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Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics in the Workplace. Strategies and Predictions for a New Economy. Rick Spencer, MS Omega Health Systems. Agenda. 1. Ergonomics – The Study of What??. 2. The Process Approach. 3. Ergonomics and the Economy. 4. The Future of Ergonomics. Conclusion. What is Ergonomics?.

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Ergonomics in the Workplace

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  1. Ergonomics in the Workplace Strategies and Predictions for a New Economy Rick Spencer, MS Omega Health Systems

  2. Agenda 1 Ergonomics – The Study of What?? 2 The Process Approach 3 Ergonomics and the Economy 4 The Future of Ergonomics Conclusion

  3. What is Ergonomics?

  4. What is Ergonomics? • STUDY OF PEOPLE AT WORK. MATCHING THE JOB TO THE WORKER, NOT THE WORKER TO THE JOB. • Ergonomics is not just a science but a way of thinking about design of tools and equipment, the layout of the workplaces and the overall organization of work.

  5. Primary Objectives of Ergonomics • To enhance efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness of systems, products and people. • To enhance functionality, usability and desirability of systems and products. • To enhance safety, health and the quality of life of people.

  6. Ergonomics Process Knowledge Environment Behavior

  7. Improper Lifting

  8. Ergonomic Model

  9. Taking the next step…#1 Become Proactive within the current environment, by prioritizing issues based on data: – Absence History or Discomfort - Data Analysis – Prioritize Risk – Use data to help resolve issues – Educate – Create a Climate that Supports Ergonomics

  10. Taking the next step… #2 Cost Justify your solutions. – Use key measures other than absence costs Cost Justification Methods – Cost/ Benefit Ratio – Payback Period/ Return on Investment (ROI) – Equivalent Revenues

  11. Taking the next step… #3 Integrate Ergonomics Up Front – Don’t wait for absence – Collect data to prioritize risk – Take your data to design – Don’t recreate the wheel: incorporate ergonomics into existing systems

  12. Taking the next step… #4 • Share/ advertise your successes • Recognize and acknowledge efforts Start Again!

  13. Economic Impact (NHS) •  MSDs are the second biggest cause of work-limiting health problems and sickness absence in the UK, responsible for up to 10.8 million lost working days in 2008/09.• The cost of MSDs to society has been estimated at over £7 billion.• Persistent pain and stiffness that MSDs can cause have a major impact on quality of life and can result in more days off work.

  14. 2010 Ergonomics in the Future 2015 2025 2040…

  15. Disciplines Involved with Ergonomics • Medicine • Biology, Physiology, and Kinesiology • Psychology • Engineering • Architecture and Facility Design • Business Organization and Management • Industry and Labor Relations • Government Relations and Regulation

  16. Occupations Involved with Ergonomics • Physicians, Physician Assistants • Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Nursing Aides • Physical and Occupational Therapists • Chiropractic Doctors • Personal Trainers • Nutritionists • Business Management Consultants • Insurance Claims Examiners, Return to Work Counselors • Engineers • Physiologists • Psychologists • Social Workers. Family Counselors, EAP Counselors • Safety and Health Staff • Lawyers • Government Inspectors and Officials • Researchers • Trainers • Educators • Usability Professionals • Architects and Facilities planners/managers

  17. Trends in Industry • Significant use of automation • Increased use of computers and telecommunications • Increase in the number of office, laboratory, and service sector jobs. Fewer manufacturing jobs. • Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Infotechnology • More diversity in the workforce • Aging workforce • Many jobs now require complex skills • Increased focus on quality and productivity issues • Increased focus on usability of products/services • Global forces on economy

  18. Ergonomics in a New Economy…

  19. The New Workforce Reality… PEOPLE are the ENGINE for SUCCESS

  20. The New Currency… • Creativity • Knowledge • Relationship Capital

  21. Workforce Optimization • Capital • Technology • Brand

  22. Human Capital • Total Workforce Expenditures = 60-70% of Operating Costs – This is an asset. • Perspective Challenge – Changing the mindset – Workforce is not a cost, but the primary source of growth and value • Workforce Success – Generate a Workforce with the Right Culture, Mindset, Competencies and STRATEGIC BEHAVIOR

  23. A Case Study – British Library What were the business benefits? Over a two year period: • Absence dropped from 10.2 to 7.5 days per annum; • Cost of absence dropped 11% (£160K per annum); • Staff turnover was halved from 12% to 6%; • Performance management results increased from 86% to 98%.

  24. Is Ergonomics a Strategic Behavior?

  25. Thank You! Rick Spencer Rick.Spencer@OHS.US.com

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