Precor Tabbed as Model for Best Practices in Workplace Safety.

Health/Medical Writers

WOODINVILLE, Wash.--(BW HealthWire)--March 12, 2002

Internationally recognized for innovation in fitness equipment, Precor Inc. has been tabbed as a model of workplace safety for its innovative use of ergonomics in manufacturing.

Precor's Woodinville, Wash. production facilities are among featured workplaces presented by a State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries Web site promoting ergonomic best practices.

Precor initially was identified as an industry leader through participation with the department's SHARP research group in a three-year national study on work-related factors and musculoskeletal disorders.

"We had a sense that Precor was special because they made a three-year commitment to a research project studying their manufacturing workplace," said Barbara Silverstein PhD, SHARP research director. Administering the study in a range of Washington industries, the SHARP research group is located within the Insurance Services division of the department.

"We had high expectations before visiting Precor, but the extent of leadership and innovation was dramatic and obvious on our first visit to the production floor," Silverstein added. "Precor is years ahead of the curve in integrating ergonomics into the production process. Other manufacturers can learn a great deal from them."

WISHA is featuring Precor on its Web site demonstrating best practices from a variety of industries, http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/ergo/demoproj-rpts.htm. There, state ergonomics experts utilize text and photos to demonstrate the best ways to prevent Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders through using ergonomic principles.

Ergonomic practices and musculoskeletal injuries have gained added attention due to the extent workplace injury, and enactment of a state ergonomics rule designed to reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries. In Washington, injuries such as back strain, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome incur more than $411 million in medical treatment, lost wages, additional suffering and lost productivity for employers and workers.

"Manufacturers can reduce the risk of injury and increase profitability by applying ergonomic principles to functions that involve manual handling and heavy lifting," said Silverstein. "Precor has gone a step beyond current ergonomic rules, to virtually eliminate lifting hazards that otherwise might be a danger."

Silverstein added that Precor's path to establishing sound work processes is as notable as the result. "Employees often are overlooked as workplace process experts -- but in reality they are among the first to recognize a problem and add to a solution. Precor also is a model for involving employees at every step in the process to develop creative solutions," she added.

For information from the Department of Labor and Industries, contact Steve Pierce, Public Affairs, at 360/902-5405 or [e-mail].

About Precor

Founded in 1980, Precor is headquartered northeast of Seattle in Woodinville, Wash., with international offices in the United Kingdom, Germany and Hong Kong. One of the largest fitness equipment manufacturers in the United States, Precor sets the standard for smooth performance, product quality and customer service.

Precor is a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (NYSE:ITW). Based in Chicago, ITW is an international manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems. For more information, visit www.precor.com.