A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders |
Training is recognized as an essential element for any effective safety and health program [Colligan 1994]. For ergonomics, the overall goal of training is to enable managers, supervisors, and employees to identify aspects of job tasks that may increase a worker s risk of developing WMSDs, recognize the signs and symptoms of the disorders, and participate in the development of strategies to control or prevent them [Kuorinka and Forcier 1995]. Training employees ensures that they are well informed about the hazards so they can actively participate in identifying and controlling exposures. Common forms of ergonomics training are noted below, along with their objectives. Table 3 lists the categories of employees who should receive the indicated instructions, especially if a team approach is used to analyze job risk factors and develop control measures. Employers may opt to have outside experts conduct these tasks. If so, the outside instructors should first become familiar with company operations and relevant policies and practices before starting to train. Tailoring the instruction to address specific concerns and interests of the worker groups can enhance learning.
The objectives for ergonomics awareness training are as follows:
The objectives for training in job analyses and control measures are as follows:
The objectives for training in problem solving are as follows:
Materials for offering awareness training to the workforce are available, including videotapes and pamphlets from NIOSH and other groups (see Trays 3 and 10 of the Toolbox). Employers may prefer to generate their own informational materials tailored to their particular job operations. Persons or groups assigned to or expected to play a key role in ergonomic hazard control work will require added instruction in problem identification, job analyses, and problem-solving techniques. This training is available through short courses publicized in many occupational safety and health publications or through a consultant.
Training objectives are not intended to have workers, supervisors, or managers diagnose or treat WMSDs. Rather, the purpose is to instill an understanding of what type of health problems may be work related and when to refer employees for medical evaluation. The training should include what is known about work and nonwork causes of musculoskeletal disorders and the current limitations of scientific knowledge.
Training should be understandable to the target audience. Training materials used should consider the participants educational levels, literacy abilities, and language skills. This may mean, for example, providing materials, instruction, or assistance in Spanish rather than English.
Open and frank interactions between trainers and trainees, especially those in affected jobs, are especially important. Employees know their own jobs better than anyone else and often are the source of good ideas for ways to improve them. At a minimum, employees must be given an opportunity to discuss ergonomic problems in their jobs as they see them and engage in relevant problem-solving exercises during the training.
One NIOSH experience in direct worksite training included a demonstration study in which a work group or team approach was adopted for problem solving. Training efforts to prepare the team to perform this function are described in Exhibit 6.