The goal of a written ergonomics program is to provide a framework for an effective ergonomics process that is based on the objectives of company management. A written program with a critical path timeline and responsibility matrix will ensure regulatory compliance and an appropriate level of employee involvement for your company culture.
The written program development process is outlined below. Goals, timetables, and resources committed must be established by company management. The participation of labor leadership in the development process will be specific to each company.
Four Steps to the Written Program Development Process
Step 1 - Establish Ergonomics Program Goals.
Mission statement
Primary goals and accountability
Employee involvement
Step 2 - Plan Resources.
Roles and responsibilities
Reporting structure
Team structures
Milestones for program implementation
Step 3 - Address Key Program Elements.
Management leadership and employee participation
Hazard information and reporting
Musculoskeletal disorder management Training
Job hazard analysis and control
Program evaluation and process management
Step 4 - Draft Program Documents.
Occupational health & safety policy
Evaluation checklists
employee discomfort survey
risk factor identification survey
Design guidelines
MSD tracking log
Return to work statement
Training schedule and course objectives
Understanding the current level of activity in ergonomics and existing activities that the ergonomics program can build on is essential to introducing an effective ergonomics process. The following questions can be posed to corporate principals, health and safety management, operating management, and labor leadership to help refine a common vision for ergonomics within your company.
Management Leadership and Employee Participation
Written program.
What are the company goals for injury/illness reduction, product quality/process reliability, and productivity improvement?
Where is accountability for these goals assigned?
Management commitment.
What is considered an unacceptable level of injuries and illnesses (incidence rate, severity rate, workers comp dollars, etc.)?
What is the company's mission health & safety? For ergonomics?
What resources are committed to health & safety? To ergonomics?
What levels of management are accountable for health & safety goals?
Employee participation.
What mechanisms currently exist for employee input into job design, safety & health concerns, and quality improvement?
In what ways are employee input and resulting actions documented?
How are employees and their representatives involved in the ergonomics program?
Management practices.
What policies and practices currently exist to encourage early reporting of MSD signs and symptoms?
Is there an annual ergonomics improvement plan with measurable goals?
Hazard Information and Reporting
