The Workplace Ergonomics Program

Staff members are responsible for:

Reporting work area hazards upon becoming aware of their existence

Cooperating with the service unit ergonomics team

Providing input to job analysis and design process

Actively engaging in their own protection by following recommended work practices and suggestions of work area consultants

Labor organizations are responsible for:

Appointing a representative to each service unit ergonomics team

Encouraging early reporting of symptoms by employees and referring those employees to appropriate offices

Bringing ergonomic problems and potential problems to the attention of the service unit ergonomics teams and other responsible officials

Facility Design and Construction (FD&C) is responsible for design and layout of work areas to assure compliance with applicable standards. FD&C staff participate in job analysis on an as-needed basis. Where ergonomic interventions are required, FD&C provides advice and assistance to the service unit ergonomic teams to identify the best possible solution. FD&C maintains information on ergonomically-correct furnishings and equipment. FD&C is also responsible for:

Advising as to feasibility of adjustments to existing furniture

Identifying adjustments to furnishings that can be made by the user

Identifying adjustments requiring professional installers -- Reviewing requests for service for workstation modifications, including preparing drawings and scheduling installers as necessary

Helping in the selection of ergonomic furniture/accessories requiring purchase, including review of all purchase requisitions

Health Services Office is responsible for the medical surveillance element of the Workplace Ergonomics Program. The Health Services Office serves as a consultant to the WEPCC and service unit ergonomics teams, providing instruction in the prevention, early recognition, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of repetitive strain disorders.

The Health Services staff assesses presenting signs and symptoms and, based on findings, directs follow-up analysis and/or treatment. Within staffing constraints, the Health Services Office's responsibilities include:

Recognizing employee injury/illness problems with ergonomic influence

Participating in ergonomic evaluations of work

Identifying restricted-duty jobs

Performing periodic walkthroughs with service unit ergonomics teams

Providing wellness education initiatives

Analyzing health surveillance data and evaluating results -- Reporting findings and recommendations

Participating in the development of interventions and reevaluating previous actions

Safety Services provides support to the WEPCC and service unit ergonomics teams in the areas of safety, mishap/injury prevention, industrial hygiene, environmental health, and emergency response. Within limitations, influenced by availability of resources, Safety Services' responsibilities are: