Compiled by the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, CDC/NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, this 2009 publication provides the ergonomic processes that can be applied to lower worker exposure to risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to improve productivity. Despite the many unique challenges in the mining environment, three mining companies partnered with the MSD Prevention Team at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Pittsburgh Research Laboratory to demonstrate that an ergonomics process could be systematically implemented and effectively integrated with existing safety and health programs. Because these three mining companies were very different in organization, culture, and size, the ergonomics processes had to be modified to meet the needs of each company. A description of how these three companies applied ergonomics and the tools and training used to implement their processes is given. Prior to discussing the case studies, general information on the elements of an ergonomics process is provided.
Content:
Front Matter
• Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in This Report
• Abstract
• Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Ergonomics and Risk Management
2. Ergonomics Processes: Case Studies
3. Process Effectiveness
4. Implementation Tools
5. Training
• References
Appendix: Ergonomics Processes: Beyond Traditional Safety and Health Programs