60 seconds with ... Dixie Brock

Dixie Brock on how to put together effective safety and ergonomics programs for the DC.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 2/1/2006

Despite what some people may think, safety and ergonomics are not separate issues. Ergonomics is all about the interaction of people and on-the-job activities. Safety is a matter of taking that relationship between people and activities and finding ways to manage the risk.

To improve safety and ergonomics in the DC, first I have to look at what has already happened to prevent future accidents, with the same or similar risk, from happening. And yes, I do think that accidents are preventable.

New programs are only a part of the answer. You also need people at all levels of the organization to really get why safety and ergonomics are important.

You have to show why it is better to invest in a $6,000 lift table than pay a $40,000 muscle strain claim. It's a matter of making them comprehend the value of the investment; how being safer is a good economic decision, good operational decision and good for the worker.

If you do your job right, senior management should see how that expenditure will improve the bottom line. Location managers should see how it will improve their productivity. And supervisors should see how it will protect workers from injuries that can cause disruptions on the floor.

Improving safety and ergonomics to prevent injuries in the workplace is a necessity. It is a sound business practice. And it is also the morally right thing to do.