomic work station
helps arthritis patients.
The goal of the demonstration, part of the annual
fundraising campaign launch for the Society, was to
show attendees and media
media representatives
representatives how
basic ergonomics can help an arthritis sufferer in the workplace.
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For the demonstration, the Society brought in a local arthritis patient whose employer
had recently successfully assisted her by creating an ergonomics workstation to
accommodate her arthritis. A sample workstation, like the one the employee uses,
was set up, and attendees were instructed on the modifications and how these help
an employee with arthritis.
“The event was wonderful,” said Line Vermette, Communications Director for the
Arthritis Society of Quebec. “People were really excited about the activity.” Over 60
people attended the function, taking part in activities including viewing the ergonomic
workstation and experimenting with exercises for working arthritis patients.
“Ergonomics are really important to help people living with arthritis [succeed in their
jobs],” said Vermette. She also noted that a Canadian study being led by scientist
Monique Gignac, Ph.D. on arthritis and the workplace is currently underway. The first
results of the study have been used to create printed material and instructions
regarding ergonomics and arthritis.
Currently, the society estimates that more than four million people in Canada have
arthritis, with the majority being between the ages of 20 and 64. Preliminary findings
from Gignac’s study indicate that thirty percent of the participants have to rearrange
tasks, give up breaks, and rest during lunch in order to complete their work. Others in
the survey stated that they could be missing out on further career opportunities
because they could not take on new projects or responsibilities due to their arthritis.
-- Jeanie Croasmun
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01/11/2003 9:01 PM
Is An “Ergonomic Chair” Enough?
July 10, 2001
A golden rule in ergonomics is “one
“one size
size does not fit
all,” and adjustability is a key feature that can
transform a typical chair into an “ergonomic chair.”
But, as many companies have learned the hard way,
an adjustable chair is not always enough.
Successful ergonomics requires a systems approach.
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An office chair is one component in the office system,
and the person that sits in it is another. The stapler, telephone, computer, mouse,
keyboard, desk, and other work tools are additional components in the system. How
the person interacts with those components as he or she performs required work
tasks is yet another part of the overall system. Selecting a chair without considering
the rest of the system components and work tasks usually leads to a misfit and may
introduce new, unforeseen problems into a workstation.
In order to fit the broad working population, a computer workstation must have
multiple component adjustments, not just chair adjustments. If the chair is the only
easily adjustable feature, most people will not be able to achieve their most efficient,
productive, safe and comfortable working postures. This problem is not always
obvious to the casual observer, and it therefore persists in many companies.
Anthropometry, the measurement and study of human body dimensions like height,
weight, reach lengths, and eye heights, is one of the most important data sets
applied by ergonomists working to fit people with their physical environment. It’s easy
to see that people vary in height and weight, but it’s less obvious that we also vary in
many other dimensions, such as leg and trunk lengths. For instance, some races have
proportionally longer legs than other races, and even within the same race, specific
body dimensions vary substantially from person to person.
To illustrate, imagine two women of the same height, standing side-by-side. We
measure the hip height, which corresponds to leg length, and find that one has legs
three inches longer than the other. Next, we measure seated knee height (popliteal
height, as the dimension is technically called), and we find yet another difference
between them. Finally, we ask each woman to sit in a chair and adjust the chair
height so that each may comfortably rest her feet flat on the floor (shoe height
introduces yet another variation). Even though they are the same standing height,
we’ll find that the seated height may differ substantially, because their leg and their
torso lengths are different. Important dimensions like seated eye and elbow heights
will also be different, which means each will have different height requirements for
their keyboards, mice, and monitors.
Contrary to claims otherwise, there is no perfect way to sit, nor is there a perfect way
to arrange all workstations, even if the same job is being performed at each. Natural
variability in people dictates that the system must be flexible in order to meet the
unique needs and dimensions of all the different people that may interact with the
system. An adjustable chair provides some of that flexibility, but not enough to
accommodate the full, multifactorial spectrum of anthropometric variations. Simply put,
the location of the computer keyboard and mouse need adjusting independent of the
chair, as may the monitor.
The extent to which a system should be adjustable depends upon the nature and
diversity of tasks to be performed at the workstation, and whether one individual
person or a population of workers is being fitted to the system. If only one person will
use the workstation, a one-time set-up and custom adjustment may suffice. If the
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01/11/2003 9:01 PM
workstation will be used by different people (e.g., shift work), a system that can be
easily adjusted by each worker is recommended. Even without shift work, employee
promotions, transfers, and turnover will result in different people using the same
system, and adjustment will still be needed, just at a lower frequency.
There are several common and relatively inexpensive workstation components
designed to accommodate variations in size and preference: footrests, keyboard and
mouse platforms, and monitor arms or risers. When work surface or monitor heights
are “too high,” a person may benefit from a footrest, allowing her to raise her seat,
yet still be able to comfortably rest her feet. When desk height, and therefore the
keyboard and mouse that rest on it, is “too high” or “too low,” an adjustable
keyboard and mouse platform may help. And when the monitor height is “too high” or
“too low,” monitor adjustments may help. Each of these accommodations have
strengths and weaknesses.
Footrests: Relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Drawbacks include the
potential for clutter under a desk, or even a tripping hazard, and may restrict
freedom to move and achieve desirable dynamic postures throughout a workday.
On the other hand, a footrest is a simple way to accommodate smaller people in
particular, who often have difficulty keeping comfortable leg postures. If a
footrest is selected, adjustable height and angle are recommended.
Keyboard and mouse trays: These are available in a variety of shapes and sizes,
and with a variety of adjustments. To be effective, the tray must be large enough
to accommodate both the keyboard (and palm rest if desired) and the mouse,
side-by-side, and on the same level. Easy height adjustment and positive and
negative tilt are recommended so that the user can reduce wrist deviations in a
comfortable arm posture. There are drawbacks with such platforms. For example,
they usually extend out from under the desk surface, pushing the worker further
away from the work surface, and they can present an obstruction under the
desk, sometimes hindering leg access and movement and interfering with chair
arms. Quality is important when selecting these devices; be sure that the person
can type and operate the mouse with stability (i.e., avoid “flimsy” models).
Monitor arms and risers: Monitor heights can be raised cheaply by using such
things as old phone books. If a more tasteful solution is deired, there are a
variety of monitor raising products on the market, including stackable trays or
adjustable arms. Lowering a monitor is limited by the work surface height and
monitor design, unless a recessed monitor desk is selected.
Ergonomists often feel that these types of accommodations are at best a retrofit to a
system with deeper problems. Ultimately, the best solution is to provide an easily
adjustable work surface, not just adjustable add-ons. In fact, work surfaces that
adjust through a height range from seated work to standing work are no longer
uncommon. Such systems allow workers to adjust to different heights for different
tasks, or to make postural adjustments for comfort and fatigue over the course of the
workday.
In many cases, cost is the deciding factor when selecting between add-ons or fully
adjustable work surfaces. However, more manufacturers are offering fully adjustable
systems or work surface adjustment retrofits, and competition is driving prices down.
Furthermore, a larger upfront investment can result in significant future savings.
To learn more about adjustable products for office systems, visit the Ergobuyer®
buyers guide system at http://ergoweb.com/ergobuyer.
-- Peter Budnick, Ph.D., CPE
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Stress and Fatigue in the Workplace
September 15, 2001
We have all felt the unproductive effects of stress or
fatigue on our work. For most of us it seems
'common sense', that our work quality and
productivity will be
be compromised
compromised if we are feeling
stressed that day, but what are companies doing to
combat this? Do they even recognize the problem?
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Safety and Health Agencies in the UK and New
Zealand have compiled research, issuing statements and guidelines for combating
stress and fatigue in the workplace.
The New Zealand Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) says that working for
long periods without sleep can leave workers so fatigued that it has the same effects
as drinking on the job. OSH originally published a guide for employers on stress and
fatigue in 1998. They are currently reviewing the guide with specific attention to
stress and fatigue in two working situations.
The first situation is work that inherently contains situations or circumstances that are
difficult to cope with. This may include healthcare workers, the police or social workers.
The second situation is work that does not inherently contain stressful factors but is
organized in such a way that coping may be difficult.
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a comprehensive
guide on preventing work-related stress. In the UK stress-related illness is
responsible for the loss of 6.5 million working days each year, costing employers
around £370 million and society as a whole as much as £3.75 billion. An estimated half
a million people in Britain are suffering from work-related stress, anxiety or depression
at levels that make them ill.
HSE's stress spokesperson, Elizabeth Gyngell, is quoted as saying, "Work-related
stress is a huge occupational health problem facing Britain today, inflicting a heavy toll
both in terms of financial cost and human suffering. We recognise that there is
considerable pressure in the modern competitive work place, but there is a difference
between the buzz people get from doing a busy job and staff simply being unable to
cope with the strains placed upon them. A burnt-out workforce is an unproductive
workforce and it is in no one's interests to find themselves in this situation."
The UK Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has identified stress as one of its eight
priority programs aimed at reducing accidents, injuries and ill-health in the workplace.
£ 1 = $ 1.47
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How’s Your Posture Holding Up?
July 10, 2000
Posture is the position of the body while performing
work activities. Most
Most of
of us
us realize
realize that awkward
posture is associated with
with an
an increased
increased risk for
injury. But when are we at risk?
It is generally considered that the more a joint
deviates from the neutral position, the greater the
risk of injury. For example:
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At the wrist:
Flexion and extension position was associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Ulnar (sideways) deviation of greater than 20 degrees was associated with
increased pain and pathological findings.
At the shoulder:
Abduction or flexion of greater than 60 degrees maintained for more than one
hour/day was associated with acute shoulder and neck pain.
A hand at or above shoulder height was associated with tendonitis and various
shoulder pathologies.
A position of 30 degrees of flexion took 300 minutes to produce severe pain
symptoms while a position of 60 degrees of flexion took 120 minutes to produce
severe pain symptoms.
Extension with arm elevation was associated with neck/shoulder pain/stiffness,
shoulder muscle tenderness and pain in the neck motion.
At the low back:
Trunk sagittal angle (bending over) was associated with occupationally related
low back disorder.
Posture issues can be created by work methods such as bending and twisting to pick
up a box or bending the wrist to assemble a part. Other problems arise from
workplace dimensions such as extended reach to obtain a part from a bin at a high
location or kneeling in the storage bay of an airplane due to confined space while
handling luggage.
-- Tim Villnave, M.S.P.H., D.C.
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Dutch Study Looks at Neck Pain and Sitting Posture
May 16, 2001
In a study published in the March edition of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dutch
researchers examine neck flexion, neck rotation, and
factors for the
a seated posture as possible risk factors
development of neck pain.
The prospective cohort study took place over 3 years
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and included 1334 workers. Workers were
were selected
from various industrial and service areas including the metal industry, computer
software industry, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, food industry, wood
construction industry, insurance companies, child care centers, hospitals, distribution
companies and bricklayers.
Data was gathered through video analysis and questionnaires.
The study quotes neck pain as a major health problem in the modern society with one
year prevalence rates among a general population as high as 40%. The background of
the study also notes that neck pain is assumed to be of multifactorial origin, implying
that several risk factors can contribute to its development.
The study came to the following conclusions:
There is a significant positive association between prolonged sitting at work and
neck pain, implying that there is an increased risk of neck pain for people who
work more than 95% of the time in a sitting position.
There is a positive trend for an association between neck pain and neck flexion at
work, suggesting that there is an increased risk of neck pain for people who are
working with the neck flexed more than 20 degrees for a major part of the
working day.
No clear relation was found between neck rotation at work and neck pain. Here
researchers note that the power to investigate prolonged neck rotation was
limited in this study.
The study concludes that the prevention of neck pain should focus on the reduction of
time spent working in a sitting position and the promotion of more dynamic working
postures.
This study was done in part by the TNO Work and Employment. The TNO is the
Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research. The Work and Employment
division dates back to 1891. The TNO seeks and develops innovative approaches to
work, organization and technology towards the creation of conditions which will allow
employees to work in a productive and healthy way.
For more information visit the TNO.
-- R. Michael
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Current Research in Ergonomics
October 15, 2001
Many people write to Ergoweb and ask us, "Is there
any research on back pain and the workplace?". The
answer is a resounding YES! Every month
researchers from around the world publish new
findings on the correlations, or in some cases
cases the
lack thereof, between back pain/injury and
workplace risk factors.
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Two such research projects were published in the November, 2001, issue of the
journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Sampling over 8,200 workers a Canadian study tries to relate back problems and
physical as well as psychosocial issues in the workplace. The study found that high
physical exertion was an independent predictor of back problems in both sexes. For
both men and women, low social support at work and high job insecurity were
independent predictors of restricted activity due to musculoskeletal disorders.
Conversely, chronic back problems contributed to explanation of high job strain among
women and high physical exertion among men. Restricted activity due to
musculoskeletal disorders contributed to explanation of high job insecurity in both
sexes.
Another study, completed by researchers in Germany, looked at specific medical
conditions of the low back, and their relationship to repeated occupational exposure
to lifting or carrying and to working postures with extreme forward bending.
The results of the study suggest that cumulative occupational exposure to lifting or
carrying and extreme forward bending, and the lumbar forces associated with these
activities, increases the risk for developing symptomatic osteochondrosis or
spondylosis (a general term for degenerative changes in the spine) of the lumbar
spine.
A third study in this issue changes the focus to shiftwork. In this study relating
shiftwork to possible metabolic changes, Swedish researchers found that
shiftworkers, as opposed to day workers, had a higher incidence of obesity, high
triglycerides, and low concentrations of HDL cholesterol.
For more information about these studies see Occupational and Environmental
Medicine.
At Ergoweb, we strive to provide our members with the most up to date information
about ergonomics. As part of this we like to focus on current research and application
throughout the broad field of ergonomics. If you or your company are in the process
of, or have completed research related to ergonomics let us know by emailing
editor@ergoweb.com.
-- R. Michael
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Is Back Pain In Your Future?
October 27, 2003
Eighty percent of all people will face low back pain at
some point during their lives. Ever wish you could
know beforehand if you were going to be one of the
unlucky ones? A new on-line quiz from the Canadian
Chiropractic Association (CCA) might be able to help.
But it’s not luck the CCA is focusing on, it’s lifestyle
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and habits. Through their short quiz covering work,
lifestyle, exercise and even sleep habits, the CCA is hoping to open some eyes to a
few common causes of back problems and maybe even change a habit or two.
The quiz, part of the CCA’s national public awareness campaign “What’s Holding You
Back?” asks participants to answer a handful of questions regarding potential backpain contributors like back packs and sleeping position, and then takes the
participant’s score and determines the likelihood of future back pain.
The association developed the quiz and campaign in response to a recent survey in
which it was determined that over 22 million Canadians experience back pain each
year. Thirty percent of the respondents said their pain lasted for more than a month
and kept them from performing certain activities. Most of the respondents reported
doing little more than toughing out their pain or taking an aspirin.
Ergonomics, however, has the potential to make back pain more manageable. In the
September, 2003 issue of The Ergonomics Report™, Stover Snook, Ph.D., CPE, stated
that the key to keeping back pain from impacting a workforce is by designing jobs with
the assumption that the worker will have back pain. Ultimately that means jobs
should be designed so that the worker with back pain can comfortably perform the
job; additionally, workers without back pain would likely be facing fewer risk factors
for back pain as well. For more information on the CCA’s “What’s Holding You Back?”
campaign, including a link to the quiz, visit www.ccachiro.org. To request a free copy of
The Ergonomics Report, published monthly by Ergoweb Inc., visit www.ergoweb.com/
publications/er.
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Will Ergonomics Really Cost Jobs?
October 22, 2003
One side says it will protect workers’ jobs; the other
side says it will protect workers at their jobs. Now
voters in the state of Washington are faced with the
task of determining just how important a slight
difference in wording is when it comes to the fate of
that state’s ergonomics rule. And next month,
month, they’ll
offer their opinions at the poll: to keep or not to
keep the ergonomics rule?
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For an off-year election, where mostly local government offices are at stake and the
polls attract their lowest voter turnouts, Initiative 841, a.k.a. I-841, is spicing up what
would otherwise be a relatively bland election season.
For starters, the initiative, one that would repeal Washington’s current ergonomics
rule and any future ergonomics rules that the state might try to pass, is pitting big
business against organized labor. But rather than letting these two traditional foes
duke it out themselves, I-841 is turning the decision-making over to the voters.
But the decision to put ergonomics on the ballot doesn’t come as a surprise to any of
the involved parties. Says David Groves, spokesperson for Working Families for Safer
Jobs, also known as the No On 841 Committee, “Anyone with enough money can get
something on the ballot here.”
Like everyone else, Groves’ group – the organized labor side of the debate – has
been working with the state’s ergonomics rule for over three years, his side being for
it. According to him, the rule was imposed to keep Washington workers healthy at
work, to save industry money in the form of workers compensation claims, and to
make working in Washington a safer bet for everyone. That, however, isn’t what the
opposition is saying. Their battle cry screams of the huge expenditures with little
return on investment for businesses attempting to comply with the mandatory
regulation and a loss of full-time jobs for workers. Groves says neither of these
assertions is true.
“The people who sponsored [I-841] are opposed to regulation regardless of the logic.
For 10 years, we have done education and volunteer efforts to promote ergonomics in
the workplace, but still [in a poll by Washington’s labor department] 40 percent of
Washington employers acknowledged that they had ergonomics hazards in the
workplace but have done nothing about them,” says Groves. His goal now is to
educate the voters on what he says is the truth about Washington’s ergonomics rule.
“The misinformation that’s being presented is our biggest challenge. And we’re going
to be outspent three or four to one. They call [the ergonomics rule] a job killer,” says
Groves. He is trying to quickly refute these claims, though hampered with a relative
shoestring budget that involves a mostly grassroots campaign.
According to Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), the enforcement
body for the ergonomics rule, the rule itself was put into place to address more than
50,000 work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) reported in Washington each
year and the over $400 million dollar annual price tag, comprised of lost wages and
medical care, associated with them. Groves states that the rule isn’t out to hurt
business, “the rule is for those who continue to ignore workers.”
A spokesperson at L&I seems to agree, noting that businesses without jobs that
could be listed as “caution” or “hazard” zone jobs don’t have to do anything. If the
Page 1 of 3
01/11/2003 7:47 PM
employer has jobs that are categorized as a caution zone job, the employer would
have to provide ergonomics education to the workers in those jobs. If the employer
has jobs in the “hazard zone,” it would be required to try to bring down the job’s
hazard level. But, says the L&I spokesperson, an employer would not be required to
reduce hours and under no circumstances would employees in hazard zone jobs be
forced out of a job or into a part-time job. As for enforcement, says L&I, the same
penalty structure that has been in place in the state for the past 30 years will be
used. But even the L&I representative admits that the state only has sufficient
inspectors to check each workplace about once every 35 years or so.
So why all the fuss over a little rule? Worker health aside, it comes down to a
question of money and how much it will cost the workplaces in Washington to comply.
I-841 proponents toss around a $725 million annual figure for compliance. And that’s a
number few voters could scoff at, until recently.
Groves indicates that the $725 million figure came from a cost analysis commissioned
by the Association of Washington Businesses in 2000 and headed by consultant
Steven Moss of California-based M Cubed. While the figure itself had always been
considered rather controversial, when Moss published a tell-all regarding his work
habits as an expert witness (“... experts, who are hired and paid by one side in a
case, get compensated for saying what the lawyers want to hear,” wrote Moss in
"Opinions For Sale; Confessions of an Expert Witness." Legal Affairs, March/April
2003.), in the eyes of the I-841 opponents, that number became almost laughable.
The compliance figure calculated by the state is much lower. “The state has done its
own cost benefit analysis. They estimate the total investment will be $80 million in the
first year for all employers in the state, and [the employers should] expect to realize
more than $300 million in benefits,” says Groves. Those benefits, he says, will be
realized by the increased productivity and decreased number of injuries incurred by
workers when offered ergonomics interventions.
Plus, in a state where workers compensation insurance rates are jumping by 20
percent this year, Groves notes that the state’s attempt to bring down claims costs
through an ergonomics rule is perfectly valid. “Nearly one-half of all costs to the
[state-run] workers comp system are associated with these types of injuries. As an
insurance company, if they didn’t try to bring down the costs, they’d be negligent,” he
says.
“If I’m a safe employer who has never had an injury, my workers comp rates are going
up this year regardless. But there are two ways to control rising costs – you can fight
to reduce the benefits paid to injured workers or you can focus on reducing these
injuries,” says Groves. He believes that for the sake of everyone involved, lowering
the potential for injuries is the far greater value. But the challenge now is to convince
voters, who are being bombarded by costly media messages that claim the
ergonomics measure threatens to kill jobs and employee health insurance coverage,
delivered courtesy of the big business proponents of I-841. And that’s a tough
challenge when I-841 pits business against organized labor and only 20 percent of
the state’s voting population are members of labor organizations.
“I think an important public policy decision is going to be made based on sound bites
and misinformation,” says Groves. “The [ergonomics] rule was first implemented over
three years ago. [The supporters of I-841] tried to overturn the rule in the legislature
and in the courts, but failed. They’ve spent millions already to try to kill this thing; this
is a last ditch effort.”
Aside from the fight, if voters look at the facts behind the rule itself, Groves thinks
they’d see that for a business, compliance isn’t such a big deal. “Really, all [a
business] has to do in many cases is offer training. These are just commonsense
things that employers should be doing anyway,” he says.
Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment of a three-part series exploring all
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01/11/2003 7:47 PM
sides of the upcoming vote to overturn Washington’s ergonomics rule through
Initiative 841. While this installment focuses on the oppostion to the initiative,
previous installments presented the proponents’ views ( “Saying No to Ergonomics
Could Be a Mouthful”, Ergonomics Today, October 15, 2003) as well as an overview of
Initiative 841 (“Ergonomics Battle Heats Up”, Ergonomics Today, October 8, 2003).
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How Does the Insurer See Back Pain?
September 3, 2003
By the end of this year’s legislative session,
California lawmakers are expected to have a grasp
on their state’s troubled workers’ compensation
program. And if not, they’ll be facing a promised
special session, courtesy of the state’s governor,
that will require them to fix the system ASAP.
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In a state where workers’ compensation costs for
businesses have doubled in the past two years and are scheduled to increase again
in January 2004, the lure of a reformed system is promising. But so is lowering costs
and expenses through decreasing the number of on-the-job injuries – a task custombuilt for ergonomics.
Take back injuries, for example. Statistics show that in the U.S., two percent of all
workers will receive some sort of compensation for a back injury this year, and that
annually, the compensation payouts can run into the billions. “Medical treatment of
these injuries is becoming costlier and more prolonged. Injuries are resulting in higher
levels of permanent disability than in the past which makes them more expensive and
increases frictional costs in the system,” says Dan Hair, MSS, CSP, Senior Vice
President and National Director, Safety & Health for Zenith Insurance Company.
It’s a not a situation of employers blatantly ignoring the problem of back pain and
injury, but it could be a situation where employers aren’t taking quite the right steps
to minimize the potential for injury. “Many more employers are now relying on Early
Return to Work programs but the literature suggests that injured employees often
have lingering problems, probably because the modified duty has not been closely
matched with the injured workers physical limitations,” says Hair. “[W]e must get
better at disability management to have an impact on the enormous costs they
generate.”
So how can an employer improve back pain related disability management? Hair’s
company takes the approach with its own clients that each workplace, like each
worker, has its own unique features that require a customized plan.
“First we work with the employer to help them develop a sound and comprehensive
safety and health program, appropriate to their needs, exposure and regulatory
environment. Second, we work with them on reducing low back injuries by attacking
the exposures that produce or may produce them,” says Hair.
But Hair also has some general advice for any business that is attempting to manage
back pain:
Proactively assess and mitigate where possible all exposures that could lead to
illness or injury.
Report injuries/illnesses immediately to the insurance carrier and regulatory
authorities.
Stay involved with injured workers to provide safe transitional work as soon as
possible.
Make sure all employees have the training, tools and physical ability to safely do
their jobs.
“Healthy workers are generally more productive workers and every employer has
sound financial reasons for doing all in their power to prevent low back injury to
them,” says Hair.
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 7:53 PM
For more information on managing back pain in the workplace, see the September
2003 issue of The Ergonomics ReportTM.
Have your own opinion on the subject? Send it to editor@ergoweb.com.
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-- Jeanie Croasmun
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More Liberty Mutual Data on Workplace
Workplace Safety
September 26, 2001
the Liberty Mutual
In August, Ergoweb reported on the
Workplace Safety Index. Since then, more details of
Liberty Mutual's survey have become available.
ninety-five percent of
Liberty Mutual data shows that ninety-five
business executives report that workplace safety
has a positive impact on a company's financial
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performance. Of these executives, 61 percent
believe their companies receive a return on investment of $3 or more for each $1 they
invest in improving workplace safety.
The survey also reveals executives realize the benefits of workplace safety go beyond
the company's bottom-line, with 70 percent reporting that protecting employees is a
leading benefit of workplace safety.
The survey also helps shed light on the impact two types of costs associated with
workplace accidents are having on U.S. businesses: Direct costs, or payments to
injured employees and their medical care providers, and Indirect costs, such as lost
productivity, overtime costs, etc. Ninety-three percent of executives surveyed see a
relationship between these costs, with 40 percent of them reporting $1 of direct cost
generates between $3 and $5 of indirect costs. These figures are in line with other
agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), who
indicate that indirect costs associated with a workplace injury can be as much as three
to five times the direct costs.
By comparing the findings on indirect costs with its own research on the direct costs of
workplace accidents and illness, Liberty Mutual calculates U.S. businesses are paying
a staggering $155 billion to $232 billion on workers compensation losses annually.
The Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index announced this spring provided the firstever ranking of the 10 leading causes of workplace accidents based on the direct cost
of each accident cause. The Index estimated the total direct cost of all workplace
accidents was $38.7 billion in 1998, the most recent year for which data was available
at the time.
Moreover, the survey findings reveal that business executives may be focusing
attention on certain causes of workplace accidents at the expense of others, and may
need to realign their workplace safety priorities.
For example, executives report "Repetitive Motion" is the most important cause of
workplace accidents and that they will focus workplace safety resources on this
accident cause. However, five other accident causes each produced greater direct
costs for companies in 1998, according to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index.
The Index reported that workplace injuries caused by "Repetitive Motion" produced
$2.3 billion in direct costs for employers in 1998, about a quarter of the $9.8 billion of
the leading accident cause - "Overexertion."
Many have focused on ergonomics and certain musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) also
being labeled repetitive motion injuries (RMI). What is not always apparent is that
many overexertion injuries are caused by the same risk factors and RMIs, most
specifically high force being produced in an awkward posture. Effective ergonomics
analysis and proper controls can reduce exposure to these types of risk factors.
"Workplace safety has a ripple affect, either positive or negative, on so many aspects
of U.S. business operations today," said Joseph Gilles, Liberty Mutual Executive Vice
Page 1 of 3
01/11/2003 8:57 PM
President, Commercial Insurance. "The first step for executives is to take preemptive
measures to prevent employee pain and suffering caused by workplace injuries.
Identifying the accident causes that have the greatest impact on their company and
focusing workplace resources on these will help a company reduce costs and achieve
strategic corporate goals -- such as assuring employee satisfaction and health,
positioning the company as a low-cost provider, shortening production and delivery
time, and improving product quality. Given the importance of workplace safety,
companies should make sure their efforts are directed at those accident causes that
have the greatest potential impact on their operations and employees." Mr. Gilles is
available to comment on The Executive Survey of Workplace Safety.
Further results include:
95% of respondents believe workplace safety has a positive impact on a
company's financial performance.
24% report a substantial positive impact
86 % of respondents feel workplace safety provides a return on investment
61 % feel that $3 or more is saved for each $1 invested
13 % report $10 is returned for each $1 invested
93 % report a close relationship between the direct and indirect costs associated
with a workplace accident
40 % feel that between $3 and $5 dollars of indirect costs exist for each $1 of
direct costs
The median response was that $3 of indirect costs exist for each $1 of direct costs
82 % of respondents feel their company currently places a high priority on
workplace safety
70% of respondents report that protecting employees is a leading benefit of
workplace safety.
49% report that protecting employees from the human and financial costs is the
top benefit
25% of respondents report that employee training is the most important element
of an effective workplace safety program.
22% believe that management commitment is the most important element
16% believe internal communication is the most important element
98% feel that direct employee participation is necessary for effective workplace
safety.
69% believe it's critical
Respondents report that benchmarking a company's workplace safety
performance is an important tool for improving workplace safety performance
over time.
71% indicate that they compare their company's workplace safety performance to
other companies
Survey results are based on interviews with 200 executives responsible for workers
compensation and other commercial insurances at 125 mid-size firms (100 to 999
employees) and 75 large companies (over 1,000 employees) representing a range of
geographic locations and industries.
This survey is part of Liberty Mutual's ongoing focus on Workplace Safety. It follows
the Spring 2001 release of the Workplace Safety Index, the first ranking of accident
causes by direct costs to employers using Liberty Mutual claims data, combined with
findings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Academy of Social
Insurance. Both studies are available at www.libertymutual.com.
-- Edited by Rachel Michael
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History of Ergonomics
May 12, 2000
Humans discovered the use of tools early on in
development. Australopithecus Prometheus selected
pebble tools and made scoops from antelope bones
in a clear display of selecting/creating
creating objects to
make tasks easier to accomplish.
In the work environment, the selection and creation
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of tools, machines, and work processes continued.
Over centuries, the effectiveness of hammers, axes and plows improved. With the
Industrial Revolution, machines such as the spinning jenny and rolling mills were
developed to improve work processes. This is the same motivation behind much of
ergonomics today.
The association between occupations and musculoskeletal injuries was documented
centuries ago. Bernardino Ramazinni (1633-1714) wrote about work-related
complaints (that he saw in his medical practice) in the 1713 supplement to his 1700
publication, “De Morbis Artificum (Diseases of Workers).”
Wojciech Jastrzebowski created the word ergonomics in 1857 in a philosophical
narrative, “based upon the truths drawn from the Science of Nature” (Jastrzebowski,
1857).
In the early 1900’s, the production of industry was still largely dependent on human
power/motion and ergonomic concepts were developing to improve worker
productivity. Scientific Management, a method that improved worker efficiency by
improving the job process, became popular.
Frederick W. Taylor was a pioneer of this approach and evaluated jobs to determine
the “One Best Way” they could be performed. At Bethlehem Steel, Taylor dramatically
increased worker production and wages in a shoveling task by matching the shovel
with the type of material that was being moved.
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth made jobs more efficient and less fatiguing through time
motion analysis and standardizing tools, materials and the job process. By applying
this approach, the number of motions in bricklaying was reduced from 18 to 4.5
allowing bricklayers to increase their pace of laying bricks from 120 to 350 bricks per
hour.
World War II prompted greater interest in human-machine interaction as the efficiency
of sophisticated military equipment (i.e., airplanes) could be compromised by bad or
confusing design. Design concepts of fitting the machine to the size of the soldier and
logical/understandable control buttons evolved.
After World War II, the focus of concern expanded to include worker safety as well as
productivity. Research began in a variety of areas such as:
Muscle force required to perform manual tasks
Compressive low back disk force when lifting
Cardiovascular response when performing heavy labor
Perceived maximum load that can be carried, pushed or pulled
Areas of knowledge that involved human behavior and attributes (i.e., decision making
process, organization design, human perception relative to design) became known as
cognitive ergonomics or human factors. Areas of knowledge that involved physical
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 9:47 PM
aspects of the workplace (force required to lift, vibration and reaches) became known
as industrial ergonomics or ergonomics.
The broad group focus and name duality continues at this time. Contributors to
ergonomics/human factors concepts include industrial engineers, industrial
psychologists, occupational medicine physicians, industrial hygienists, and safety
engineers. Professions that use ergonomics/human factors information include
architects, occupational therapists, physical therapists, occupational medicine nurses,
and insurance loss control specialists.
-- Tim Villnave, M.S.P.H., D.C.
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What is Cognitive Ergonomics?
June 11, 2001
Editor's Note: This is a revised version of Cognitive
Ergonomics and Engineering Psychology which
appeared in Ergonomics Today(TM)on
Today(TM)on June 11, 2001.
Ergonomics is sometimes described as "fitting the
system to the human," meaning that through
informed decisions; equipment, tools, environments
Sponsor
and tasks can be selected and designed to fit unique
human abilities and limitations. Typical examples in the "physical ergonomics" arena
include designing a lifting job to occur at or near waist height, selecting a tool shape
that reduces awkward postures, and reducing unnecessary tasks and movements to
increase production or reduce errors and waste. "Cognitive ergonomics," on the other
hand, focuses on the fit between human cognitive abilities and limitations and the
machine, task, environment, etc. Example cognitive ergonomics applications include
designing a software interface to be "easy to use," designing a sign so that the
majority of people will understand and act in the intended manner, designing an
airplane cockpit or nuclear power plant control system so that the operators will not
make catastrophic errors.
Cognitive ergonomics is especially important in the design of complex, high-tech, or
automated systems. A poorly designed cellular phone user-interface may not cause an
accident, but it may well cause great frustration on the part of the consumer and
result in a marketplace driven business failure. A poor interface design on industrial
automated equipment, though, may result in decreased production and quality, or
even a life threatening accident.
Complex automated systems create interesting design challenges, and research and
post accident analysis indicate that the human role in automated systems must be
closely considered. Automation can result in increased operator monitoring and
vigilance requirements, complex decision-making requirements, and other issues that
can increase the likelihood of errors and accidents.
Another interesting effect in automation is that humans will sometimes over-trust or
mistrust an automated system.
The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident is in part an example of the effect
of people over-trusting a system. During that event, the control panel indicated that
an important valve had operated as instructed, and the control room operators
trusted the system was reporting accurately. Actually, the valve had not operated as
instructed, and it became a key point in the failure that resulted in a serious mishap.
(Interestingly, some will blame the operators, when in fact, under the mental load
created by the evolving accident, they performed as an ergonomist would expect. The
actual cause of the accident is a control system design error that provided incorrect
information to the operators).
An example of mistrusting a system occurred at a medium security women's prison in
Oregon, USA, when a new surveillance system was installed. The alarm was triggered
whenever it sensed motion in particular areas of the facility. During the first few
weeks, the alarm was repeatedly triggered by everything from birds to leaves blowing
in the wind. The guards became conditioned to the fact that it often triggered in error,
and began to ignore it. Using this to her advantage, a prisoner climbed over the
fences knowing that the alarm would go off, but that the guards would most likely
ignore it long enough for her to escape. It worked. When this same mistrust effect
occurs with something as important as a fire alarm, the results can be deadly.
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 9:04 PM
Physical ergonomics issues, primarily in the workplace, dominate the public view and
understanding of ergonomics. Fortunately, ergonomists are busy behind the scenes
working to improve all human-machine interfaces, including the cognitive aspects.
Unfortunately, many companies, engineers, regulators, and other decision makers fail
to recognize the human factor in design, and many unnecessary errors, accidents,
product failures and other business costs are the predictable result.
-- Peter Budnick and Rachel Michael
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Back Pain in Gynecologists: Are workplace risk factors to blame?
December 19, 2001
One study says YES, that there is a higher incidence
of back pain among gynecologists compared to the
general public, and that specific workplace risk
factors, such as awkward posture, is a likely cause.
In a recent study published in the Journal of
Occupational Health, researchers L. M. Dolan and D.
Sponsor
H. Martin of Altnagelvin Area
Area Hospital
Hospital in Northern
Ireland looked at the prevalence of back pain in over 100 gynecologists. The study
used a questionnaire, which received a 94% response rate to questions about
location and degree of back pain.
Results showed that the prevalence of backache, which included pain arising in the
thoracic and lumbosacral regions, was 72%. Fifty-three per cent of those with back
pain blamed it on working in obstetrics and gynecology. Overall, 32% of gynecologists
required a change of their work practice, 20% had taken time off work and 8% had
required surgery.
In an interview reported by Reuters, Martin said that although his survey was
confined to gynecologists in Northern Ireland, there was no reason to suspect the
findings would be different elsewhere in the UK. While the study did not examine the
causes of work-related backache, he said it's likely the particular physical demands
involved in gynecology that were to blame.
``What we have done is highlight a problem which we do not think is unique to
Northern Ireland. I have knowledge of gynecologists elsewhere with similar
problems." And adding that, "doctors are not the best at declaring their own health
problems.''
Martin said further studies examining the ergonomics of gynecology must now be
carried out to pinpoint the major stresses and to improve prevention of backache.
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01/11/2003 8:43 PM
Ergonomics Research Hopes to Make Hospitals Safer
November 1, 2001
Ergonomics is about matching the environment to
the human. Many times we focus on a narrow
chair, desk, or assembly line.
environment such as a chair,
This thinking can be broadened to include whole
environments like an off shore oil rig, or a hospital
operating room. This broadened
broadened approach
approach to looking
at ergonomics is sometimes known
known as a systems
approach, or macro-ergonomics.
Sponsor
It is through this broad scope of matching the environment to known human
capabilities and limitations that the newly created San Diego Center for Patient Safety
(SDCPS) hopes to improve patient safety and reduce the occurrence and severity of
medical errors.
To accomplish this, the SDCPS has established a joint effort between the Veterans
Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System and University of California, San Diego
Health Sciences. The efforts are funded by a three-year, $590,000 grant by the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The SDCPS is directed by
Matthew B. Weinger, M.D. Dr. Weinger is a Professor of Anesthesiology at the UCSD
School of Medicine, and also Director of the Anesthesia Ergonomics Research
Laboratory at the VASDHS.
Weinger has stated that the SDCPS' activities will promote the concept that clinical
care providers can and should create safety. This is in contrast to the view that safety
issues arise because clinicians make errors.
To give an example, assume there are two switches side by side at the foot of a
patient's bed. These switches are the same size, shape, and color but are used to
administer two very different medications. In a high stress situation what is the risk
that the incorrect medication would be administered? Does the design of the system
(switches) lend to making a mistake or preventing a mistake. If the switches were
different sizes or shapes, or on opposite sides of the bed, could an error be avoided?
These are the types of questions that a macro-ergonomics approach to a design or
analysis tries to answer.
Another factor of particular interest to SDCPS is the role of communication - between
the clinician and patient, and between clinicians - in diagnosis and treatment.
According to SDCPS, previous studies have shown that communication failure is a
contributor to medical errors, and in a diverse community like San Diego, with
language and cultural influences coming into play, the risk of error and injury
increases.
SDCPS is part of a wider effort by both the VA San Diego Healthcare System and UCSD
Health Sciences to improve patient safety. Weinger recently received more than $1
million in new grant support to study unexpected clinical events during anesthesia and
surgery.
-- R. Michael
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Ergonomics for Elementary School Students
July 1, 2002
While senators and labor officials
officials argue over
ergonomics definitions and injury rates some
elementary schools are taking the opportunity to
improve ergonomics for their students.
An innovative program at Elizabeth Blackwell
Elementary School in Sammamish, Washington, is
trying to teach students, some as young as five, that
fitting the environment to you is a good thing.
Sponsor
Diane Tien, the school’s instructional technology assistant, with help from some of the
country’s leading experts in children’s ergonomics developed the program. Speaking
about the program philosophy, Tien states, “It isn’t so much that [the students] have
to learn what the definition of ergonomics is, they have to understand their own
physical needs first.”
The issue of children and ergonomics has recently been getting more attention. In
December of 2001, MSNBC included this issue in a five-part series titled, “The working
wounded”.
According to MSNBC, some surveys indicate that fourth-graders spend 9 percent of
their time on computers; by 12th grade, that proportion jumps to 19 percent. The
University of Rochester, found similar evidence when they asked sixth- through
eighth-graders whether they experienced computer-related aches or pains at home or
school. A total of 47 percent experienced discomfort with wrists; 44 percent with neck;
43 percent with eyes and 41 percent with hands.
There are resources available for educational institutions that wish to explore how to
improve ergonomics for their students.
In September, 2001, Ergoweb reported on a new technical committee, Ergonomics for
Children and Educational Environments, established by The International Ergonomics
Association (IEA). Objectives of the committee include:
Defining strategies to inexpensively retrofit or redesign existing furniture used in
computer environments at home, and in schools, libraries, children's museums
and other educational environments;
Promoting the development of ergonomic design guidelines (or codes of practice)
for software, hardware, furniture, classrooms, computer rooms, school libraries
and other educational environments.
The program at Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary will focus on teaching children about
minimizing awkward postures and the importance of taking breaks during computer
work or play.
More information about the committee, Ergonomics for Children and Educational
Environments, can be found at http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=414.
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01/11/2003 7:50 PM
Ergonomics Enters the Classroom
August 20, 2003
How many states in the U.S. provide for ergonomics
education in the classroom? If you said zero, give
yourself a perfect score.
Aside from a few states’ attempts to limit the weight
crammed into a
of books and supplies being crammed
backpack, very
very little
little information regarding
student’s backpack,
Sponsor
ergonomics is being presented to children at school.
Yet these same kids sit in desks, work on computers, play sports and video games,
and are continually reporting more and more injuries that could be mitigated by proper
ergonomics.
Currently only one state, New Jersey, has begun to address the concept of teaching
ergonomics as part of the public school curriculum by setting up a task force to
determine if and how ergonomics education should be taught by public schools.
Almost everywhere else, ergonomics are left up to the individual schools and districts.
A quick glance at a public school computer lab shows children sitting on rigid, nonadjustable one-size-fits-all chairs; another look into the elementary school classroom
shows teachers attempting to physically get on the same level as their students in
pint-sized desks. End result? Ergonomics isn’t there.
Some ergonomists are taking matters into the classroom themselves, like Maureen
Graves Anderson, AHFT, an ergonomics consultant from Maine. When she heard that
her children’s school was having a health fair, she called to offer her services for a
short presentation on computer ergonomics. The school immediately signed her up.
Her presentation was brief: five minutes was all the time she was allocated, but she
made the most of it, discussing posture and taking breaks from computer work. “I
hooked one kid from each class to a biofeedback monitor. . . to show muscle activity
from reaching forward to keyboard and to the side to a mouse. The kids really liked
the demo. I also gave them a one-page handout to take home to parents on
ergonomics and home computer use.”
For Graves Anderson, the five minutes wasn’t much, but it was something . “I know of
at least two kids who went home and told their parents about it,” she said, plus
teachers reported that kids were talking about the ergonomics presentation in the
classroom.
As a mother and an ergonomics professional, teaching children more about
ergonomics is extremely important to Graves Anderson. “All of them have computers
at home. Plus they’re young, they’re forming their habits, so it makes sense to talk to
them about using computers,” Graves Anderson said. After all, these kids are in school
today to learn how to tackle the workforce tomorrow.
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-- Jeanie Croasmun
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Ergonomics for Children and Educational Environments
September 28, 2001
The International Ergonomics Association
Association has a new
technical committee, Ergonomics for Children
Children and
Educational Environments. The first meeting was
held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the
International Society for Occupational Ergonomics
and Safety in June.
The Committee Mission states:
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The purpose of the Ergonomics for Children and Educational Environments
Technical Committee is to provide a forum for the international exchange of
scientific and technical ergonomics information related to children and
educational environments. The Committee promotes professional and public
awareness of ergonomics related to children of all abilities in all aspects of
their lives and the application of ergonomics in all educational environments.
The objectives of the Committee are to prevent or reduce the risks of developing
musculoskeletal and vision disorders and to promote the beneficial effects of
educational computing through:
Serving as a network for the interchange between researchers, practitioners,
school administrators, teachers, parents, health professionals, architects,
designers, and manufacturers of furnishings, education supplies, software and
equipment;
Fostering professional initiatives for the International Ergonomics Association to
promote ergonomics in schools throughout the world;
Advocating ergonomics education for children, parents, teachers, librarians and
health professionals;
Developing materials for educational institutions as well as parents, teachers,
librarians, and health professionals about ergonomics specifically adapted to
children's postural and visual needs;
Promoting ergonomics education for teachers and students in education
information technology and design technology projects;
Compiling, presenting, and making readily accessible, research related to
ergonomics for children and educational environments;
Identifying further research needs and encouraging international research
collaboration;
Encouraging collection and exchange of health and comfort data on incidence or
prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal and vision complaints among
children;
Advancing ergonomics as a major consideration in the design phase of learning
environments;
Defining strategies to inexpensively retrofit or redesign existing furniture used in
computer environments at home, and in schools, libraries, children's museums
and other educational environments;
Advocating that a portion of major funding for information technology should be
earmarked for ergonomics; and
Promoting the development of ergonomic design guidelines (or codes of practice)
for software, hardware, furniture, classrooms, computer rooms, school libraries
and other educational environments.
For more information about the IEA visit http://www.iea.cc
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01/11/2003 8:19 PM
Good Human Factors in Management Style Increases Profits and Productivity
July 8, 2002
Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and
and the author of a
book titled Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace.
According to Goleman, a manager or management
management
style that focuses on belittling employees, using
harsh or offensive language, telling denigrating
jokes, or making threats is not effective
management. While this may look like common sense
Sponsor
on paper, Goleman and others like the consulting
firm Executive Insights Development Group see this type of management on a daily
basis.
Executive Insights Development Group works with management personnel to better
understand people and react appropriately. This skill is referred to as 'emotional
intelligence' or 'emotional competency'. Companies who have employed this, or a
similar service, say they were able to keep highly valued executives whose behavior
had put their jobs at risk. Companies also report seeing bottom line benefits to
improving the working environment. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, one study at a
manufacturing plant showed that after supervisors received training in emotional
competencies such as how to listen, the plant reduced lost-time accidents by half and
formal employee grievances decreased to an average of three per year from 15 per
year. Another study at a multinational consulting company showed partners who
scored well on a test of their emotional competencies delivered $1.2 million more profit
from their accounts than did other partners.
While this may look like a new art to management, ergonomics and human factors
professionals have been using the same principles for years. In ergonomics, the term
'psychosocial' refers, in the workplace, to the atmosphere in the work environment.
This would include the relationship between workers and management, problems
between coworkers, and the organization of the company with regards to promotions
and deadlines, etc.
Recently, research that links a stressful work environment to bottom line losses has
had more recognition. Not only do psychosocial issues directly affect absence rates,
but they may indirectly contribute to increased musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as
well.
For instance, a study done at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden shows that work
absence can be related to psychosocial issues as well as physical risk factors. The
study, published in the March 2001 edition of the journal Occupational and
Environmental Medicine examined 3470 workers in the Swedish Postal system.
The study found that certain physical, psychosocial, and organizational factors were
important determinants of incidence of sickness, independent of each other. The
background research also suggests that high job demands in combination with low
control are associated with, for example, coronary heart disease and musculoskeletal
disorders. Also, the occurrence of bullying at the workplace almost doubled the risk of
being in the group with high incidence of sickness. Other factors associated with a
high absence rate included seldom or never being able to discuss with the supervisor
and working through illness.
Several other reports have also pointed to psychosocial issues as a risk factor for
increased injury and illness. In December 2000, Ergoweb reported that according to
CCH Inc., a human resource firm, one out of every five unscheduled absences is the
result of worker stress, costing business about $600 per employee every year.
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 8:19 PM
A 2001 report from the National Academies of Science stated that a rapid work pace,
monotonous work, low job satisfaction, little decision-making power, and high levels of
job stress are associated with back disorders. Such psychosocial factors affect not
only how workers view themselves in relation to the workplace, but also the physical,
organizational, and social aspects of their jobs.
Also published in 2001, a Canadian study of over 8,200 workers related back
problems to physical as well as psychosocial issues in the workplace. The study found
that low social support at work and high job insecurity were independent predictors of
restricted activity due to MSDs.
The bottom line is that better understanding of the work environment can save your
bottom line.
Reference: Salt Lake Tribune July 8, 2002
-- R. Michael
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01/11/2003 9:25 PM
A Seat with Sense May Have Numerous
Numerous Applications
Applications
January 25, 2001
Purdue University engineers have developed a chair
that analyzes pressure patterns to determine a
person’s sitting posture. The “sensing chair” may
have numerous applications such as computersecurity systems, automatically adjusting car seats
and furniture improvements.
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“The chair senses how the pressure is distributed in
the seat and the backrest,” explained Hong Tan, an associate professor who is
quoted on Purdue’s website. “We train the computer to recognize pressure patterns
associated with different seating postures by showing the computer examples of such
patterns.” It also creates “pressure maps” that distinguishes between different
people.
When tested on 30 people, the chair had an overall accuracy of 96 percent in
determining whether people were slouching, leaning in various positions, crossing
their legs or sitting upright.
A doctoral student working with Tan, Lynne A. Slivovsky, will present a research paper
on the chair at the 2000 International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition.
Dr. Peter Budnick, President and CEO of ErgoWeb, expressed his concern when one
report described the chair as, “Being able to determine an ergonomically correct
posture.” He explained, “There is no correct posture, your body needs to move
throughout the day. An appropriate posture must take into consideration the task
involved, the individual, the individual’s preferences and the work tools being used.”
However, he did recognize the chair may have numerous research applications.
Purdue suggested the sensing chair might be used to verify authorized personnel for
computer-security purposes. They also think it could be used in cars to automatically
adjust the driver’s seat according to who is behind the wheel.
For furniture, they see a value in evaluating a chair over an extended period of time.
“Chair manufacturers … want to understand the long-term dynamics of seating,”
explained Tan. Budnick notes that pressure mapping research in seating is nothing
new. However, using continuous data sampling over long periods in controlled seating
behavior studies may be an intriguing new twist.
The Business and Institutional Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) addresses working
postures in its provisional release on ergonomics guideline for furniture. It states,
“There is not uniquely correct working posture that would fit any user for an extended
period of time and /or accommodate every personal working habit.”
Five typical working postures are outlined as:
Rearward tilt (positive seat pan angle)
Upright (near horizontal seat pan)
Forward tilt (negative seat pan angle)
Standing
Alternating between sitting and standing
It further explains, “All of these working postures are acceptable as long as the
concept of fit is given proper consideration. ISO principles suggest that movement
within and among these and other postures should be encouraged.”
Page 1 of 2
-- Joan Guetschow
01/11/2003 9:25 PM
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01/11/2003 8:35 PM
Ergonomics Resources for Musicians
December 26, 2001
Ergonomics, for me, is an obsession.
obsession. It
It is more than
work, career, hobby, and interest together. I warn
any of you out there choosing to make ergonomics
your life work that you will not even
even be
be able
able to enjoy
a simple Christmas concert without thinking
'ergonomics'.
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For example, Peter Budnick (President, CEO, and
Ergonomist here at Ergoweb) and I went out with our spouses for an evening
promising to be filled with holiday cheer good music. A group called 'Cherish the
Ladies' was playing a delightful selection of traditional Celtic music and classical
holiday songs. At an intermission Peter and I both made some comments about the
quality of the show, but it was quickly apparent what we were really focused on:
Rachel: "Hey Peter, good show huh. Did you happen to notice the wrist
position of the woman playing the drums? It was in constant and extreme
flexion. I was thinking that incorporating a strap that would go over the back
of the hand might help this."
Peter: "Yeah, I saw that. Did you notice the accordion player? She is holding
the accordion off to the one side. I have already thought of a design for a
stand that could be used so that she didn't have to counter balance the
weight of the instrument."
Rachel: "Good idea, do you think there's much of a market for ergonomic
accordion stands? I'm still not exactly sure what an accordion is!! But what
about chairs. Did you notice that the one player had the chair switched in
the middle of the piece and she put a towel down on it. I bet they don't
travel with their own, we should design an adjustable sit/stand with a
special travel case."
At this point, our spouses have rolled their eyes in disgust and are carrying on a
completely different conversation. We managed to end the evening with thoughts for
new drum sticks, cut out violins, watchless musicians (we'd hate the watch bands to
further constrict the wrist--they'll just have to figure out some other way to tell time),
and 1 accordion stand.
The fact is, this is a real issue. Many instruments require what we think of as awkward
postures to play. Considering that it takes hours of practice in these positions, it is not
surprising to learn that many musicians suffer from the same types of musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) that are seen in workers on assembly lines. Sadly, these injuries
have forced some very talented people to stop playing instruments.
The problem with awkward postures in musicians is that often the postures are a
result of the instrument design. It is unlikely that a drastic change in the shape and
design of the violin will come about as a direct result of awkward postures. In this
case, it is often a matter of technique and training that may help keep musicians
playing.
There are many books and journal articles that have been written about different
techniques and postures that may be used to play instruments like the violin, guitar,
piano, cello, and sax. Also available to musicians are products claiming to help avoid
awkward postures such as specialized chairs or straps.
Here are a few resources for more information:
Musicians and Injuries
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 8:35 PM
http://www.engr.unl.edu/ee/eeshop/music.html
http://www.music-injury.com/html/musclesjoints.html
The Performing Arts Medicine Association
http://www2.ec.hscsyr.edu/pama/pubs.htm
Journal of Hand Therapy, Vol.5/No.2, April/June 1992. Special Issue -Musicians' Injuries
Fry, HJ. 1986. Overuse syndrome in musicians: prevention and management. Lancet 2:
728-731
Lederman RJ, Calabrese LH (1986). Oversue syndromes in instrumentalists. Med Probl
Perform Art 1:7-11
Markison, RE (1990). Treatment of musical hands: Redesign of the interface. Hand
Clinics, 6(3) 525-544
Quarrier, Nicholas. June 1997. "The Biomechanical Examination of a Musician with a
Performance-Related Injury". Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America,
Volume 6, Number 2, p. 145-158
A. Samama, (1981), "Muscle control for musicians", (Bohn, Scheltema and Holkema;
Utrecht), p 1.
The musician's survival manual : a guide to preventing and treating injuries in
instrumentalists / by Richard Norris ; edited by Deborah Torch. [S.l.] : International
Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, c1993. ISBN: 0918812747
In closing, I must say that despite our attention to posture and force, "Cherish the
Ladies" is an extremely talented group who gave a very enjoyable performance, and I
hope that the risk factors of their occupation will never force them to stop delighting
audiences with their sound.
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Commentary: What is Ergonomics Really About?
May 30, 2001
awareness of
of the word
The Good News: Public awareness
"ergonomics" in the USA has increased dramatically
over the past few years.
understanding of what
The Bad News: Public understanding
limited, and
"ergonomics" actually means is limited,
sometimes very confused.
Sponsor
The US public's understanding of ergonomics has been seriously skewed by OSHA's
recent attempts to regulate certain health and safety aspects in the workplace namely "musculoskeletal disorders" (MSDs). True, when ergonomics principles are
ignored in the workplace, MSDs are a potential outcome. However, that's only part of
the story, and the workplace is only one environment in which ergonomics principles
are, or should be, applied. Ergonomics professionals, who are also sometimes known
as human factors engineers, know there are many other negative outcomes when
ergonomics principles are neglected, whether it's in the workplace, a consumer
product, a software interface, or a child's toy. In many applications, an MSD is the
least concern, or of no concern at all.
Events such as the Bhopal, India, Union Carbide Corporation chemical disaster that
killed at least 2,500 people (Casey, 1993); the Three Mile Island Nuclear plant
disaster; countless automobile accidents; and the crash of a US Marine Corp MV-22
Osprey, to name just a few examples, all have their roots in ergonomics/human
factors problems. Misuse or unintended use of consumer products, a common liability
for US businesses, often occur when ergonomics/human factors principles are
neglected. Poor productivity and quality performance that drives a business to failure
can often be traced directly to neglecting ergonomics in the design of products and
production systems.
So, what does ergonomics really mean? You can find hundreds of definitions in the
scientific literature, but we at ErgoWeb prefer to use an application oriented, proactive
statement to describe ergonomics, such as:
Ergonomics removes barriers to quality, productivity and safe human
performance in human-machine systems by fitting products, equipment, tools,
systems, tasks, jobs and environments to people.
A concise definition proposed by Dempsey et al. (2000) boils it down to its very
fundamental nature:
Ergonomics is the design and engineering of human-machine systems for the
purpose of enhancing human performance.
Notice that neither of these mention work, workplace, or imply in any way that
ergonomics is restricted to occupational activities - or to health and safety, for that
matter. Ergonomics specialties that focus exclusively on the workplace are usually
referred to as "occupational ergonomics," or "industrial ergonomics."
Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary field, drawing from engineering, psychology, safety,
health and medical sciences. Most qualified professionals spend years in college,
usually in graduate studies, learning the principles and applications of ergonomics,
and then spend years in the field gaining applied experience before they're able to
obtain a recognized level of certification.
Page 1 of 3
01/11/2003 9:21 PM
Ergonomics is not a new concept. When humans first began to use tools to accomplish
tasks they couldn't do with their bare hands, they were practicing ergonomics. When
they refined those tools to function better, they were practicing ergonomics. The
word, however, was not coined until 1857, when Wojciech Jastrzebowski, a Polish
scholar, first derived it from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (principle or
law).
In his original description of ergonomics, Jastrzebowski was careful to point out that
he intended "work" to have a very broad meaning:
[T]his Science of Work, understood as Work in the comprehensive and integral
sense, not merely its part that is physical labour or toil, but physical, aesthetic,
rational, and moral work, that is Labour, Entertainment, Reasoning, and
Dedication … -- Wojciech Jastrzebowski, 1857
Furthermore, "work" has a much broader meaning in science and engineering,
generally referring to any expenditure of energy.
So, when "the science of work" is used to describe the literal meaning of ergonomics,
"work" should not be interpreted solely as an occupational or workplace issue.
All this being said, the workplace is a fertile environment for the application of
ergonomics principles, and market demands push many of us to focus a large part of
our professional attention toward occupational ergonomics. MSD reduction and
management in the workplace is an important part of what we do, but so are
improvements in design, production efficiencies, productivity, quality, and other
bottom-line business principles. But, again, the workplace is only one part of the
overall picture in our profession.
As the political push to regulate with respect to MSDs in US workplaces moves
forward, I strongly recommend that the standard formerly known as the "Ergonomics
Protection Standard" be renamed to reflect what it actually is: "Occupational
Musculoskeletal Disorder Protection Standard." This is far more accurate, and will go a
long way toward reducing the public's confusion about what ergonomics actually
means. Furthermore, if American business and labor are less distracted by the politics
of the workplace health and safety aspects of ergonomics, they will be more inclined
to recognize and apply the broader principles of this important science for their
common benefit, and for the benifit of those they serve.
References
Casey, Steven, (1993), Set Phasers on Stun and Other True Tales of Design, Technology,
and Human Error, Aegean Publishing Company, Santa Barbara, California, USA.
Dempsey, Patrick G., Wogalter, Michael S., and Hancock, Peter A, (2000), What's in a
name? Using terms from definitions to examine the fundamental foundation of human
factors and ergonomics science, Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 1(1), pp. 310.
Jastrzebowski, W., An outline of ergonomics, or the science of work based upon the
truths drawn from the science of nature , originally published in Nature and Industry
(1857), reprinted by the Central Institute for Labour Protection, (1997), Warsaw,
Poland.
-- Peter Budnick, Ph.D., CPE
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Want More Customers? Try an Ergonomic Re-design
May 30, 2003
Think ergonomics is just about making tools and
reduce pain or injury? In some
keyboards to reduce
situations, improving ergonomics could mean
improved
pleasing the customer and that equals an improved
bottom line.
Take Ford Motor Company’s design of the Mercury
Sponsor
Monterrey Minivan that found a group of 15 mostlymale engineers dressed with Empathy Bellies – suits that mimic the feel of being ninemonths pregnant – to determine where to position key features of the car. Or the
Malibu Maxx in which General Motors says they shucked designing for the 50th
percentile male in favor of designing the car to fit the pregnant woman, expected to
be a viable market for the car’s highly adjustable interior once it is released in 2004.
Even the CEO of Palm Source, David Nagel, was quoted in a ZDNet report as believing
that poor product design could be keeping the sales of PDAs down.
“Most of the smart phones out there today include everything but the kitchen sink
because people don't know what will sell, but as the market matures you will be able
to create . . . devices that will be specialized to zero in on most of the functions a user
wants," Nagel said at the conference of wireless industry professionals in May.
Overall, ergonomics centers on the user and in the world of sales, that means catering
the design to fit, either physically or through usability, the customer. ZDNet reports
that the market for handheld devices is slowing, something Nagel said might be
attributed to the poor design of the PDAs, stating that the devices lacked focus and
failed to concentrate on usability or options that the users themselves wanted.
Will Ford or GM’s highly targeted designs fare any better? That remains to be seen.
Both models go on sale in the 2004 model year.
Sources: ZDNet.uk.co; Reuters
-- Jeanie Croasmun
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Commentary: Who’s Responsible for Occupational Ergonomics?
August 23, 2002
[This article was contributed by Don Triggs, MS, CPE.
Don is a Senior Consultant with Aon Ergonomic
Services. He can be reached at
don_triggs@ars.aon.com.]
It’s everyone’s responsibility.
Sponsor
As an engineer and a consultant, I’ve had the
opportunity to interact with a variety of organizations and have observed some
interesting mindsets with respect to implementing and managing occupational
ergonomics.
First, most businesses feel that ergonomics is a safety function because of its
relationship to injuries. Therefore, ergonomic implementation is typically the
responsibility of the individual who manages the safety function, even though that
person likely has many other responsibilities. Ergonomists understand that this
approach is not very effective because ergonomics is a discipline that should permeate
into every function of an organization. An excellent quote that embodies this concept
is the definition of ergonomics by Rohmert:
Ergonomics is related to the analysis of problems of people in their various
working conditions within their real-life situations. Ergonomists try to analyze
these relations, conditions and real-life situations with the aim of harmonizing
demands and capacities, pretensions and actualities, longings and constraints. –
Rohmert, 1987
Another common belief is that all engineers possess a ‘crystal ball’ through which they
can foresee the future and therefore design accordingly with respect to ergonomics.
In truth, engineers reach decisions much like the rest of the population – by drawing
on past experience, subject knowledge, and the focus of the problem at hand.
For example, if an engineer isn’t aware of the outcomes of a design with respect to
ergonomics, positive or negative, then how will he or she learn from the experience? If
engineers haven’t been formally trained in ergonomics, then how can we expect them
to incorporate ergonomics into their designs?
Many universities offer ergonomics and human factors classes as an elective, not as a
requirement for an engineering degree. I frequently argue that the emphasis towards
ergonomics should belong in the engineering department instead of the traditional
location of safety, because of the problem solving behavior that is inherent in
engineering.
All too often I’ve experienced the troubling misconception among supervisors and
middle management that ergonomics and safety is not their responsibility. This idea
manifests itself because supervisors are usually only held accountable for production
and quality. Because of this focus on production and quality, I have observed
discrepancies on the enforcement of safety issues versus ergonomic risk factors.
Recently, I had a supervisor tell me that he couldn’t make the individual use a hoist
that was provided. I answered “Why not? You make him wear safety glasses, don’t
you?” When he responded, “Yes, but safety glasses are required,” I fired back
“What’s the difference?” If safety glasses are required in a production area, usually
the supervisor will enforce their use. However, the use of a mechanical assist such as
a hoist is often left up to the discretion of the individual. A reduction in rate is the most
common complaint with using a mechanical assist, even though the rate was
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 8:14 PM
established with use of the hoist.
The goal of implementing either eye protection or a mechanical assist is to prevent an
identified risk. The potential risk for not wearing eye protection is an immediate
trauma to the eye. The potential risk for not using a mechanical assist is cumulative
trauma to the back. We tend to understand the risks associated with immediate
trauma, hence the regulations that mandate machine guarding, lock out / tag out,
personal protection equipment and many more. However, cumulative trauma risks are
often overlooked or underestimated. I believe these inconsistencies in the
enforcement of safety standards have contributed to the steady increase of
cumulative trauma injuries versus the decline in immediate trauma injuries.
The frontline workers also have a responsibility towards ergonomics. An interesting
psychological reaction that I’ve encountered, in relation to ergonomics, is a consistent
resistance to change. Humans are creatures of habit and therefore will resist change
regardless of the improvement. This phenomenon has forced many of my colleagues
to invoke the “21-day rule” in order for workers to break old habits and begin to see
the benefits of an improved process. I negotiate with employees using a new tool,
mechanical assist or technique to give it a try for 3 weeks. After three weeks we will
discuss and resolve any issues associated with the new process. Usually, changes are
minor, and what typically happens is the employees become adept at the new process
and realize the improvement. I often wonder about all the potential ergonomic
improvements that have been attempted and removed due to worker intolerance to
change. I see these attempts as I walk through facilities: a dust covered manipulator;
an unused pallet lift residing in the “bone yard” -- a storage place where failed
projects reside because an accountant somewhere says that the object still has value
and shouldn’t be disposed of. It also saddens me to see ergonomic projects in bone
yards because ergonomics is now seen as an expensive and risky endeavor by
decision-makers in that organization.
Ultimately, the responsibility for ergonomics as well as safety resides with upper
management. An organization will follow the directives of its leaders. If ergonomics is
a priority at the highest level then it will permeate throughout all the levels of an
organization.
Many consultants, myself included, have advocated the importance of implementing an
ergonomics program. However, the most progressive organizations that I’ve worked
with have not implemented ergonomic programs, but have instead accomplished
success by integrating ergonomics into their existing processes (i.e., production,
engineering, maintenance, quality, purchasing, human resources and R&D). These
companies realized that ergonomics is not the responsibility of one person or
department, but the duty of everyone in the organization.
-- Don Triggs
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01/11/2003 9:15 PM
Ergonomics Support in the Bush Administration-It's not who you think
April 13, 2001
On March 29-30, 2001, Georgetown
Georgetown University
University held a
Workplace Safety Summit. The University
University described
this event as, "The first national event of its kind
[with] aims to promote dialogue
dialogue [on workplace
safety] by bringing together high-level stakeholders
stakeholders
and serving as a powerful catalyst for ongoing
change."
Sponsor
While this in itself is great news, the real news came from comments made by keynote
speaker Paul O'Neill who is currently the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. As former
chairman and CEO of Alcoa, and president of International Paper Company before
that, O'Neill knows a thing or two about workplace safety.
While at Alcoa he instituted programs and management that was able to significantly
reduce the number of workplace injuries. In O'Niell's speech he talked about the OSHA
ergonomics program standard which was effectively dismissed by the Bush
administration. He also suggested that instead of the generic program standard that
OSHA proposed, we should consider a single mandatory standard where a company
would be required to reduce its workplace injuries to two cases per year for every
one-hundred workers. The penalty for not meeting this standard would be very harsh:
get shut down.
Some lobbyists thought that these remarks were not in tune with the views of the
Bush administration. Michele Davis, Treasury spokeswoman, was quick to point out
that O'Niell was speaking from corporate experience and is not involved in making
labor policy stating that reports that reports that his views are in conflict with the
administration are "erroneous".
The Washington Post quoted Patrick Clearly, vice president of human resources for
National Association of Manufacturers as saying, "I think we would say Secretary
O'Niell's heart is in the right place, but it's not a proposal we could support." The Post
also reported AFL-CIO health and safety director Peg Seminario as saying O'Niell's
approach would "drive underground the reporting of injuries".
While Secretary O'Niell is not involved in making labor policy today, he was one of the
policymakers in 1971 involved in the creation of OSHA. And while he was no doubt
made Treasury Secretary due to his experience with the financial aspect of
corporations, the US Office of Management and Budget, and the US Veterans
Administration, one of his first initiatives in the Treasury office was more about
ergonomics than economics. Earlier this year O'Neill set up safety teams to address
recording and minimization of injury rates within the Treasury. Other speakers at the
Georgetown event included:
Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Chair, Senate Subcommittee on Administrative
Oversight
Chad Holliday, Chairman and CEO, DuPont
Peg Seminario, Director, Department of Occupation Safety & Heath, AFL-CIO
Jay Greenspan, JMJ Associates
Ron Hayes, The FIGHT Project
Professor Emily Spieler, College of Law, West Virginia University
Stephen Newell, Organization Resources Counselors, Inc.
Mike Langlais, Investor Responsibility Research Center
Julie Fox Gorte, The Calvert Group
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 9:15 PM
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Page 2 of 2
01/11/2003 9:12 PM
Ergonomics Back in Congress
April 25, 2001
On April 26 workplace safety activists, unions, and
others will have another opportunity to speak to
Congress about ergonomics
ergonomics when
when Sen. Arlen
Specter, (R-PA), holds a hearing of
of the
the Senate
Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor to discuss
ergonomics.
Sponsor
Breaux,(D-LA), and
Specter, along with Sens. John Breaux,(D-LA),
Ted Stevens,(R-AK), last month introduced legislation that directs the Secretary of
Labor to issue a final ergonomics rule no later than two years after the measure's
passage.
The hearing scheduled next week will include testimony from Labor Secretary Elaine
Chao, as well as experts from labor and business, including the AFL-CIO whose
website counter contends that more than 175,000 workers will have sustained an
ergonomic injury in the six weeks since the standard was repealed.
The BLS-based count increases by one every 18 seconds.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and New York Committee on
Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) will most likely also be in attendance.
The NYCOSH website(http://www.nycosh.org) reports Board Chair William Henning
remarked: "Congress could repeal the ergonomics standard, but that won't repeal an
ergonomic hazard or prevent a single ergonomic injury. The toll of disabling ergonomic
injuries just keeps mounting up, increasing by nearly 5000 a day."
"The standard could prevent more than half of those injuries," Henning continued. "As
far as I'm concerned, the Members of Congress who voted to repeal the standard
should be charged with assault, because they said that it's okay for an employer to do
nothing about an ergonomic hazard that is hurting workers."
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Europe Backs Campaign to Prevent Work-Related MSDs
June 29, 2000
“Turn your back on musculoskeletal
disorders” (MSDs) is the slogan of this
October's European Week for Safety and
Health at Work.
The European Agency for Safety and Health
Sponsor
at Work outlined to Members of European
Parliament (MEPs) plans for this year's
European Week for Safety and Health at Work. Taking place across Europe
during October, the week aims to cut the incidence of back pain and other
work-related MSPs by raising awareness of the steps that can be taken to
prevent them.
Back pain and other MSDs are amongst the most prevalent occupational
diseases affecting millions of workers in all employment sectors.
Speaking at an Agency exhibition in the European Parliament in Brussels on
Thursday 22nd June, UK MEP Stephen Hughes commented: "In spite of the
alarmingly high and increasing number of cases, work-related MSDs are in
large part preventable if employers and workers follow exisiting health and
safety regulations and guidance on good practice. That's an important
message for the European Week to get across."
The Agency also unveiled plans for more than 30 campaigning activities which
will be co-funded by the Agency. "Abbatoir workers in France, bank employees
in Luxembourg, farm workers in Great Britain and car factory workers in
Portugal are just some of the groups being targeted," commented Hans-Horst
Konkolewsky, the Agency's Director.
"In addition, a wide variety of different campaign techniques will be used
during the week, ranging from advertising on buses, through the production of
videos and training material for different sectors, to workshops to discuss
practical solutions."
The Agency has also launched a dedicated web site for the week in all 11
community languages at http://osha.eu.int/ew2000.
Speaking in Brussels this week, Anna Diamantopoulou European Commissioner
for Employment and Social Affairs commented, "MSDs are a very serious
problem for Europe's 150 million workers. But it is not all bad news. Across
Europe, there are numerous examples of organizations and companies, big
and small, that have found ways to reduce the risk of their workers developing
MSDs. A key aim of this year's European Week for Safety and Health at Work is
to help promote practical preventive solutions to the problem of MSDs in
workplaces across Europe."
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, based in Bilbao, Spain,
was set up by the European Union to help meet Europe's information needs in
the field of occupational safety and health.
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-- Edited by Joan Guetschow
Related Articles:
EU Tackles Rising Costs of Workplace Stress
New Guideline on Ergonomics of Machinery Design Released
Chao Responds to Steady Workplace Injury Rates
Studies Relate Shoulder and Back Injuries to Lifting,
Pushing and Pulling Tasks
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MSD Risk Factors Cost Even Before They Injure
Two Bills Introduced to Address Ergonomics
Definitions in Ergonomics
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Page 2 of 2
01/11/2003 9:31 PM
European Leaders Discuss Prevention of MSDs
December 13, 2000
Agency Colloquium
The French Presidency/European Agency
on European Perspectives on the prevention of
(MSDs) was recently held
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
in Bilbao, Spain. The colloquium celebrated
celebrated the
the end
of European Week for Safety and Health at Work
2000. It wrapped up the European Week Campaign,
which saw over 5,000 activities organized
throughout the European Union and beyond in order
to combat work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Sponsor
MSDs are fast becoming the greatest health and safety challenge for Europe. They
affect over 40 million European workers (i.e. over 30% of the workforce). Estimates in
several Member States indicate that the Overall costs of work-related MSDs could be
between 0.5% and 2% of Gross National Product, which is a significant burden on the
EU economy.
The European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Mrs. Anna
Diamantopoulou, showed her full support for the process of debate and reflection that
this colloquium encouraged.
"We need to increase our understanding of how we can better stimulate and
encourage a preventive culture in Europe's workplaces. We need to know what more
we can do to support member states and companies to develop more effective
preventive measures against MSDs; and what more could be done at the European
level to tackle the MSD problem,” she explained.
Attended by over 200 experts from more than 20 countries across Europe, the
European Colloquium saw a lively debate between many sectors of work and society.
Many ideas were discussed and debated with experts from the European institutions,
national governments, European social partners, research institutions and member
state national safety and health organizations.
Two main approaches were followed in the debate with the emphasis on examining
the legislative approach as well as developing non-legislative measures, which could
be applied under current legislation in order to improve the present situation.
Legislative measures
Most felt the existing legislation should be effectively implemented first before
contemplating new legislative initiatives. However, they did recognize the need to
explore simplification of existing legislation. In addition, some participants raised the
possibility of extending existing EU legislation such as manual handling and VDU
directives to better cover MSD risks.
The European Commission reported its legislative initiative to combat "Physical
Agents" which would have some effect on certain types of vibration-related MSDs. The
forthcoming European Community Safety and Health Strategy was clearly identified as
a target of those suggesting legislative initiatives.
Non-Legislative measures
The legislative debate was complemented by a comprehensive discussion on nonlegislative actions which could be taken in order to better enforce or implement
existing legislation. Below are listed the main suggestions discussed during the
Page 1 of 3
01/11/2003 9:31 PM
colloquium:
The pursuance of a multidisciplinary approach to MSD risks involving medical
experts, ergonomists and health and safety experts.
Effective monitoring and risk evaluation, particularly of those most at risk to MSDs.
Better methods of work organization to avoid MSD risks.
Better worker involvement to identify and avoid MSD risks.
Effective social dialogue in order to keep such safety and health risks at the top
of the agenda at all levels.
Better training and education in the workplace.
Special attention in the research field to MSD issues, with particular attention to
the effects of stress and long working hours on MSD incidence rates.
Exchange of information between all those involved at the European and
international level in terms of research, good practice, developments in legislation
(such as those in the U.S.), training and education.
The establishment of development and improvement targets (or even
"benchmarking" targets) at the Member State level. Countries such as the UK,
Denmark, The Netherlands and Sweden were mentioned as having some first
experiences in this area.
Improvements in workplace design and the provision of a sufficient number of
trained MSD ergonomists
Evaluation of the impact of contractor / sub-contractor relationships on MSD
outcomes.
Better attention to the development, collection and dissemination of workplace
good practice examples. The role of the European Agency in collecting and
disseminating good practice within the framework of European Week was singled
out for praise in this area.
Effective public health surveillance as a necessary compliment to workplace
health monitoring.
The need for effective rehabilitation in order to get MSD sufferers back to work
and any necessary modifications in work organization in order to cater for
rehabilitated workers.
The Director of the European Agency, Mr. Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, said he was
pleased with the outcome of the European Colloquium. "The colloquium clarified some
of the most important remaining challenges for those involved at both the national
and European level in their fight against work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The
Agency will be ready to play its role in order to support this process and will continue
to collect and share good practice examples which can offer help to some of those at
risk to MSDs."
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Page 3 of 3
01/11/2003 9:32 PM
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Affects 40 Million European Workers
November 20, 2000
The European Week for Safety and Health at Work
Conference held
held in
in Bilboa,
Bilboa, Spain, concluded workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are
becoming the
the greatest health and safety challenge
for Europe. Studies indicate that 40 – 50% of all
work-related illnesses are related to WMSDs.
Estimates in several Member States indicate that the
overall cost is approximately 0.5%- 2.0% of Gross
National Product.
Sponsor
According to a recent European survey, 30% or 44 million European workers complain
of back pain, 17% complain of muscular pain in the arms and legs and 45% reported
working in painful or tiring positions.
The objectives of the European Week was to promote awareness about MSDs and
encourage exchange of experience on practical preventative solutions.
The Director of the European agency, Mr. Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, said he hoped,
“Companies, trade unions and professionals across Europe would consult and put into
practice some of the Good Practice examples collected by the agency and others at
the Member State level. If companies were able to exploit these and other good
practice examples in the workplace, they might also find that the results would not
only alleviate the burden of work-related MSDs but they may also result in costefficiency savings.”
On November 27, 2000, the French Presidency of the European Union and the
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work will join forces to organize the closing
colloquium of European Week 2000. The gathering will focus on future steps to
addressing and controlling WMSDs.
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01/11/2003 9:24 PM
President Bush Responds to ASSE
ASSE Questions
Questions on Safety and Health
January 31, 2001
In its recent congratulatory letter to President
George W. Bush, the American Society of Safety
Engineers (ASSE) offered its expertise and
assistance on future safety, health and
environmental issues to the President, and also
ASSE inquiry
inquiry
noted his pre-election response to an ASSE
“welcoming an ongoing dialogue on tangible ways to
improve occupational safety and health.”
Sponsor
In Bush’s written response (submitted to ASSE before the November 7th election) to a
series of questions concerning occupational safety and health, he responded first by
stating, “promoting workplace safety is a common goal that unites both employers
and employees.”
The response went on to state, “OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration) should be a partner with U.S. companies – and not an adversary.
While the enforcement of health and safety regulations must remain a tool of OSHA,
as President, I will place a renewed focus on education, consultation, training and
outreach – particularly for America’s small businesses – to be proactive and help
prevent workplace accidents from occurring. OSHA’s worksite inspections should
continue; however, OSHA should move away from citing small businesses for
unimportant paperwork violations and instead focus on serious violations that cause
harm to workers.”
He also stated, “...I favor a limited, but active federal government – one that
empowers states, cities and citizens to make decisions; ensures results through
accountability; and promotes innovation through competition. My ‘getting results from
government’ initiative will reform and modernize government on the basis of three key
objectives: To make government 1) citizen-centered, not bureaucracy-centered; 2)
results-oriented, not process-oriented; and 3) market-based, actively promoting – not
stifling, innovation and competition. In my administration I want federal agencies –
including OSHA – to see American citizens and businesses as partners, not resent
them as rivals.”
In ASSE’s congratulatory letter, ASSE’s President Samuel J. Gualardo, CSP, stated
there is great opportunity for significant benefit if partnership can be achieved. The
results will be innovative methods to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of
occupational safety and health and environmental management. “Once more we
congratulate you and look forward to working with you on future safety, health and
environmental issues,” Gualardo wrote.
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01/11/2003 9:24 PM
Page 2 of 2
01/11/2003 8:31 PM
Ergonomics a Priority for Safety and Health Professionals in 2002
January 18, 2002
any word
word from OSHA
Without a national standard, or any
will take,
take, is
on what shape ergonomics regulations will
ergonomics still on the mind of professionals?
According to a survey done by Business
Business News
Publishing and reported in the January 2002 edition
of Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, ergonomics
still ranks high on the list of priorities for 2002
among health and safety professionals.
Sponsor
According to the survey, for small facilities (1-100 employees), ergonomics was third in
a list of top priorities for the coming year. This is despite the fact that over 70% of
small facilities feel that the economy has hurt safety and health efforts. Among
emerging issues that will be of personal interest in the next three years, ergonomics
topped the list with 55%. Other issues included behavioral safety, stress effects, and
internet technologies.
Among mid-size facilities (101-500 employees), ergonomics came second on a list of
top priorities for the upcoming year behind supervisor safety training. In this group,
ergonomics also tops the list of emerging issues that will be of personal interest in the
next three years at 62%.
Large facilities (more than 1,000 employees) reported ergonomics at the top of the
priority list. 52% topped the list of emerging issues that will be of personal interest in
the next three years with ergonomics.
Among survey respondents who identified themselves as safety professionals, 58%
put ergonomics on the top of the list of emerging issues that will be of personal
interest in the next three years. This group did not list ergonomics among three top
priorities for the next year. Respondents who identified themselves as industrial
hygienists, however, feel that ergonomics should be the top priority, and 54% listed
ergonomics as an emerging issue that will be of personal interest in the next three
years.
Some respondents were identified as neither industrial hygienists nor safety
professionals, but still listed occupational health and safety as their full time job.
Among this group ergonomics ranked second on a list of top priorities and 58% felt it
was the top emerging issue that will be of personal interest in the next three years.
Those who listed occupational health and safety as only a part time job found
ergonomics to be third on the list of top priorities and 53% listed ergonomics as an
emerging issue that will be of personal interest in the next three years.
The survey also demonstrates that health and safety professionals are broadening
their understanding of ergonomics to include more than lifting boxes. 46% of
respondents said that an increased workload on employees is a significant concern.
This survey reflects the opinions only of those working mainly as safety professionals
and industrial hygienists. Full time ergonomists were not part of the survey
population. Other groups concerned with ergonomics but not accounted for in this
survey include product designers, engineers, psychologists, and medical professionals.
How does ergonomics play into your 2002 cards. Let us know by writing to
editor@ergoweb.com.
Page 1 of 2
01/11/2003 8:31 PM
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-- R. Michael
Page 2 of 2
01/11/2003 8:21 PM
Senate Committee Votes for Ergonomics Regulations
June 19, 2002
In a 11-10 vote along party lines, The Democratcontrolled Senate Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions Committee approved legislation
requiring the
the Labor
Labor Department
Department (DOL) to
Wednesday requiring
create regulations to reduce workplace
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Sponsor
The bill requires the DOL to create
create within
within two years
regulations covering all industries, making clear what employers are required to do
and when.
Committee Chairman Edward M. Kennedy, (D-MA) stated, "The administration's plan to
address this health crisis in the workplace replays failed strategies from the past.
They rely on toothless voluntary guidelines that most corporations will simply ignore.
These guidelines will be developed piecemeal, industry by industry, rather than
covering workers at risk in all industries."
Sen. Michael Enzi (R-WY), one of the most vocal adversaries of Clinton's repealed
ergonomics regulations, said he planned to block a vote on the legislation when it
reaches the Senate floor.
Passing the bill will be less likely in the Republican-controlled House. Democrats plan
to attach the bill to appropriations legislation instead of offering it for consideration as
a stand-alone measure on the Senate floor.
-- R. Michael
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Franquicia Master - Tangerine Systems

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