26,000 Employees Teach Us the Top 5 Things an Office Ergonomics Program MUST Have OF1: Office Ergonomics Presented by: Tony Silva, CPE
Agenda Review major findings of 2018 study www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Agenda Review major findings of 2018 study Top 5 things an office ergonomics program must have Lessons learned integrated with the current research... www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
2018 Study Examine the relationship between discomfort: Demographics Products Attitude and knowledge www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
2018 Study Examine the relationship between discomfort: Demographics Products Attitude and knowledge Discuss how these findings should impact the approach taken to complete office ergonomic assessments www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure 26,469 participants Subset of clients served by Atlas over 9-year period (2009-2017) Variety of sectors including financial, petroleum, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and insurance All participants at a computer workstation Combination of both office and home www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure Data collection was completed using Atlas’ web-based office ergonomics assessment software AtlasOffice™ www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure Data collection was completed using Atlas’ web-based office ergonomics assessment software AtlasOffice™ Initiation of survey a combination of: Proactive program deployment Reactive (responding to an individual’s need) Each question within the survey is designed to assess different elements of office ergonomic risk and is based on current research and standards www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure Demographics Gender, age, height, weight and hand size www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure Demographics Gender, age, height, weight and hand size Discomfort: Participant is asked if he/she is experiencing discomfort If yes, asked to identify the location of the discomfort Discomfort is then assessed in each area using a 5-point scale for frequency and severity of symptoms www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Procedure Productivity: Participants were asked the frequency with which discomfort affects productivity using a 5-point www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Study Recommendations Continue/expand ergonomic and wellness programs for obese workers to address discomfort and potential productivity loss. Be cautious of deploying standing workstations for all of the work population. Emphasis should be placed on ergonomic modifications for individuals 5’3” and under, as well as those over 6’3”. Emphasis should be placed on ergonomic modifications and training for younger employees, targeting programs on reinforcing good work habits. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Study Recommendations Emphasis should not be placed on the employee’s job tenure. There is no link to increased discomfort or loss of productivity. Emphasis should be placed on ergonomics programs for workers that spend greater than 4 hours of time on the computer daily. Emphasis should be placed on ergonomics interventions for workers with smaller sized hands. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Study Recommendations Emphasis should not be placed on gender. Instead, modifications and programs should be placed for employees with smaller-sized hands, those of shorter stature, and in Class II and III Obesity. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Products vs. Discomfort Findings: Products should be accompanied with the training and education on how to properly use and set-up to allow the greatest effect on decreasing discomfort and reducing productivity loss. Lumbar support is a significant factor in discomfort and productivity. Priority should be placed on supplying this to employees and providing training for proper set-up. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Products vs. Discomfort Findings: The position of the keyboard and mouse is more important than the product used to achieve this position. There is a decrease in low back discomfort and responding increase in productivity with employees using an adjustable height feature. It was expected to see an increase in ankle/foot discomfort with the increased amount of standing. However, this was not the case. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Attitude vs. Knowledge Findings: Employees that have a positive attitude toward ergonomics are most often those who need assistance. Younger and obese employees do not follow this relationship and an adjustment in training content and approach could be considered. Involving other employees with a positive attitude toward ergonomics in the training may help younger and obese employees realize the benefits of ergonomics from a first-hand account. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Attitude vs. Knowledge Findings: Developing a workplace culture of safety and overall wellness is integral for decreasing discomfort and loss of productivity. The knowledge and attitude of the employees toward ergonomics plays a significant role in the development of this culture. The more knowledge an employee has regarding proper ergonomic setup, the less likely they are to have discomfort and lost productivity. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Attitude vs. Knowledge Findings: Employees that experience discomfort and loss of productivity demonstrate a more positive attitude toward ergonomic changes. Involving these employees in an ergonomics program can help establish a positive culture in the workplace. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Questions www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Lessons learned integrated with the current research... www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Clear policy and protocol on accommodation requests 1. Training 2. Principle based Microlearning Standard product list that includes portable equipment 3. Methods to address non-work-related discomfort / pain 4. Preventative exercises in the workplace... What and Where 5. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Number 1: Clear policy and protocol on accommodation requests (i.e., doctor’s notes) www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Number 1: Clear policy and protocol on accommodation requests (i.e., doctor’s notes) How do you address notes that “prescribe” a piece of equipment Sit/Stand desk “Ergonomic” chair www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Number 1: Clear policy and protocol on accommodation requests (i.e., doctor’s notes) How do you address notes that “prescribe” a piece of equipment Sit/Stand desk “Ergonomic” chair Policies should speak to features Adjustable lumbar Adjustable seat pan Adjustable armrests Etc. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Understand... this is going to happen, a lot!! 80 percent of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Without a plan you are doomed to accept what comes your way... www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Without a plan you are doomed to accept what comes your way... www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Require functional (granular) information from medical providers 1. How long should the individual sit per day or interval before a change in position How long should the individual stand per day or interval before a change in position Versus “the individual needs a sit/stand desk” www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Require the following functional info: 2. Duration of limitations Is it permanent? Date of next medical visit/review Provide equipment for accommodation needs based on required 3. features versus Product A or Product B www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Integrate workplace changes based on a functional approach: 4. Start with administrative controls. Considerations of: Breaks, work schedule Standing during phone calls/meetings Adjust existing equipment correctly; ongoing audits for compliance www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Number 2: Training Principle based Microlearning www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Infusion of residential living spaces into the workplace Smartphones, laptops, and tablets allow us to pick up our office and move it anywhere How do we enjoy these new working environments and get the most out of them without falling into bad habits and putting our body’s health at risk www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Provide principle-based training content that applies to every environment Can be applied regardless of the work environment Neutral posture Wrists Straight Shoulders Relaxed and Elbows at your Side Head Upright and Looking Forward Feet, Legs and Back Supported www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
Top 5 Things Microlearning delivers content to learners in short, bite-sized, and easily digestible nuggets. Each module is focused on meeting one specific learning outcome. www.ErgoExpo.com #ErgoExpo
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