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Projects & Success Stories

BOARD OF CANADIAN REGISTERD SAFETY PROFESSIONALS (BCRSP)

Ergonomics Domain for BCRSP Reference Guide

ERGO Inc. is the author of the Ergonomics domain (study guide) used in preparation for the BCRSP examination. This domain provides Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (CRSPs) with the basic knowledge needed to identify key ergonomics concerns and take initial steps to address them. The content focuses on the most common ergonomic and musculoskeletal disorder issues faced by CRSPs and discusses practical ways to improve the fit between workers and their jobs. Topics discussed include: Ergonomics Background & Theory, Ergonomic Regulations & Guidelines, Cost-Benefit of Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Physical Ergonomics and Hazards, Cognitive Ergonomics, Organizational Ergonomics, the Ergonomics Process (Applying Ergonomics in the Workplace), and Ergonomic Assessment Tools.

SANOFI PASTEUR LTD.

Ergonomic Initiatives and Onsite Ergonomic Services

ERGO Inc. is proud to work with Sanofi Pasteur; Canada’s largest vaccine company that provides vaccines for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, common illnesses and cancers,. Since 2000, ERGO Inc. projects have included the development and delivery of customized training programs for office and laboratory employees, assessments of higher risk areas and the completion of job demands analyses. In 2006, Sanofi implemented a company wide initiative to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and improve overall ergonomic awareness in their workforce. ERGO Inc. has conducted comprehensive departmental ergonomic studies to identify MSD hazards in all office workstations. ERGO Inc. works with Herman Miller, Sanofi’s onsite furniture supplier, to ensure appropriate equipment is provided and set up properly for employees. This initiative also involves the assessment of all laboratory and production work areas at Sanofi Pasteur’s Willowdale and Sunnybrook Hospital sites. We are currently working with Sanofi to redesign lab benches, production lines and equipment. New equipment (i.e. carts, pipettes) is being trialed and studied to evaluate its’ impact on injury reduction. We are working as a team to meet Sanofi Pasteur’s injury prevention goals.

GOODYEAR CANADA INC.

Onsite Ergonomic Resource

Over a 2-year period ERGO Inc. worked with the Human Resources, Health & Safety and Engineering departments to improve the ergonomics of Goodyear’s production process, and equipment design and layout at two facilities in Ontario. Cyclical ergonomic risk assessments were performed to continuously identify musculoskeletal hazards present in work process, equipment and work methods. ERGO Inc. supported the formation of an Ergonomic Committee and developed and delivered in-depth training to its members. ERGO Inc. was the principle resource on this committee; guiding the committee, addressing employee concerns and assisting with equipment trials. ERGO Inc. also participated as a resource on the Medical Team, which met monthly to develop detailed and progressive onsite Rehabilitation and Return to Work programs for injured and disabled employees. As part of this program, ERGO Inc. was responsible for completing Job Demands Assessments and evaluating tasks for suitability and appropriate accommodation.

PUROLATOR COURIER LTD.

Ergonomic Study – Vibration Testing in Vehicles to determine level of injury risk

Purolator Courier Ltd. requested that the parameters of their single axle trucks versus their air ride tandem (suspension) trucks be reviewed to determine the different injury risk potentials to the drivers. ERGO Inc. worked collaboratively with a Vibration Technician from Laurentian University to assist with the completion this study. Our goal was determine if vibration levels were within applicable ergonomic guidelines and to compare the impact of different seats on damping vibration. Several vehicles were fitted with vibration data collection instrumentation and a pre-determined driving course was completed to collect equivalent information from each vehicle. ERGO Inc. provided Purolator with details on which vehicles minimized driver exposure to vibration and with technical prevention strategies such as how to reduce whole body vibration at the source.

MUSHROOMS CANADA

Ergonomic Study of Harvesting and Packing

ERGO Inc. was contracted to complete a study to identify hazards that could be contributing to employee discomfort and injury and to provide Mushrooms Canada with best work practices and ergonomic recommendations to minimize these hazards. A review of injury statistics, accident reports and near misses was conducted, followed by onsite visits to six grower operations (farms) across Ontario to identify common tasks among the farms. The data that was collected from these visits was analyzed and recommendations to minimize hazards were presented to the teams and organizations involved. The projects’ recommendations included guidelines for setting up the physical workstation (working heights, reaches), best work practices and recommendations for the purchase or implementation of devices such as height adjustable workstations, anti-fatigue mats, and various types of industrial seating. Eventually, all Mushroom Growers across the Province were trained and educated on ergonomic principles and the outcomes of the project, including how to implement the recommendations proposed in the study

BAXTER CORPORATION

Ergonomic Risk Assessments, Production Line Re-design and Post Offer Pre-employment Testing

ERGO Inc. is proud to work with the award winning manufacturing facility Baxter Corporation who produces intravenous, nutritional, peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis solutions. ERGO Inc. has been working with Baxter Corporation to reduce workplace Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) since 1998. To create an action plan, ERGO Inc. conducted Ergonomic Risk Assessments of all production tasks, which were ranked from the highest injury risk potential to the lowest for both the upper limb and back. Detailed Ergonomic studies were then completed for the high risk areas of the plant. As a result some production tasks were redesigned. Physical Demands Assessments were also completed for all jobs to facilitate Baxter Corporation’s Return to Work Program. ERGO Inc. also conducts Post Offer Pre-employment Testing for all new Baxter employees on the production and packing lines. This program assists Baxter Corporation with their hiring process by helping to ensure that all new employees are capable of performing the bona fide essential duties of the job for which they are hired. ERGO Inc. developed the testing protocol based on strength, fatigue, range of motion, and physiological data and the essential job duties. Pass / fail criteria was determined by collecting physical data such as grip strengths, fatigue rates and working heart rates from Baxter Corporation’s current workforce.