The Ergonomics Edge: Improving Safety, Quality, and Productivity

Learn why ergonomics is a business solution and not a business problem The Ergonomics Edge Improving Safety, Quality, and Productivity Dan MacLeod It is time for ergonomics to be seen in its true light. Too often, the subject of ergonomics appears to be complicated, expensive, and a burden on industry. It has gained visibility because of hefty regulatory fines and product liability law–suits. As a result, many managers consider ergonomics to be just another business headache. In The Ergonomics Edge, Dan MacLeod demonstrates why ergonomics is really good news for managers, revealing how it can actually be a formidable weapon in a company’s quest to gain competitive advantage. MacLeod is one of the leading practitioners of workplace ergonomics in the U.S., and has successfully applied ergonomics in many manufacturing and service industries. He shows how improving the user–friendliness of both the workplace and a company’s end–product can lead to reduced workers’ comp, turnover, absenteeism, and other cost savings. Moreover, he reveals how ergonomics can lead to higher earnings through greater worker productivity and increased sales. Highly illustrated and written in a conversational style, The Ergonomics Edge provides a non–technical approach designed to demystify this subject that many find daunting. Section 1 presents basic ergonomic principles and discusses how these serve to enhance the functioning of any business, and goes on to show how businesses can respond to new and impending OSHA and ANSI standards in a way that promotes efficient business operation. Section 2 explores a number of specific issues, offering insight into: Ergonomics as an aspect of your firm’s Total Quality Management effort The causes and costs of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and how these may be prevented The role of ergonomics in improving quality, productivity, and work organization The capacity of ergonomics to address vital human resource issues such as today’s aging work force and the rights of employees with disabilities Section 3 offers numerous case studies of practical applications of ergonomic solutions. In addition, it outlines the elements of an effective workplace ergonomics program, with coverage of key issues such as organization, training, communication, job analysis and job improvements, medical management, and program monitoring. The Ergonomics Edge is the first working resource to offer convincing evidence that ergonomics can be a blessing and not a burden to U.S. business. This book will be indispensable in helping your firm meet its long–range strategic goals. In addition, it will be important reading for ergonomists, industrial hygienists, physical therapists, and other safety and medical professionals, to help everyone make the case for ergonomics.

THE BASICS: WHAT EVERY MANAGER SHOULD KNOW. The Business Case for Ergonomics. Principles of Ergonomics. Business Perspectives on Ergonomics. MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND STRATEGIES. Understanding Cumulative Trauma. Quality and Productivity. Strategic Issues and Trends. An Essay on Work Organization. CASE STUDIES AND WORKPLACE PROGRAMS. Success Stories. A Guide to Workplace Programs. Epilogue. References. Index.

Dan MacLeod is the founder of Ergo Tech, inc., and is now Director of Ergonomics for Clayton Ergo Tech, a division of Clayton Environmental Consultants. He is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) and has been a leader in the occupational safety and health field for 20 years. He has developed innovative corporate programs that have resulted in thousands of ergonomic improvements, and is listed by Industrial Safety and Hygiene News as "one of the key players influencing both government and ergonomic standards and industrial con## occupational health and industrial relat## on ergonomics.