| State: |
New Jersey |
| |
|
| Company: |
Infineum USA LP |
| |
Linden, New Jersey |
| |
|
| Industry: |
Industrial Organic Chemicals - SIC Code 2869 |
| |
|
| Employees: |
750 |
| Success Brief: Employee
ergonomics training, certification and self-help program has eliminated recordable injuries/illnesses
related to Video Display Terminal usage. |
The Problem
| Video Display Terminal (VDT) use caused
a wide variety of ergonomics-related injuries/illnesses. Ergonomic improvements to specific VDT
workstations made by consultants and ergonomics teams proved short-lived, as
the workstation environment (i.e., user population, equipment,
peripherals, etc.) has constantly changed. |
The Solution
| Infineum USA, a participant in
OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs, now requires all VDT users to obtain
certification, via training and hands-on exercises, in VDT ergonomics. Users
are primarily responsible for their own VDT health and empowered to solve their
own routine workstation deficiencies, using various equipment and
accessories approved and made available by the company for specific uses.
Expert consultants are available to assist in
extraordinary cases and help with early detection of symptoms related to VDT use.
|
The Impact
| Even though VDT use at the company has
risen sharply, the incidence of recordable injuries/illnesses related to VDT
use has dropped to, and remained at, zero.
|
| Source: Daniel E. Agopsowicz,
Manager, and Marguerite R. Miller, RN, COHN-S/CM, Heath Services Coordinator, Occupational Health &
Product Stewardship Department, Infineum USA LP (April 2003). |
|
