How do you communicate the benefits of ergonomics to senior management and stakeholders in your industry?

I have experienced that most upper level managers do not have a full understanding of what an ergonomics study can provide. The benefit to the organization and to the employee and the direct correlation to production increases if corrections and suggested work practices are made. They simply require accurate and relatable data to support the immediate cost of the study and how it will double (in most cases) the production output.

Os Comitês s?o uma excelente estratégia. Quando você reúne gente de todas as dire??es hierárquicas, ali você come?a a ter um consenso entre as partes. Reuni?es periódicas, metas estabelecidas, controle da Ergonomia dentro do PGR e muita troca de ideia, sempre de portas abertas para a Participa??o e Consulta, influenciando diretamente as decis?es do Comitê.

I like to play the reality of the facts, with data on sick leave and labor costs with the lack of adequacy in the ergonomics process, it's necessary to have the involvement of management from top to bottom so that the process works with adequate ergonomics.

Imagine trying to convince your senior management about the wonders of ergonomics using interpretive dance! While that might be entertaining, it's probably not the most effective approach. Instead, focus on understanding their goals and pain points, presenting relevant data with real-life examples, and highlighting both short-term wins and long-term benefits. Get them involved and engaged in the process, maybe even throw in a fun experiment with holding a book differently to showcase the impact of ergonomics. And don't forget to follow up and follow through like a determined detective solving a case. With a little bit of charm and a lot of persistence, you'll have them singing the praises of ergonomics in no time!

Con mi experiencia en el sector de construcción y minería para integrar la ergonomía de manera efectiva en proyectos o empresas debe identificar objetivos claros y puntos débiles. A partir de ello priorizar la evaluación de riesgos ergonómicos, conforme a las recomendaciones de normas internacionales como ISO 45001, en caso de Perú Ley N.o 29783 y la R.M. N° 375-2008-TR que plantean los diferentes métodos para el monitoreo de los riesgos ergonómicos. Para lograr el apoyo de la gerencia tienes que haber evaluado los métodos que se aplicaría para demostrar los costos y beneficios para el proyecto evidenciando las mejoras en la productividad y reducción de costo por ausentismo involucrando las diferentes disciplinas del proyecto

The recent ergonomics study that was conducted at our facility was full of overwhelming information that, I as the Safety Coordinator understood. I extracted relevant data points and pictures of current work performed and a picture of the corrective/suggested improvement. Then I was able to show the senior managers the impact to employee and production.

When the study is being performed the employee that is affected by the study needs to be able to speak freely to the CSP performing the study. The employee feels valued and heard and they provide the best information to the CSP during the study. They should also be involved in the follow-on discussions when it comes to improvement and suggested changes in work practices/rules.

One quick but effective demonstration for the use and importance of ergonomics is a simple trick I learned as a kid. Have one (or all) of the stakeholders hold a book in front of them, with their arm straight at shoulder height and see how long they can keep it there. Next have them hold the same book with their arm down and elbow bent 90 degrees. The same object has a substantially different impact on the body based on how it is handled. As ergonomics are improved for employees they will have less physical strain on their body resulting in decreased risk for injuries while also improving their workload capability and the duration for which they can sustain that workload. Improved efficiency with decreased risk.

Make the changes and involve the CSP performing the study and show them the changes made and the impact to employee well-being.

If you initiate a study be prepared for follow-up and follow-through. Most CSPs who perform the study want to help and feel that their time and input is valued and heard as well. Be prepared to spend some money to make changes and possible work place practices and work rules to be changed.