| State: |
Wisconsin |
| |
|
| Company: |
Rockwell Automation |
|
Milwaukee, WI |
| |
|
| Industry: |
Electromechanics/manufacturing - SIC Code: 36 |
| |
|
| Employees: |
3,000 in Milwaukee
Headquarters location |
| Success Brief: The introduction of an
ergonomics program with a four-pronged
approach to injury prevention has
significantly reduced ergonomics-related
injuries. |
The Problem
| In the early 90’s, the injury rates in the
Milwaukee facility were increasing as the general worker population and
seniority rates increased. It was determined at that time that ergonomic
changes needed to be incorporated into existing manufacturing lines as well as
designed into new products and
assembly lines from the outset. |
The Solution
A comprehensive approach has injury prevention as its main goal.
Ergonomics programs were developed in four areas: existing manufacturing
lines, new manufacturing lines, new product development, and office ergonomics.
An extensive ergonomics training program overlaps with each of these
areas. All employees in the
facility receive at least one kind of training (office ergonomics, factory
ergonomics, ergonomics for engineers, etc.).
Some of the programs include:
- Ergonomic evaluations of all new and relocated assembly lines.
- Ergonomic input on new product design, as well as new equipment and fixture design.
- An employee request system for employees to have an ergonomic evaluation done of their workstation.
- A “peer facilitator” program, which is made up of hourly employees with advanced ergonomics training that act as
ergo advocates and first-line intermediaries.
- A closed-loop evaluation and corrective action system for any reported injuries.
- Extremely successful office ergonomics request program.
- A crib on-site stocked with frequently used ergonomic items including hand tools, floor mats, footrests, anti-vibration
gloves, document holders, etc.
In addition, the facility employs a Certified Professional Ergonomist to manage the
programs. The facility also has a
fully staffed medical clinic on-site, including a physician, physician’s
assistant, nurses, and a full physical therapy department.
|
The Impact
|
The
severity of the company's ergonomic-related injury and illness experience, as
measured by lost or restricted workdays, has fallen significantly.
|
| Source: Cally Edgren, Senior Safety Engineer, Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, (414) 382-4481. |
|
