The Workplace Ergonomics Program

Training for Key Trainers, (staff devoted to training employees in job-specific principles of ergonomics). These key trainers will be certified by outside consultants to conduct classes, perform workstation consultations, and to recommend modifications. They are responsible for training employees in any service unit in addition to performing their regular duties.

General Orientation: Service unit ergonomics teams, in cooperation with Facility Design and Construction, Health Services Office and Safety Services, provide an introduction to the general principles of ergonomics and to the Workplace Ergonomics Program in general orientation sessions. All employees are required to take General Training or its equivalent. New staff receives general training during new staff orientation. Other staff will be scheduled to receive general training in a lecture setting.

Job-Specific Training: Every employee (new, old, reassigned) is taught how to use tools and equipment for maximum efficiency and ergonomic comfort, and is responsible for using safe work practices on the job. Training for commonly used tools and equipment (e.g., video display terminals) takes place in the classroom with interactive teaching methods (student participation and practice.) Safety practices for tools and equipment that are unique to a work area are demonstrated on the job by supervisors. Trainees are expected to actively participate in their own protection by performing self-assessment of their work habits and implementing basic changes in their work areas.

Management Briefing: Managers are responsible for supporting the Workplace Ergonomics Program in their areas. Division chiefs, directors, service unit heads, and some administrative officers will attend briefings by their service unit ergonomics team, with possible input from key trainers.

Training for Supervisors: Supervisors ensure that employees follow safe work practices and receive appropriate training to do so. They must therefore attend the job-specific training for the positions they supervise. In addition, supervisors need briefings similar to those provided for managers in order to gain a complete understanding of their responsibilities.

Support Training: All support offices have a responsibility to keep ergonomic knowledges and skills current and to apply ergonomic principles in performing their duties. Appropriate technical training should be provided for support staff on an as-needed basis.

Evaluation.

The WEPCC will develop evaluation mechanisms for training courses.

SURVEILLANCEThe purpose of health and job risk factor surveillance is to provide an ongoing systematic method of identifying and evaluating cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and workplace ergonomic risk factors; and to monitor trends in their occurrences in specific areas, over time and between locations. The information developed in the process is used to plan ergonomic interventions and determine the need for action. Data collected through surveillance makes up the epidemiological (incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population) tools used in assessing the workplace and employees and determining trends, costs, and interventions.

The service unit ergonomics teams conduct surveillance in both passive and active modes. The responsibilities for surveillance are interdisciplinary. See Program Management.

Passive Surveillance involves the analysis of existing records and data.

1. Analysis of Existing Records. Medical and safety professionals review certain records for implications of ergonomic factors such as overexertion, forceful exertions, awkward postures, and repeated motion type injuries. They forward information applicable to the Workplace Ergonomics Program to the appropriate ergonomics committee/team. This records review process is a first step in determining the ergonomic program direction and for performing the job analysis.

Medical Records.

Medical records include Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) logs, compensation reports, medical visits, and as necessary, personal medical records. Information of a personal nature regarding treatment and the injury may not go forward to the ergonomics committee/teams.

Safety Review.

Safety Services conducts injury/illness reviews and/or investigations which identify suspect mishap cause factors useful. The resulting reports are useful in identification of specific jobs for ergonomic analysis.

Complaint Records/Suggestions.

Service unit ergonomics teams can use employee complaints and/or suggestions relating to a work process to identify potential ergonomic problem areas. Safety Services can assist the service unit ergonomics teams in the review of such records.

2. Early Reporting of Symptoms. Employees are encouraged to report early signs and symptoms of discomfort to their supervisor, service unit ergonomics team or directly to Health Services. This allows for timely and appropriate evaluation, documentation and treatment or referral.