With the economy struggling, many organizations have begun to look for new ways to ensure that their workforces remain strong and productive during these uncertain times. One untapped source companies can turn to for improved productivity is ergonomics.

That was a prominent theme at the sixth annual National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition (www.ergoexpo.com). Conference sessions focused on the role of good ergonomics in improving workplace health and safety, especially in materials handling operations.

This year's event, held last month in Las Vegas, drew more than one thousand attendees and one hundred-plus exhibitors. The growing attendance points to an increasing understanding of the value of good ergonomics, said conference organizers. "The industrial focus on ergonomics continues to grow, as businesses have identified ergonomics as a tool to improve the bottom line," said Walter Charnizon, vice president of Continental Exhibitions, which owns and operates the event.

Good ergonomics offers companies other benefits, too, said one speaker. "Ergonomics is the tool [companies] use to better match human capital, workers, with equipment and processes, said ErgoWeb, Inc. President Dr. Peter Budnick, Ph.D., CPE. "The rewards are not just reduced injury costs, but often dramatic savings through increased productivity and quality."

Unfortunately, companies pay less attention to ergonomics when times get tough. "It's hard to overlook the growing costs of poor ergonomics when the economy forces companies to tighten their belts," said Budnick. The benefits of good ergonomics are so great, he suggested, that companies should continue to focus their efforts in that area. "Efficient use of resources, including human labor, is just smart business, and that's what ergonomics is, smart business," Budnick said. "And smart companies are discovering an untapped gold mine (with good ergonomics) in their materials handling operations."

The full-day workshops and 90-minute seminars explored a wide range of topics, from the costs and benefits of ergonomics to addressing hazards through observation and feedback. In a series of case studies, representatives from several companies offered candid comments about the issues surrounding the implementation of effective ergonomic programs at their facilities.

John Leyenberger, divisional risk control director for Wal-Mart Stores, explained that a solid ergonomics program can have a significant effect on many key pressure points in the warehouse. He attributed improved efficiency, increased worker morale, reduced injuries, and lower turnover in his company's facilities directly to ergonomics programs.

Leyenberger went on to add, "Our people make the difference. This not just a motto, it's the basis for our success." As a result, he said, the question at Wal-Mart isn't "why get involved in ergonomics?" but rather, "why would you not?"

Mike DaPrile, vice president of manufacturing and operations support at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., considered ergonomics from a manufacturer's perspective.

"As the pace of change increases and the industrial markets grow ever more competitive, the necessity of lean, flexible manufacturing systems becomes crucial to long-term stability, growth, and ultimately survival," he said. "Debilitating injuries requiring time on modified duty or off work compromises the ability of companies to maintain a lean system."

A pre-conference workshop focused on ergonomics and materials handling. In one session, Michael Boorstein of WristWand, Inc., examined how the manual handling of loads can place stress on workers during load manipulation.

Ergonomics equipment such as positioning tables, lift tables and conveyors can improve the ergonomics of manual handling activities and reduce the incidence of injuries, he pointed out.