Your stake in ergonomics
By Raymond A. Kulwiec -- Modern Materials Handling, 9/1/1998
Every year, more and more companies recognize the importance of ergonomics when designing work processes and the layout of facilities. Many also know that various categories of materials handling equipment are actually ergonomic tools. Staff editor Sonja Randall's feature article in this issue, 'Gaining an ergonomic edge', illustrates examples, including scissors lifts, manipulators, vacuum lifts, air balancers, tilters, and work station cranes. As explained in the article, choosing the right type will help you match the work to the worker.There are many places to go for information and help in planning your own ergo-nomics program. Unfortunately, the federal government is not one of them. About ten years ago, OSHA had promised new regulations on ergonomics for industry. The project was shelved and has not yet been re-trieved. All OSHA will tell you right now is that employers are responsible for providing workers with a safe workplace. There are rumors, however, that late this year or early in '99, the agency plans to release a draft of guidelines similar to those it established a few years ago for meat packing plants. Based partly on the idea of continuous improvement, such guidelines would be a good beginning.
At any rate, even if specific ergonomic programs are not yet mandated by law, companies should develop such programs on their own because they are good business. Time and again, it has been demonstrated that good ergonomics improves pro-ductivity, while also re-ducing the cost of worker injuries. Enlightened com- panies are cost justifying ergonomic programs on the basis of operating im-provements. Of course, if and when OSHA gets its act together, you'll be ready to comply if you've had an ergonomics program in place.
A good place for information is the Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment Council (EASE) of the Material Handling Industry. This trade group has excellent educational materials. You can reach EASE at Material Handling Industry of America, 8720 Red Oak Blvd., Ste. 201, Charlotte, NC 28217; 704-676-1190, or check their website at www.mhia.org. For MMH articles on the subject, go to our website, www.mmh.com, access the back issues section, and key in 'Ergonomics'. You'll find a number of articles we've published on the subject.
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