- Kaizen Events: At these events, cross-functional teams commit to making changes that will improve the working conditions in a defined area of a facility within a given time frame. They are a great way to get a new ergonomics process off the ground or to revitalize a stagnant one, and typically focus on making simple, low-cost improvements to generate awareness and encourage a continuous improvement effort.
- Risk Assessments: No matter what company or situation, it is essential to have up-to-date risk assessments of all jobs on file. Always have a Physical Demands Analysis available that details the physical requirements of each task. This can quickly determine whether a newly hired employee or a person returning to work from an injury is physically capable of performing required job tasks. A risk map is also important because it allows jobs to be put in order from highest risk to lowest risk and prioritizes where a company will focus its efforts moving forward.
- Training: Demonstrating the value of ergonomics through effective training sessions will certainly raise awareness of the importance of having a strong ergonomics process. Types of training can range from ergonomics awareness training for hourly employees, to teaching safety leaders how to conduct risk assessments, and even to training engineers in using ergonomic design guidelines.
- Tracking Software: A web-based system is the best way to securely store important information because it can provide varying levels of access depending on the roles and responsibilities of those using it. Online databases can also incorporate a computer-based training component, which can be a very cost-effective way of providing refresher training to a large number of employees in a short amount of time.
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