TEXT VERSION OF SLIDE:
Title: Ergonomics: The Dow Chemical Company’s Use of "Six Sigma" Methodology
Type: Text Slide
Content:
- Problem: How to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
among computer users
- Solution
- Use "Six Sigma" to identify primary contributing
factors of MSDs
- Take steps to reduce those contributing factors by 70%
[Includes the OSHA logo]
Speaker Notes:
Ergonomics Case Study: The Dow Chemical Company’s Use of the “Six Sigma”
Methodology (May 2004)
Problem: Reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
among computer workstation in Dow’s Design and Construction (DDC) business
unit.
Solution: Use “Six Sigma” to identify the primary
contributing factors of MSDs among computer users and take steps to reduce
those contributing factors by 70 percent. The following summarizes how Dow
applied the Six Sigma methodology to reduce MSDs at its DDC business unit:
Step 1: Measure. The project team outlined the
sequence of events involved in computer workstation use and then identified a
series of key variables (primary contributing factors) for MSDs, including:
user attributes (e.g., daily time at workstation), user behaviors (e.g.,
posture, force), and environmental factors. The team conducted surveys of
computer users on these variables and used the survey results to establish a
baseline.
Step 2: Analyze. The team analyzed the survey data
to determine differences in workstations, work environments, training, and
behavior. The team then identified possible and probable root causes underlying
these variables using several Six Sigma tools and methodologies. Examples of
probable root causes identified included: failure of employees to recognize the
importance of ergonomics compliance to his/her personal well-being, lack of
adjustable furniture, and lack of ownership in personal safety by employees.
Step 3: Improve. The team implemented a series of
improvements to address the root causes, including upgrading the workstations.
The team developed a novel approach to raise employee awareness on the
importance of ergonomics by collecting testimonials from employees and posting
them on Dow’s Intranet site. Other improvements included designation of
Ergonomic Focal Points and Ergonomic Coordinators, who were Dow employees who
volunteered to get specialized ergonomic training and be available as a first
point of contact to other employees with ergonomic concerns and questions.
Step 4: Control. The team developed a long-term control plan to sustain the
improvements.
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