Understanding the basics of ergonomics: training and education.

Bringing employees up to date in ergonomics is a significant step toward a corporate culture, that embraces continuous improvement in engineering, health and safety. Before ergonomics training efforts can begin, a plan for a corporate ergonomics process must be in place (even if it appears on a napkin). This includes defining the procedures that will be used for hazard identification and abatement, solution implementation, and employee participation and process management. This way, training can incorporate relevant and accurate information on corporate policies and expectations with regard to each employee group.

Train Groups Appropriately

It is tempting to call all employees together in one room and get the ergonomics training over and done with. For example, the use of "generic" videotapes is appealing based on the large number of attendees at one time and the relatively inexpensive cost. The approach may seem easy, however, a new subject may be difficult to grasp from an impersonal approach. A video is not likely to provide all participants with the knowledge and ammunition needed to successfully incorporate task requirements. The following is a brief look at the needs of several employee groups in ergonomics in a typical foundry environment.

Senior Management--Foundry management must be aware of the reason for the ergonomics process if they are expected to support it. Providing a concise description of the physiologic basis behind ergonomics will suffice. Emphasis should be placed on the benefits of ergonomics, realistic time frames, expected costs and management's role in the process. Upper management sends the message and sets the tone for the success of any program.

Safety Personnel--Safety personnel must be prepared to be the "expert" resource for ergonomics. Therefore, they should be thoroughly trained in the physiologic basis behind ergonomics, as well as the relationship between job requirements and injury development.

Safety professionals should be prepared to systematically assess the potential hazards in the workplace and have the ability to interpret the results and take appropriate action to start the solution process. Medical personnel should be similarly prepared with the additional understanding of diagnostic and referral procedures for appropriate, up-to-date, conservative medical management. Both of these groups should have a thorough understanding of the reporting requirements, both internal and regulatory.

Engineering--The support of engineering personnel is essential to ensure that ergonomics improvements are made properly and successfully. In addition to understanding the physiologic basis of ergonomics and the relationship between job requirements and injury development, engineers should be trained to use advanced techniques for designing ergonomics into work processes and workplaces. These techniques include using anthropometry (the study of human body measurements), applying ergonomics models and evaluating the consequences of current work practices.

Engineers should be briefed on the procedures they should follow to ensure that ergonomics improvements move from concept to reality, and know the resources available to them during each phase of the process. With an ergonomics program, productivity is expected to increase with less "wear and tear" on employees. An understanding of human capabilities and limitations is necessary.

Supervisors/Line Management--Supervisor and line management awareness can provide a valuable method for spotting ergonomics problems at the source. By understanding the "dos and don'ts" of ergonomics, supervisors can assist employees to perform their Jobs in the least stressful manner and be prepared to seek assistance in situations requiring further attention. It is important for supervisors to have a predetermined process for reporting ergonomics problems and for assisting employees in reporting signs of musculoskeletal stress related to job requirements. They can also be trained to recognize when "tools" are causing more harm than good.

Line Employees--Line employees have a great deal of control over their safety and health, especially when it comes to ergonomics. Understanding the potential consequences of posture, force and repetition will put the employee in control. Knowing the signs and symptoms of ergonomics injuries will enable employees to take the necessary steps to change the situation before serious damage occurs. Again, it is important for employees to know how to deal with these situations and to be reassured that no negative outcomes will result from their proactivity.

Later in the ergonomics process, these employees may be evaluated at the work site or be asked to change their work methods in response to identified ergonomics solutions. This awareness training will make these activities all the more relevant.

Individuals participating in the company's ergonomics task force should receive the level of training appropriate to their job requirements. They should also have an understanding of the information provided at the other levels.

Good training will ensure that the ergonomics process goes smoothly and has the best chance of success. If all those involved share a common goal and understanding of ergonomics, the chances for cooperation and participation are increased. Through all employee levels, from CEO to the newest hire, people become empowered with knowledge.