Ergonomics Awareness Training for Workplace Design Engineers

Abstract

This article presents an overview of an ergonomics awareness training program that has been developed for the design engineers at a major pharmaceutical manufacturer. The purpose of this training is to provide engineers with practical working knowledge of some common principles of ergonomic job design. The main objective is to ensure that these ergonomic principles are used by design engineers to increase the effectiveness of newly designed systems without adversely stressing the workers.

In addition to site-specific slides and case studies, the training program utilizes a series of seven detailed checklists and practical classroom demonstrations to emphasize the ergonomic hazards that are common to this industry. Specific examples were used to demonstrate techniques that will prevent back injuries and cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The checklists proved to be an effective method of communicating the rather complex ergonomic concepts in a clear and concise format. The engineers and other project team members are currently using the checklists when reviewing process design drawings and concepts. As an additional benefit, the checklists are an excellent reference for industrial hygienists and line management when conducting ergonomic audits of facilities and work activities.