Industry: Computer Storage Device - SIC Code: 3572

Employees:

Success Brief:

Making simple but significant changes to employees' workstations led to improvement in the employee's symptoms and eliminated the need for additional physical therapy and medical treatment musculoskeletal disorders.

The Problem:

Employees performing repetitive tasks were complaining of wrist pain, numbness and tingling.

The Solution:

The company safety director began to learn about ergonomics after medical providers recommended ergonomic evaluations as part of treating musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Once the safety director learned the basics, he began to conduct ergonomic evaluations when the employees first complained of symptoms. Making simple changes to employee workstations frequently improved the employee's symptoms dramatically.

The Impact:

The early intervention analysis process saved the company additional claim costs and medical costs for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, the evaluations encouraged the free flow of information between the employees and the safety director, which improved safety and health in the facility. The positive experience for the employees earned the safety department a new-found respect whenever other safety-related changes were requested of the employees.

Source:

• Robert Sible, Facilities Supervisor, Exabyte Corporation, December 2002.