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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?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Ergonomics in the Workplace Strategies and Predictions for a New Economy
Rick Spencer, MS
Omega Health Systems
Ergonomics – The Study of What??
The Process Approach
Ergonomics and the Economy
Conclusion
11
22
33
44 The Future of Ergonomics
Agenda
What is Ergonomics?
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.
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.
KnowledgeKnowledgeEnvironmentEnvironment
BehaviorBehavior
Ergonomics Process
Improper Lifting
Ergonomic Model
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
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
Taking the next step… #3Integrate 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
Taking the next step… #4
• Share/ advertise your successes
• Recognize and acknowledge efforts
Start Again!
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.
2040…
2025
2015
2010
Ergonomics in the Future
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
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
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
Ergonomics in a New Economy…
The New Workforce Reality… PEOPLE are the ENGINE for SUCCESS
The New Currency…• Creativity• Knowledge• Relationship Capital
Workforce Optimization• Capital• Technology• Brand
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
A Case Study – British LibraryWhat 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%.
Is Ergonomics a Strategic Behavior?
