Case Study
Borderview Rehabilitation and Living Center in Maine reduced musculoskeletal injury rates through an ergonomics program. The program involved employee participation and feedback, workstation and equipment modifications, and reassessment of the changes that are made.
Let's take a closer look at the problem and how management, along with employees, fixed the issue.
The Problem
All 153 employees were trained in proper body mechanics for job-related tasks; however, several back injuries were still being reported over a short period of time.
The Solution
The company already had annual department-specific "back care" training in place to teach employees about proper body mechanics. After the numerous back injuries were reported, Borderview developed and implemented a program of separate analysis of the jobs in each department. As part of the job task analyses, the employees also completed a questionnaire where they could voice their concerns and comments. With input from the employees, the department heads worked with an ergonomics team to modify tasks and/or change the work environment and/or equipment.
After the changes were made, management consulted employees to determine if the changes were effective or if additional modifications were needed. Employees also participated in exercise programs designed by the company's physical therapists to increase strength and reduce the likelihood of injury.
The Impact
The company had three times achieved its goal of 100 consecutive days without a lost-time injury.