Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders

NIOSH sponsored a study at a major hospital site in which a plan was followed based on employee hazard recognition and problem solving. A special committee was developed to encourage workers to report unsafe conditions and to make suggestions for corrective measures. The committee provided prompt feedback about actions taken through the hospital-wide posting of bulletins on progress, as well as other forms of publicity.

Measurements taken before and 12 months after the program was implemented showed a 33% increase in the number of hazards reported by workers, with a corresponding drop in injury rates of 25%. These rates suggested an increased safety consciousness among the workers and a consequent reduction in injuries. Relevant to the subject of ergonomics were results found in comparing the content of the hazard reports with the actual agent or injury data. Workers tended to detect more physical hazards (slip and trip hazards, struck by or against hazards) than were accounted for in terms of actual injury, but they clearly underestimated those involving overexertion, such as in patient lifting or other procedural-type situations. These data suggested the need for more worker training devoted to these kinds of concerns [Lin and Cohen 1983].