· Resources: Ergonomics - Risk Factor Analysis

     On April 5, 2002, OSHA unveiled a comprehensive plan designed to dramatically reduce ergonomic injuries through a combination of industry-targeted guidelines, tough enforcement measures, workplace outreach, advanced research, and dedicated efforts to protect Hispanic and other immigrant workers. This plan will focus on the prevention of ergonomics injuries before they occur. OSHA has begun working on developing industry and task-specific guidelines to reduce and prevent ergonomic injuries, often called musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), that occur in the workplace.

     As an employer it is never too early for you to do your own "ergonomic risk factor assessment" throughout your facility and apply the predominant rule of ergonomics - COMMON SENSE.

     ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT
     This assessment can serve as a baseline from which you can then select your priorities and establish goals. Depending on how large your organization is, the risk assessment process will vary. Typically, a department-by-department approach is best. You can then quantify any risks by body part (hand/wrist, elbows, shoulders, back) and specify an action level based on the result (immediate attention required, further assessment required, no action).

     BUDGET FOR THE PROGRAM
     Implementing an ergonomics program will entail adminisrative cost to implement and also may include cost to correct hazards. Solutions to ergonomic hazards generally fall into categories such as process changes, product changes or workplace modifications. Although many improvements can be implemented at little cost, some situations will require funding. Acknowledge these potential costs and create a budget to meet these needs.

     DEFINE ROLES
     Solving ergonomics problems require input from all groups within a facility. These groups include, but are not limited to, production, safety, heath and environment personnel, supervisors, management, engineering, maintenance, and purchasing. Consistency of the goals and active support from management is critical to success. Once an assignment is made it is important to hold each group accoutable for their participation.
     A thorough case management strategy can greatly reduce the potential for further injury and claims costs. Ergonomic risk factor analysis can be conducted to determine causes and indentify return-to-work opportunities. A case management approach should emphasize early detection, conservative treatment and return-to-work programs. This type of case management has proved successful in reducing workers' compensation cost reductions of up to 91% for companies that had implemented ergonomics programs.

     TRACK PERFORMANCE AND COMMUNICATE
     When a firm initially begins an ergonomics program it is being "reactive". Reacting to incident rates, lost workdays and workers' compensation costs are all the focus. As the program matures, the focus will shift toward productivity-related criteria such as increased throughput and reduced cycle time. To ensure continued success, management must communicate these results to appropriate personnel on a regular basis.