Autumn Leader Magazine - Ergonomics

erg nomics VOL7/NO4/AUTUMN 2020 Preventing injuries while at work and at home.



CONTENTS VOL 7 | NO 4 | AUTUMN 2020 FEATURES 8 20 COLUMNS Adopting Ergonomics The Top 5 Myths & Truths 6 Global Safety and Health Watch to the Reality of a of Ergonomics 36 Mental Health Spotlight Changing Workforce: How Advanced By Ryan Cowart, CPE, Senior Wearables and 3D Consultant and Ergonomics Dynamic Biomechanical Engineer, Humantech Modeling Can Be Game Changers 24 By Scott Smith, CPE, Director of Employers Beware: Ergonomics, Aon The Ergonomic Challenges of Telecommuting 12 During a Pandemic The 3 E’s: Engineering, By Sabrina N. Williams, Ph.D., Ergonomics, and Columbia Southern University Exercise Interventions in a Changing Work 28 Environment Ergo Moneyball: Playing By Jon Kabance, RKT, President, the Game Differently BIOKINETIX By Dr. Davana Pilczuk, 16 Corporate Ergonomics Senior Manager, Cintas Corporation How A Medical Device Manufacturer Reduced 32 Injury Costs by $1.3 Million Employees as the Most Valuable Asset: By Brock Anderson, MS, CPE, The Principles of LSSBB, CSCS, Owner & Principal Lean Ergonomics Consultant, Ergo-ology By Dr. Earl Blair, CSP, Visiting Lecturer of Safety Management SECTIONS at Indiana University and Steve Davis, CLE, CEM, CQCSM, SSHO, True Lean 39 Infographic Corner 40 Membership Corner 42 Ad Index vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 3

A Message From the VPPPA Chairperson “With VPPPA we are better Fellow VPPPA members, simply to share best practices with fellow together” reflects one of hello and thank you! members. You truly care about the safety the basic tenants within of all workers, sharing time and time our membership. A s you know, during our recent again, even with competitors, yet again The belief that by helping virtual event in August, I was proving your commitment and unselfish each other, we all grow nominated and elected to the attitude toward making the world a safer and improve. National VPPPA Board of Directors as the place for all of us, one workplace at a new Chairperson. I cannot tell you how time. Additionally, the National Board and grateful, not to mention humbled, I am that National Office Staff have been working you put your trust in me as your new Chair. hard to find innovative ways for us to I am honored by your vote of confidence, support each other. Over the next few and at the same time, thrilled to work with months, you will be seeing many new tools an amazing National Board of Directors, 10 and initiatives aimed at bringing us closer tremendous Regional Boards, in addition to our common goal of safety excellence, to the awesome VPPPA National Office while fostering improvement and unity. Staff! Please know, we will continue to do everything in our power to help you and As part of this effort, it is fitting that your co-workers achieve safety success, as our newly revised tagline: “With VPPPA the VPPPA has been doing for over 36 years. we are better together” reflects one of the basic tenants within our membership. The To say that we are in unprecedented belief that by helping each other, we all times would be a huge understatement. grow and improve. That’s the way it has From the pandemic, to ongoing complex always been within the VPPPA organization social issues, and, of course, the national and our partnering members. Now more election, it can be a very daunting task to than ever, if you, your site, a colleague stay focused on safety. Times like these or neighbor needs a helping hand during can create barriers related to safety, but I these daunting times, please reach out prefer to look for the opportunities. Rest to any one of our 10 Regional Boards, the assured, the VPPPA and our entire network National Board, our National Office Staff or are here to help overcome these challenges. a VPPPA member. We are here (as we have I know from firsthand experience, as I always been), to help you. At the VPPPA, have witnessed the amazing work our we truly are better together. By continuing VPPPA membership has done facing to work together, we will get through these past challenges, eventually working to times, growing stronger because of them. overcome them. Once again, thank you for your trust in me, all our regional boards and the National The most inspiring thing to me Office Staff. We look forward to continuing regarding our association is our members/ to serve you and talking with you soon. partners, to include participating sites, labor and government. I truly believe we Sincerely, are made up of the most talented safety professionals in the world. You possess Terry Schulte, VPPPA Chairperson real world expertise on the various ways to keep your workers engaged in safety, even through difficult times. What’s more astonishing is that our talented membership is willing to share their vast knowledge, at no cost, with others who may be struggling to improve—or 4 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

At the end of the day, you’ll be... Only $25/year The Leader : VPPPA’s award-winning magazine SUBSCRIBE TODAY! STAY SAFE! Discounts available on bulk orders. Email [email protected] to learn more. [email protected] | 703-761-1146 vpppa.org

Global Safety and Health Watch By Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator, VPPPA, Inc. Sustainability + True Safety and Health Excellence Sustainability can be environmentally friendly sector, comprised of both defined as both “the aspects, such as water bottle residential and commercial ability to be maintained refill stations, reducing buildings, currently represents at a certain rate or printed products and utilizing more than 40 percent of level” or “avoidance of the our mobile app. As this year national energy consumption, depletion of natural resources ends, we can reflect on the 54 percent of natural gas in order to maintain an tremendous loss the world has consumption and more ecological balance.” When it suffered. Amidst a continued than 70 percent of national comes to safety and health, global pandemic, sustaining electricity consumption.” sustainability certainly safety and health remains more encompasses both of these important than ever before. There are clear advantages definitions. The theme of the to energy-efficient buildings 2020 Safety+ Symposium was The Global Goals for as well. For example, the going to be sustainability— Sustainable Development Alliance to Save Energy also how our member sites have includes 17 items; ranging notes that “energy-efficient sustained safety and health from zero hunger to quality buildings lessen demand on excellence with the Voluntary education to building the electric grid, decrease Protection Programs, and sustainable cities and stress on natural gas supplies, our association, for the last communities, and more. improve local air quality, and 36 years—as well as how we These goals are part of Agenda save money on utility bills.” can all continue to sustain it 2030, which was adopted by into the future. Additionally, all 193 member states of the Sustainability Safety+ was going to feature United Nations in 2015. The and Safety in Global Goals website notes the Workplace that it is the “most ambitious agreement for sustainable When some people think of development that world the word “sustainability,” leaders have ever made. It they initially associate it with integrates all three aspects the environment. While that of sustainable development; definition is appropriate, one social, economic and can also consider sustainability environmental.” Global Goal to be a close synonym for long- number 11, “sustainable cities term business planning and and communities,” includes corporate/social responsibility. ten targets to create action. A few of the targets are, creating The safety and health of safe and affordable housing, workers goes hand-in-hand reducing the environmental with sustainability. In his impact of cities and providing article for Occupational Safety access to safe and inclusive and Health Magazine, Mike green and public spaces. Taubitz stated, “At their most basic level, sustainability Many aspects drive the and safety are really about sustainability movement— the same thing: conserving like green building projects. resources. In the case of According to the Alliance to sustainability, those resources Save Energy, “The building are typically thought of as 6 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

environmental. In the Coinciding with the Cintas has also invested more case of safety, the resources above statements, Patrick than four million dollars are human.” McCorry, vice president at researching zero-discharge DEKRA Insight in Oxnard, CA, water recycling technology, In the long-term, both stated in a May 2018 article among other amazing eco- lives and money are saved for Safety+Health Magazine, friendly practices. by successful safety and “Worker safety and well- sustainability programs. being are crucial elements of Sustainability When safety professionals any sustainability effort… You During the Pandemic: are involved in sustainability cannot claim to be a sustainable, Quick Tips conversations the results can ethical, values-based be mutually beneficial. If a organization if you’re hurting As many of us continue to company decides to be more people and changing the lives of work (and generally spend eco-friendly there needs to families and communities.” more time) at home during be a safety expert on board to the pandemic, there are a few provide guidance regarding VPPPA and ways to incorporate more design and equipment Sustainability sustainability measures into choices. One example to your daily life. Including: highlight is United Rental’s VPPPA members are the best initiative to switch to energy- of the best. One member • Use washable, efficient lighting. Not only company in particular, Cintas did the company save money Corporation, is a model for reusable masks on energy costs, but the combining sustainability and employees quickly discovered safety excellence. Cintas has • Grow your own fruit, the brighter lighting made over 100 VPP Star sites across work much easier and safer. the nation, and has received vegetables or herbs, or (There are numerous case studies multiple awards for their support a local farmer’s available showing the benefits as environmental efforts, including market (which is also a great well as potential shortcomings of being among the Top 500 socially distant hobby and these sustainable efforts.) Greenest Companies in America way to get outside) by Newsweek magazine. In 2016, OSHA released • Support sustainable brands a white paper titled, According to Cintas • If you are decluttering your Sustainability in the Workplace: Corporation’s website, they A New Approach for Advancing were the first industrial space, consider donating Worker Safety and Health. The launderer to use a chemical- items to a thrift store piece poignantly describes that, free, EPA-endorsed detergent. “A building, no matter how • Switch to reusable containers energy efficient or healthy for occupants, is not sustainable if and towels a construction worker is killed while building it. Furniture, Here at the VPPPA, we hope no matter how responsibly everyone has a safe and healthy the wood is harvested, is not autumn and holiday season! sustainable if a woodworker loses a limb during SOURCES manufacturing. The poultry www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/17020-sustainability-safety supply chain, no matter how well free-range chickens are www.osha.gov/sustainability/docs/OSHA_sustainability_paper.pdf treated, cannot be sustainable when workers endure crippling www.osha.gov/sustainability/ musculoskeletal disorders while processing those chickens. ecohusky.uconn.edu/2020/07/06/considering-sustainability-during- Employers are only truly the-covid-19-pandemic/# sustainable when they ensure the safety, health, and welfare www.globalgoals.org/faq of their workers.” sustainablebizconsulting.com/corporate-responsibility/how-to-talk- to-a-republican-about-climate-change/ ohsonline.com/articles/2010/09/01/how-safety-fits-with- sustainability.aspx www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2020/08/05/rethinking- sustainability-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic/#7004b81722e4 www.cintascares.com/sustainability/ www.globalgoals.org/11-sustainable-cities-and-communities ohsonline.com/articles/2017/10/13/the-future-of-sustainability.aspx www.ase.org/initiatives/buildings vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 7

to the Reality of a Changing Workforce: How Advanced Wearables and 3D Dynamic Biomechanical Modeling Can Be Game Changers By Scott Smith, CPE Director of Ergonomics Aon 8 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

Today, nearly all ergonomics observation assessment methods involve the use transducers have been used to of binary screening-type tools. Ergonomists have widely used many of them for measure upper body forces and more than two decades to perform risk assessments of jobs/tasks. Unfortunately, postures required to perform the most significant challenge with these approaches is that although many many different types of work worker characteristics have changed (they're older, have higher BMIs, etc.), and product assessments. the ergonomics assessment methods have remained the same. Today, wearable technology eanwhile, affect not only the accuracy or part of the material used is focused on generating data in Work-related of assessments but also the in clothing and connected to business and industrial settings Musculoskeletal speed with which they can a data collection device that and personal use. Data captured Disorders be performed across multiple monitors personal metrics. provides valuable feedback for (WMSDs) are on the joints and planes of movement. Today, this typically includes individuals wearing devices and rise, driving up workers' This data can then be applied watches, clothing, fitness can help assess risks associated compensation and staffing to predict the impact of trackers, heart rate monitors, with specific job tasks. costs and increased ergonomics-related solutions, glasses and implants. absenteeism, while negatively such as engineering controls, Among consumers, these impacting productivity. Clearly, work practices changes, and If the definition is broadened devices have become incredibly there needs to be a shift in administrative controls, to include anything considered popular and are widely used to ergonomics analytical methods as well as the likelihood new, wearables may not have monitor performance against from reliance on observing of achieving the desired to be electronic or actively be such fitness goals as steps what employees are doing at productivity improvements. monitoring the person wearing taken, stairs climbed, and work to understanding their them. Some notable examples calories burned, among other actual internal physiological Technology is include headphones, braces measures. At the same time, and biomechanical responses to improving, along (wrist and back), GPS systems these new capabilities help performing work. with lower costs and mobile phones. users, their trainers, coaches In this context, using for wearables and medical providers to assess advanced wearables and Furthermore, wearables health indicators, such as heart dynamic 3D biomechanical Wearable technology, defined as aren't new. Systems such as rate, blood pressure, sitting modeling can significantly electronics that can be worn on Surface Electromyography times and sleep quality. the body, can be an accessory (sEMG), posture/joint goniometers and force In the workplace, wearables can provide different sets of measurements related to physical work, such as heart rate, distance covered, elevation gains, and power output, as vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 9

Shipyards well as location status (through • Whole-body vibration (lift of Mechanical Engineering experiencing the use of GPS tracking Ergonomics and Occupational high volumes systems)—certainly now of truck) to hand-arm with Biomechanics Department of knee-related great significance to firefighters respect to the use of hand or found peak low back forces injuries used dealing with wildfire events— power tools. may be under-reported in pressure mapping and data collection to evaluate static biomechanical models wearables to posture, muscle activity, force • Acceleration and velocity of by as much as 200 percent. assess knee pad impact to the head, whole-body Significantly, static models performance on vibration and impact vibration. movement can lead to the don't account for acceleration reducing pressure. body producing higher and velocity of movement. Their Leveraging data from joint forces. study found fast movements wearables to reduce involved 42 percent higher injury risk and improve • Mechanical pressure forces than static forces. productivity assessments. A subsequent study3 The good news is that the involving injuries to airport popularity of wearables among The combination of these baggage handlers found lighter consumers makes it easier to various assessments creates bags posed more of an injury introduce and implement them leading indicators on how risk related to \"throwing\" than in the workplace. Commercial individuals react to work tasks, heavier bags using a dynamic applications for data collected which employers can use to 3D biomechanical model. through wearable technology proactively assess the likelihood encompass not only assessing of different types of injuries in Today, ergonomists the potential for injury arising the workplace. can obtain this data using from changes to the workplace wearable IMU sensors to and work methods, but also in According to the World collect posture, velocity, predicting the overall impact Health Organization (WHO),1 and acceleration data. on productivity. For instance, musculoskeletal disorders rank This data can be streamed shipyards experiencing high second worldwide behind heart into a program like volumes of knee-related injuries disease and strokes in reducing Biomechanics of Body used pressure mapping wearables productive life. Data collected (BoB), OpenSim or AnyBody. to assess knee pad performance by the WHO from 183 countries These 3D biomechanical on reducing pressure. from 2000 to 2015 indicate the modeling packages contain number of people affected by comprehensive human Even so, many of these MSDs rose to 103.8 million in musculoskeletal models to applications require 2015 from 77.4 million in 2000. facilitate the calculation of refinement. The traditional muscle forces, joint contact ergonomics approach typically While there are many reasons loads, joint torques, whole- involves reviewing a job task behind these numbers, the body dynamic posture against a checklist or risk growth of WMSDs in the U.S. assessments using data assessment method but fails to can be traced at least in part collected from 16 IMU sensors. measure the actual individual to outdated methodologies. employee response to the Here, the tools to help assess Ergonomist and ergonomics work. More effective analyses and manage WMSDs risks for practitioners can perform of ergonomic activities should workers often are 15 to 30 years dynamic assessments of risk involve the following: old. Meanwhile, the country's that go well beyond what they working population today is 15 previously were able to obtain • A dynamic posture assessment to 30 years older. At the same from traditional observation time, the BMI of these workers methods that relied on for the low back, neck, also is higher than it was 15 to screening tools or checklists. shoulder, elbow, and wrist 30 years ago. By comparison, 3D models angles in all planes of motion. have specific ergonomics The traditional ways of assessments related to • Physiological workloads, performing risk analysis biomechanical outputs for by shadowing and videoing joint forces, joint torques, including energy output to employees as they work and and muscle effort levels. monitor overall body fatigue. using a binary risk-screening Identifying root-cause issues tool can be error-prone based through the entire work- • Muscle activity levels, on user experiences. These process cycle can be depicted inaccuracies can ultimately yield visually using objective data, a which can reveal localized incomplete pictures of how the major advantage over opinions muscle fatigue and help flag future state should look. Today, based on binary risk factors. the potential for strain- more accurate systems are related injuries. needed to measure employees' internal responses to work. • Rates of repetition related to A 2008 study2 by the specific know risk factors. University of Utah's Department 10 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

Proactive approaches pressure sensors to assess investment was 35,190 percent. difference between profit and make a difference work techniques by new and Additionally, all movements of loss and success and failure. veteran employees as well as long reaches and seated back Although ergonomics and to test the impact of potential bending were eliminated. Eye on the future: safety professionals often solutions on both categories Assessing the Impact are summoned to address of workers. An analysis of Another example involved a of AI situations where there's an time and motion savings medical device manufacturing identified need to reduce to reduce manufacturing company that needed to improve Indeed, these are exciting times work-related injuries, there cycle times found roughly an entire manufacturing cell for for ergonomics professionals. are significant advantages 12 percent of workers used both ergonomics and increased Looking forward, artificial to conduct these measures what was considered low-risk productivity. The capital required intelligence will integrate on a proactive basis as well. reaches, about 45 percent had to implement the workplace workers' compensation Notably, by identifying the moderate risk, and 32 percent improvements was $400,000 analytics data with employee- potential for injuries and were involved in higher-risk per cell; thus, implementation specific measurements and risk implementing remedial reaches for items on the line. at all 14 cells cost $5.6 million. to help ergonomists and safety measures before they occur, By correcting the moderate Objective data and predictive professionals predict the impact employers can reduce costs and high-risk reaching risk assessment tools were used of solutions on future losses associated with time off behaviors, the manufacturer to measure risk and cycle time with greater precision. work, thus improving both reduced its cycle time by reduction. The projected impacts productivity and efficiency. more than 77 percent. based only on the ergonomics Meanwhile, the wearable data improvements included: collection process is continuing At the same time, when these A win-win: productivity to advance. Motion sensors measures are conducted as part gain and injury • 28 percent reduction of can capture full-body dynamic of an overall workplace safety reduction case studies movement and feed data into initiative, employees tend to ergonomic risk 3D software. At the same time, feel more comfortable in their These types of analytics, which force-measuring insoles capture jobs with the knowledge that use virtual testing, enable • 11 percent reduction in dynamic force changes acting on their employer is concerned employers to predict productivity the body associated with various about their health and improvement opportunities and overall work content tasks and work activities. As wellbeing. Thus, retention related cost savings. mentioned, data collected yield rates improve. Conversely, • 16 percent reduction in a list of leading risk indicators. when workplace injuries occur, Ergonomics solutions applied Models can then be tested using employees are more likely to to a single work station were constraint cycle time regression analysis to predict become stressed, absenteeism projected to reduced cycle the impact of various measures increases, productivity declines time by 7.5 seconds (from 50 • 28.5 percent reduction in to reduce leading risk indicators. and retention rates deteriorate. to 42.5 seconds), which would enable individual operators space with new layout For ergonomics and safety With respect to productivity to increase their production professionals, technology improvements, consider the numbers from 72 pieces per • $187,425 annual scrap savings provides exciting opportunities following examples: hour to 84.7 per hour without • Throughput increase of $300 to reduce injuries and drive any extra internal effort. The productivity on a proactive • Raising pallet drives profit per unit is $100, so the million per year basis. As a starting point, it dramatic improvements. potential throughput increase makes sense to take a close look Using 3D modeling, one on the bottleneck operation is • A 5,100 percent combined at the amount your enterprise manufacturer analyzed 12.7 units per hour multiplied is investing in injury prevention the impact of lifting five by $100 profit per unit equals a ROI (including a reduction in compared with its expenditures identical items from a total of $1,270 per hour. the total cost of risk) for losses. platform located 12 inches of the ground versus elevating At an additional 95 units Thus, when conducted it to a height of 21 inches. per day, that translates to proactively, ergonomics By positioning the objects $9,500 per shift. In this case, assessments using the latest on the higher platform, the which involved a daily two- technology and 3D modeling employer reduced cumulative shift operation, that sums to techniques can yield substantial load by 40 percent and $19,000 per day or $95,000 per results that go right to the achieved a 20 percent week based on a 5-day work- bottom line. In an intensely reduction in the cycle time to week. Projected over a 50-week competitive operating lift the same five items. work year, that adds up to environment marked by thin $4.75 million. margins, even incremental • Evaluating assembly line improvements can make the tasks. An ergonomics In this example, the payback assessment of assembly period was 0.003 years, NOTES tasks at a medical device and the cash flow return on manufacturer used sEMG, 1 Eden Sebbag et al, “The worldwide burden of musculoskeletal goniometry, and thin-film diseases: a systematic analysis of the World Health Organization Burden of Diseases Database,” Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019). DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215142 2 Andrew S. Merryweather, Ph.D. candidate, Donald S. Bloswick, Ph.D., P.E., CPE and Richard F. Sesek, Ph.D., MPH, CSP, “A Calculation of Dynamic Back Compressive Force: A Pilot Study of Identify Load Displacement Velocity Constants,” The American Society of Safety Engineers, Vol 5, No 3, Winter 2008. 3 Henrik Koblauch, PhD Thesis, “Low back load in airport baggage handlers,” Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2015. vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 11

The 12 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

’s: Engineering, Ergonomics and Exercise Interventions in a Changing Work Environment By Jon Kabance, RKT— President, BIOKINETIX The COVID-19 pandemic has presented companies with unique challenges that extend far beyond mitigating the risk of exposure. With essential workers now more valuable than ever, it is critical that we protect these workers by ensuring injury prevention initiatives are not made to take a backseat. We can achieve this by (1) mitigating the risk of injury through a more comprehensive, top-down approach and (2) leveraging exercise interventions to enhance employees’ ability to perform physically demanding tasks with resilience. W ork is not performed.1,2 We must also demands-resources model, performed consider the situational a useful framework for in a vacuum, challenges introduced as a result understanding what can be and there are of the pandemic, including the done to prevent injuries from a multitude of interrelated extent to which employees have occurring. The concept is factors—both individual been shifted out of their daily simple: matching job demands and situational—that play routines. Occupational studies with worker ability. Most a part in the likelihood of indicate that COVID-19 has had safety management initiatives an injury occurring and are an overwhelmingly negative focus on asking how the work not necessarily occupational impact on employees’ mental itself can be improved; either in nature. Age, lifestyle and health, with reports of increased by removing or substituting health behaviors, such as poor stress and decreased morale.3 the most high-risk tasks, nutrition or lack of physical or fitting jobs to workers activity, have considerable Safety and health through design. However, impact on how work is being professionals are likely organizations often struggle familiar with the job vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 13

to find solutions that reduce most direct forms of mitigation Warming Up the risk of injury when the are not viable options. aforementioned approaches Engineering enhancements Highly task-specific, are not possible. That’s where tend to be cost-prohibitive, low-intensity exercise that the other half of this equation and perfect ergonomics are prepares the muscle groups comes into play: how can we not always achievable. When being used to perform work improve workers’ ability to it becomes impossible or and aids in recovery from perform demanding tasks? impractical to reduce the repetitive stress. physical demands of the work, The 3E Process exercise becomes the optimal Unlike stretching, which solution for mitigating the risk passively pushes and pulls Effective injury prevention of injury. on cold tissue, warming up initiatives require an actively engages the muscles ongoing effort to balance the Exercise and the in movement and facilitates a relationship between working sports medicine number of medical benefits, conditions, job demands and connection including: optimized muscle physical capacity. This can be repair and recovery through achieved through what we call Consider the similarities increased blood circulation; a 3E Process: systematically between professional athletes greater pliability of muscles, leveraging Engineering, and those employed in the tendons and ligaments Ergonomics and Exercise industrial setting; the degree through increased body interventions to reduce to which their jobs depend on temperature; and improved musculoskeletal risk factors physical capacity, along with ease of joint movement by in a way that maximizes the exceptionally high risk of increasing synovial fluid practicality and proactivity. musculoskeletal disorders, secretion. As a form of make the term industrial athlete injury prevention, warming The first two E’s, a fitting one. The difference is up is most effective when Engineering and Ergonomics, in practical application: while performed on a daily basis seek to improve the work athletes are coached to warm before job tasks begin. itself; either by removing or up, strengthen and condition substituting the most high- their bodies for their sport, Resetting risk tasks, or fitting jobs to the support given to industrial workers through design. The athletes is generally limited A form of resistance-based issue that will inevitably arise to stretching programs and is exercise that activates the at some point is how to deal not imparted comprehensively muscle groups opposite to with situations in which the in the industrial-occupational the ones being repetitively setting. Unfortunately, used, helping the body repair preventive exercise programs and recover from the wear are all too often viewed as and tear of daily job tasks. an unnecessary “add-on” and tend to get lost in the Consider someone who administrative controls tier spends a significant portion within the hierarchy of controls. of their work day engaged in This might be attributed to manual material handling. employers’ lack of awareness of The act of carrying an object best practices, or perhaps a lack places force on the anterior of actionable strategies to put (front) muscles of their body. them into practice. Even if he or she always assumed perfect ergonomic The extent to which exercise form, the employee still has interventions offset the risk to contract these muscles of injury is highly dependent constantly in order to handle on the type of exercise being material. While their anterior performed.4 Below are three muscles are being overused, evidence-based forms of the posterior (back) muscles exercise that can be integrated aren’t being used enough— efficiently into daily routines as this pattern is repeated and are appropriate for employees of all ages and levels of physical ability: 14 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

again and again, the posterior greatly from preventive REFERENCES muscles become progressively measures that are informed weaker over time, particularly by the biomechanical aspects 1 Da Costa, B., & Vieira, E. (2009). Risk factors for work-related those surrounding the rotator of work. The fact remains musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of recent cuff and low back. If left that some risks cannot be longitudinal studies. American Journal Of Industrial Medicine. unmitigated, this imbalance anticipated or accounted for, continues to worsen, making but we can arm our workforce 2 Punnett, L., & Wegman, D. (2004). Work-related musculoskeletal the employee much more with better body mechanics disorders: the epidemiologic evidence and the debate. Journal Of vulnerable to experiencing an and physiological conditioning Electromyography And Kinesiology, 14(1), 13-23. acute work-related rotator cuff to improve resilience and or low back injury. Resetting prevent cumulative stress 3 Dennerlein, J. T., Burke, L., Sabbath, E. L., Williams, J. A., Peters, S. would help this employee from leading to acute injuries. E., Wallace, L., . . . Sorensen, G. (2020). An Integrative Total Worker protect these vulnerable Health Framework for Keeping Workers Safe and Healthy During structures and avoid injury by The broad variance in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human strengthening the posterior individual employees’ ability Factors and Ergonomics Society, 62(5), 689-696. muscles, which lengthens the to safely perform job tasks overused anterior muscles and illustrates the need for 4 Jakobsen, M., Sundstrup, E., Brandt, M., Jay, K., Aagaard, P., & creates symmetry. interventions that improve Andersen, L. (2015). Physical exercise at the workplace prevents physical conditioning. The deterioration of work ability among healthcare workers: cluster Strength and fundamental purpose of randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health, 15(1). Conditioning preventive exercise should be to prepare the body for 5 Skamagki, G., King, A., Duncan, M., & Wåhlin, C. (2018). Resistance exercise that the physical demands of job A systematic review on workplace interventions to manage targets and strengthens tasks. From a behavioral chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapy Research job-specific muscles for standpoint, much higher levels International, 23(4). lifting, pushing, carrying of engagement can be achieved and pulling. when exercise is integrated into employees’ daily routine, Strength and conditioning as opposed to being framed programs are highly as a break from the ordinary customizable on an individual and therefore an interruption level and serve to further build of work. In some ways, the up physiological resilience COVID-19 pandemic may for job tasks in which at-risk limit the on-site options for positioning or movements engaging employees in exercise cannot be fully eliminated. programs, but—as safety and health professionals have been Effective strength and learning over the past few conditioning increases the months—we have no shortage capacity of muscles, tendons of means to implement and and ligaments to withstand ensure the continued success of tensile force. Not only does these programs in the current soft-tissue conditioning climate, whether in socially- lower the likelihood of a distanced workplaces or strain or sprain, it also aids in remotely via video sessions. the return-to-work process by optimizing recovery. As President of BIOKINETIX, Jon Conditioned tissue repairs Kabance has been masterful much more quickly than non- in combining his expertise in conditioned tissue, so that exercise science, kinesiology employees will incur less lost and education with the real- time when an injury does occur, world demands companies face thus reducing the high costs every day as they look to reduce associated with these injuries. employee injury rates. Conclusion His thought leadership has helped clients save over The safety culture of any $100 million through strategic organization stands to benefit prevention and wellness programs. Jon continues to share these best practices at numerous safety and health conferences nationwide. vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 15

HOW A vpppa.org MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURER REDUCED INJURY COSTS BY $1.3 MILLION By Brock Anderson, MS, CPE, LSSBB, CSCS, Ergonomist & Lean Six Sigma Consultant, Ergo-Ology 16 Leader—Autumn 2020

vpppa.org A medical device manufacturer dramatically reduced its OSHA-recordable injuries while improving product quality, achieving a hefty cost-avoidance, lowering production costs, and enhancing employee safety by introducing a remote ergonomics program at its medical device manufacturing facility from 2018 to 2019 (24 months). T he facility’s 340 employees manufacture molded silicone medical devices for use in internal drainage systems for catheters, balloons and breast implants at the facility located in Southwest Ohio. For years, the facility had been experiencing increasing rates of repetitive motion injuries—reaching, lifting, a wide range of painful complaints generally involving the arm from the wrist to the shoulder. “The number of medical complaints had been trending up for three or four years, but they spiked in 2018,” says the facility, Safety, Environmental and Security Manager. When internal efforts failed to lower the injury rate, the company’s Corporate Health and Safety program Director, turned to Ergo-ology, an ergonomics consulting firm in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross, Georgia. “I reached out to Ergo-ology in September 2018,” he says. “One of our facilities was experiencing a high number of ergonomic-related injuries. We had tried ergonomic-assessment tools and realized they helped with some of the hazards, but they seemed to be missing in other areas.” On his first visit to the plant, Brock Anderson, CPE, LSSBB, CSCS, Ergo-ology’s Founder and Principal Consultant, discovered that the facility had the highest injury count and the greatest number of employee days missed of all the company’s 75 American sites. Anderson’s first order of business was to conduct a discovery analysis to determine why injury rates were so high. “The point of a discovery analysis is to probe the company’s ergonomics and production goals,” Anderson says. “We look into what resources they have, what constraints they’re facing, what efforts have taken place in previous years and so forth. Based on our findings, we create an ergo program that encompasses nine components, including employee awareness, risk evaluations, medical management, proactive and reactive approaches to risk- control, management’s engagement and the overall results. Taken together, the results form a Gap Analysis (a comparison of actual performance with desired performance) or a SWOT analysis (an examination of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats).” Working within a modest budget, Anderson and the facility’s Safety Manager deployed an Ergo Leadership Program consisting of a core team of 14 employees representing various disciplines Leader—Autumn 2020 17

charged with improving the By the middle of quality in a business case for ergonomic opportunities and 2019, six months ergonomic improvements.” being lead representatives into the project, for other employees at their the company’s Quality improvements at facility. Executive the facility took the form of Leadership began an increase in zero-defect The team consisted of to see solid gains products, a decrease in scrap, front-line employees, in reducing injuries fewer instances of rework and production leads, quality and recapturing improved cost performance. engineers, product- days previously “We prepared a business case development engineers, lost to injury. model showing how we were process engineers and the able to be more profitable, safety manager as the team them as best practices on the while incurring less risk and lead. Short bi-weekly meetings ergo tracker spreadsheet. producing higher-quality enabled the team to devote medical parts by implementing time to identifying ergonomics To complement the list our targeted ergonomics issues without interrupting of best practices, the core program,” he says. their daily tasks. The team team employed more basic fanned out across the entire organizational changes: More specifically, the business sector. A team member retooling, re-engineering or facility realized $1.3 million in was assigned to each of the redesigning the machinery used cost-avoidance and reduced facility’s five clean rooms. in the manufacturing process. the risk of injury by 30 to 40 In high-risk jobs where the percent over an 18-month “We were looking for jobs team could not implement a period, the Safety Manager that were deemed hazardous— quick ergo solution, they would says. What’s more, productivity tasks requiring repetitive mitigate the risk factor by in one area improved by motions, lifting, working with rotating workers in and out at 46 percent, and the rate of their arms in an awkward three-hour intervals. rejected parts decreased by position, twisting the elbow out more than 30 percent. like a chicken wing,” the Safety By the middle of 2019, Manager says. “We listed each six months into the project, Underlying the numbers is job based on the number of risk the company’s Executive a plant-wide culture change factors and then recorded them Leadership began to see solid in the manufacturing process on an ergo tracker spreadsheet. gains in reducing injuries and at the facility. “The company We prioritized the risk factors recapturing days previously is built around a lot of people in order of the greatest risk of lost to injury. As a result, it who have a lot of seniority,” injury. Those were the jobs we encouraged the core team he says. “Been here a long focused on first.” to devote more time to time, never been exposed to the ergonomic initiative. any kind of safety-hazard Anderson and the Safety “Leadership realized the awareness. So, the common Manager were very selective ergonomics program was a attitude was, well, we’ve been in appointing people to the value-added initiative that doing it that way for 30 years core team. “We didn’t choose supported the overall goals and nobody’s ever gotten the people who were the most of the facility,” the Safety hurt—until now. Well, one authoritative,” he says, “we Manager says. “Take quality, injury in 20 years is one injury chose those who were the most for example. Quality, as you too many.” influential. When they went can imagine, is very important back to their departments to in the medical-device world. Starting small, Anderson effect ergonomic change, they We discovered that quality encouraged the core team to were going to need people improvement was one of the initially focus on what is called who would listen to them and added benefits of ergonomics. “quick wins.” “What can we engage with them.” And so, we began to emphasize fix to show change for just the value of improved a couple of hundred dollars Their bi-weekly core team and get mindsets to change meetings were supplemented at the same time?” the Safety by monthly Skype meetings Manager asks. “The core team where Anderson would present took a floor-up approach. We an ergonomic topic germane to went after the easy wins, the the facility’s goals and assign quick wins, the low-hanging an exercise related to the topic. fruit. We adapted a ‘just The team would present its do it’ kind of attitude and exercise solutions at the next implemented quick changes monthly Skype meeting and log that, over time, turned the 18 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

culture around. A year ago, safety, in culture. People “It’s more than just safety,” Brock Anderson is ergonomics was never talked are very proud of their the Safety Manager says. the Owner & Principal about here. Not once. Now, it’s accomplishments. People “It’s more than enhancing Consultant of Ergo- brought up several times a day on the floor come to their the bottom line or improving ology, Inc. His passion by several people. In the course representatives in the area and quality. The program is for enhancing human of a year, we’ve got everybody talk to them about ergonomic about employee engagement, performance and establishing talking ergonomics.” efforts. The representatives employee morale. There’s an operation efficiency has landed (the core team) can look at element of employee retention the attention of leaders in both “I’m very pleased with a workstation, assess the here because people feel like Sports and Industrial settings. the progress they’ve made manufacturing process and they’re part of something way Before launching Ergo-ology at their facility,” says the identify the risks. Then the bigger than themselves. It’s in 2015, Brock worked for Corporate Health and Safety team resolves the risk on its about employee attraction. organizations like the Atlanta Program Director. Remember, own or with Ergo-ology’s People in the community hear Falcons, NASA, Coca-Cola, it was the Corporate Director assistance. This was the first about our ability to take care Gulfstream Aerospace, USA who brought in Ergo-ology time we looked at the use of of our employees so it attracts Olympic Weightlifting Team to implement an effective ergonomics at the facility more talent to the facility.” and conducted several years ergonomics program at site. The results exceeded our of Muscle Fatigue Research at the facility originally. expectations. The success of “We’re not just solving Auburn University. He has a dual The Corporate Director’s the program has drawn the problems,” the Corporate Master's degree in Biomechanics overarching responsibility interest of other company Director adds, “we’re making and Physiology and spent several involves managing the health sites. In fact, we plan to roll employees feel better by years (post-graduate) studying and safety of 19,000 company’s out a similar remote support making their jobs easier. Occupational Ergonomics and employees worldwide. program across all our North We’ve enhanced employee Industrial Engineering at Auburn American sites over the next engagement on the job and, by University. Brock is a Certified “I’ve seen improvements three years.” so doing, we’ve changed the Professional Ergonomist (CPE), in some of the tools they’re entire production culture. a Certified Industrial Ergonomist using, improvements in (CIE), a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB). vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 19

By Ryan Cowart, CPE, Senior Consultant and Ergonomics Engineer, Humantech vpppa.org 20 Leader—Autumn 2020

Throughout my nine years as a professional ergonomist, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate and engage with many organizations to create meaningful workplace change. From foundational awareness trainings to advanced work cell and vibration-exposure analysis to senior leadership summits, my time spent with mid- to large-size companies has been as broad as it has been deep. However, the greatest percentage of the time I allocate to working with organizations is demystifying the field of ergonomics; where the applications of this engineering discipline begin and end. t would be incorrect to Leading research in the field work performance, to name 57% say that the ergonomics of psychology suggests that a few. The list of benefits is profession needs only to people tend to connect things in no particular order; the of those who die address a few questions they are unfamiliar with to outcomes are most certainly from opioid-related to be effective. In fact, listing things that they are familiar associated with an effective deaths had at out as many topics as I can with. This is called confirmation process. Ergonomics is no least one prior think of wouldn’t do this field bias—the tendency to gather longer just about the health workplace justice, as the principles of evidence that confirms and safety benefits. musculoskeletal workplace design are dictated preexisting expectations—and disorder. by the specificity of the job, it happens to be one of the The Societal the employees, the culture strongest types of feeling or Cost of Poor that exists on-site and the inclination humans possess. It Workplace Design equipment workers are provided is in large part because of these It’s just for work, it to get that job done right. inclinations that many believe won’t follow you home. Following is a list of the myth that ergonomics is all common myths, and their and only about employee well- If we “zoomed out” of a specific corresponding truths, to begin being; injury/illness rates, lost production facility and took understanding the implications workdays, and the like. more of a global view of things, of occupational ergonomics. we’d find that very few people While not exhaustive, this is an Contrastingly, ergonomics evade the negative impacts of illumination of the perceptions, design impacts the physical poor workplace design. Whether strategy, implementation and and psychological elements you are assembling a fighter jet management of an ergonomics of a worker. It’s logical that wing, typing up a document at a process. As one of my an employee who doesn’t computer workstation, cleaning colleagues once cleverly stated, experience pain and discomfort dishes after Thanksgiving “I will likely gain more and when working will experience dinner or delivering parcels more enemies the further down greater enjoyment, or at to a customer, awkward you read!” Nevertheless, here least less dread, as opposed postures, excessive forces and/ are the top five myths I argue to those who do have such or repetition of activity is likely are the most applicable in our symptoms. Furthermore, we involved. The myth people current business climate. find that employees show seem to tell themselves is that significantly more engagement ergonomics is just about work The Value of in their work culture when and not something to consider Ergonomics their organizational leaders after hours. It only improves are actively involved in the employee well-being. improvement process. A 20-year study recently published reported that low- It’s surprising to me that Enhanced employee back pain was the sixth highest business units and divisional engagement leads to word- cause of the global burden of leaders within organizations of-mouth conversations disease, just after HIV/AIDS and aren’t better informed of about positivity, which in turn before Malaria (Lancet. 2012). the values of ergonomics. begins the snowball effect of One out of eight Americans will reduced job turnover, reduced experience back pain during absenteeism and increased vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 21

The truth is that a his or her working life. What’s consider the traditional means rotation is the most common high-frequency more, 2012 research suggested of applying forces with the inquiry we receive, since task will increase that 57 percent of those who body, but to also think about many still believe that the the MSD risk of die from opioid-related deaths those created by the hands, like application of job rotation just about any job, had at least one prior workplace pinching, pressing and grabbing reduces the risk of MSDs but increasing musculoskeletal disorder various objects, increasing MSD in the workplace. From a the force required (Cheng et. al. 2012). Of that risk as well. psychological perspective, to complete employee pool, the top three the effectiveness of job the same task most affected occupations Industrial Exoskeletons enlargement (the expansion of comparatively were that of construction & Employee Use one’s role to include additional increases the risk workers, farmers and material They will solve all of responsibilities that were far greater. handlers. The truth is that your problems today. previously not associated with poor workplace design, while a given task) could invoke 22 Leader—Autumn 2020 obviously present in the work You’ve seen them in pop a range of emotions; from environment, can and does culture references, films and intrigue in acquiring new follow you home. perhaps even during a work site skills to outright frustration demonstration. Exoskeletons in having to do more with The Primary are here and they will likely less. Nonetheless, simply Biomechanical get better in the future, but transitioning team members Risk Factor of MSDs what about right now? How from one role to the next Frequency kills. effective are current industrial within a given 8- to 12-hour exoskeletons at reducing MSDs? shift does not dilute the job- Research in the field of The myth that manufacturers specific risk introduced to the biomechanics and other and stakeholders would have rotated worker. applied sciences has stated you assume is that the devices the myth that frequency is the undoubtably increase worker The truth about job rotation greatest culprit in predicting productivity, while also is that there is weak evidence MSD risk of a given job. Even enhancing employee well-being. supporting such an effort as if we begin reverting to our a strategy for the prevention confirmation bias of what we The reality on exoskeletons and control of MSDs. Results were taught when we originally is that this messaging does not of a 2017 study suggest that learned about ergonomics, align with the findings from attempting to “balance” we too would be firm in our research experts. A 2019 study of high-risk, medium-risk and belief that frequency kills. exoskeletons on worker benefits low-risk tasks ends up creating But that’s not who we are; as and limitations in preventing three jobs that are all high professionals in the field of MSDs suggests that, while loads risk (Gallagher et. al. 2017). environmental, health and/or on primary joints are reduced, Therefore, job rotation should safety sciences we’re actively the neighboring joints increase no longer be considered an seeking what is true. in magnitude, quality errors option for reducing MSD risk. increase and energy expenditure The truth is that a high- increases with the use of certain To conclude, I hope that frequency task will increase models. Clearly, the data is the explanation of the top the MSD risk of just about any stratified and inconclusive five myths and truths helped job, but increasing the force regarding the application of shed light on the perceptions, required to complete the same these devices to the current strategy, implementation task comparatively increases work environment. What we and management you choose the risk far greater. The 2019 continue to see is that industrial to undertake when working Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety exoskeletons, while able to your plan. Smart people Index reveals that overexertion make a substantial impact in design things they tend to (e.g., lifting, lowering, pushing, specific operational jobs, have understand. For the elements pulling and carrying) is the #1 not yet reached a point where they don’t, a person is usually cause of non-fatal workplace they should be considered for tasked with doing it manually. injuries in the US, accounting uniform introduction to the My hope is that you find the for 23 percent of all non-fatal employee workforce. passion needed to understand workplace injuries and $13.11 ergonomics and do it right. billion in direct costs per year. Job Rotation This is approximately $250 It magically reduces To learn more about how million per week directly MSD risk. Humantech can help you use related to high force exertions. the science of ergonomics I challenge readers to not only In a non-office work to improve workplace environment, the topic of job performance, visit www.Humantech.com. vpppa.org

Ryan Cowart, CPE, SOURCES Hawkins, Roelofs, Laing, & Davis (2019). Senior Consultant Opioid-related overdose deaths by industry and and Ergonomics 2019 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index occupation—Massachusetts, 2011–2015. American Engineer, facilitates Journal of Industrial Medicine. Volume62, Issue10. the deployment Alabdulkarim S, Nussbaum MA, Rashedi E, Kim S, October 2019. Pages 815-825. of Humantech ergonomics Agnew M, Gardner R. (2016). Impact of task design https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23029. software solutions and on task performance and injury risk: case study of conducts on-site workshops a simulated drilling task. Ergonomics. 2016 Aug 31:1- McGowan, B. (2018). Industrial Exoskeletons: What across global companies. He 16. [Epub ahead of print] You're Not Hearing. Occupational Health & Safety performs musculoskeletal Magazine. October 2018. disorder risk assessments and Cheng M, Sauer B, Johnson E, Porucznik C, Hegmann redesigns workspaces. K. Comparison of opioid-related deaths by work- Padula RS, Comper MLC, Sparer EH, and Dennerlein Prior to joining VelocityEHS’ related injury. Am J Ind Med. 2012;56(3):308–316 JT. (2017). Job rotation designed to prevent Humantech, Ryan completed musculoskeletal disorders and control risk in an internship as an ergonomics Gallagher S, & Schall MC Jr. (2017). Musculoskeletal manufacturing industries: A systematic review. engineer at Intel Corporation, disorders as a fatigue failure process: evidence, Appl Ergon. Jan;58:386-397. where he led projects throughout implications and research needs. Ergonomics. 2017 the manufacturing site to Feb;60(2):255-269 Theurel, J. & Desbrosses, K. (2019). Occupational reduce workplace risks and Exoskeletons: Overview of Their Benefits collaborated with area managers Gallagher S, Schall MC, Sesek RF, and Huangfu R. and Limitations in Preventing Work-Related to implement appropriate (2017). Job Rotation as a technique for the control of Musculoskeletal Disorders, IISE Transactions on mechanical assists and new tool MSDs: A fatigue failure perspective. Proceedings of Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors, 7:3- designs. He also evaluated job the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of the 4, 264-280. rotation schedules and workflow 61st International Annual Meeting. Austin, TX. design to increase production Years lived with disability (YLDs) for 1160 sequelae output and safety. Goggins RW, Spielholz P, Nothstein GL. (2008). of 289 diseases and injuries 1990-2010: a systematic Ryan received both a Bachelor Estimating the effectiveness of ergonomics analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. of Science and a Master of Science interventions through case studies: implications Lancet. 2012 Dec 15;380(9859):2163-96. doi: 10.1016/ degree in Kinesiology from for predictive cost-benefit analysis. J Safety Res. S0140-6736(12)61729-2. Indiana University, in Bloomington, 2008;39(3):339-44. Indiana. He has achieved recognition as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). CLIP HELPING YOU KEEP IT TOGETHER 50 UNIT MIN GLOVEGUARD.COM | 888.660.6133 | [email protected] Leader—Autumn 2020 23 AVAILABLE SHIPS IN 57 BUSINESS DAYS vpppa.org

Employers Beware: By Ergonomic Challenges Sabrina N. Williams, Ph.D., of Telecommuting During COVID-19 Columbia Southern University I n the wake of the COVID-19 global health pandemic, telecommuting has become the “new normal” for many in the American workforce. As states and local municipalities continue to implement stay-at-home and safer-at-home orders, telecommuting remains an integral part of many employers’ efforts to reduce the transmission of the virus in the workplace. Permitting employees to work from home during the novel coronavirus outbreak offers many benefits as it allows for continuity of operations in some businesses that might otherwise be shutdown. Telecommuting also allows asymptomatic employees to continue working without putting other workers’ health at risk. Likewise, telecommuting benefits employees who may be at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to underlying health conditions. For employees, the option of working from home also comes with the convenience of working comfortably in pajamas or loungewear without having to deal with a daily commute, office politics, or the typical office distractions. Although these conveniences may seem ideal, transitioning to a remote work environment does not come without some challenges, especially when employees are required to setup their home workstations. Incorporating ergonomics during the setup of a remote workstation is vital as failure to do so can mean the difference between a positive and a negative experience for employers and employees. Converting Your Home into a Working Environment When millions were abruptly forced from their workplaces earlier this year, many employees left their offices with little more than their personal belongings, a laptop and a work assignment in hand. Purchasing ergonomically designed furnishings was likely not a forethought, since many employees (or employers) weren’t certain when or if employees would return to the office. Most workers simply used what was available at home. Kitchens, spare bedrooms and dining rooms have been transformed into temporary workspaces. 24 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 25

Lack of good While the office setting Setting up a workstation in a on a foot rest? Where are the posture for a might have been designed with manner that promotes good demonstrations explaining how short period of ergonomic considerations— posture is an important aspect to adjust the table, desk and/or time might have such as dual computer of telecommuting. Employees other work surfaces to a height minimal impact monitors, chairs with lumbar might find the prospect of that allows both the placement beyond a stiff neck support and height-adjustable working from their comfortable of a chair underneath with or sore muscles, yet desks—these features are likely couch or bed all day rather adequate knee clearance and chronic exposure not the norm in the remote tempting; however, these are the use of a keyboard while while working in work setting. Yes, it may be not optimal places to perform maintaining the elbows at a a discomforting convenient for employees to work because of the undue 90-degree angle? position can lead to use what they have readily strain placed on the neck and the development available, but a remote lower back. A remote workspace might of musculoskeletal workstation might be far from not look unsafe or pose an disorders such as ergonomically safe if it is not Unfortunately, many imminent danger to safety tendonitis, carpal arranged properly. employees may not think and health, but over time, not tunnel syndrome, about proper body mechanics practicing proper ergonomics low back pain and With little consideration for until they are already in the home remote work neck pain. ergonomics or the benefits experiencing discomfort or setting can prove to be of a well-designed office other symptoms. Lack of good harmful. Hours spent working environment, some employees posture for a short period hunched over laptops can are now working with their of time might have minimal result in symptoms ranging necks bent over laptops for impact beyond a stiff neck from wrist pains due to typing extended periods, sitting in or sore muscles, yet chronic with the wrist flexed, to lower chairs that are too low while exposure while working in a back pain from sitting with working with their arms and discomforting position can the lower back unsupported to wrists resting on tables which lead to the development of neck pain from looking down are too high. musculoskeletal disorders such at the computer monitor. as tendonitis, carpal tunnel Working remotely under such syndrome, low back pain and Employers’ circumstances for a short period neck pain. Responsibilities to of time, although not ideal, Remote Workers might not cause long-term Non-COVID Related ergonomic injuries; however, Consequences In compliance with the with the extension of stay-at- Occupational Safety and home orders, not utilizing an Throughout the pandemic, Health Act (OSH Act) of ergonomic workstation design employees have constantly 1970, employers have the could potentially lead to been reminded to wear face responsibility of providing chronic injuries for employees masks, wash their hands and employees a safe and healthful and unanticipated expenses practice social distancing work environment that is free for employers. to reduce the likelihood of from recognized hazards that transmitting the coronavirus are causing or likely to cause Ergonomics and the to others. Yet, few messages death or serious injury. Does Remote Worker have been relayed regarding this responsibility extend to what employees should do to remote workers? Ergonomics is the scientific prevent exposing themselves discipline that uses information to the hazards caused by poor At the time of the passage from human capabilities and ergonomic habits. of the OSH Act, the concept performance capacities to fit of telecommuting was just the needs of individual users Where are the PSAs starting to be recognized in the design of products, tools reminding remote employees but with a slightly different and equipment. When used in to arrange devices—such as connotation than we have the design of the workplace, the monitor, keyboard and come to understand in the ergonomics can be beneficial in mouse—so they are accessible 21st century. Although it is not arranging tools and equipment without overreaching or likely the Occupational Safety in a way that allows people to straining? Where are the and Health Administration work efficiently and safely. placards showing remote (OSHA) will conduct in- employees how to setup their home workplace inspections Likewise, a properly designed chair for a comfortable seated to address safety and health workstation should be arranged posture with their lower back issues, employers may still to fit the user in a way that well-supported and their feet be impacted financially by allows a task to be performed either resting on the floor or in-home accidents that without risk of injury or illness. 26 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

might be covered by workers’ evaluate their current injury Sabrina N. Williams, compensation insurance when reporting systems to ensure Ph.D., is a full-time employees work remotely. there are clearly identified faculty member Therefore, it is important procedures that can be in the College for employers to provide implemented immediately of Safety and the necessary resources among employees, supervisors Emergency Services at to maintain, not only the and health care providers. When Columbia Southern University. productivity levels of their possible, employers should She also owns and operates remote employees, but also consider implementing online an ergonomics consulting firm their health and safety. injury reporting systems to based in Brandon, Mississippi. encourage employees to report She received a Bachelor of Promoting Proper symptoms early on. Science in mathematics from Ergonomic Practices Southern University and both a Flexible work master’s and doctorate degree Flexible work arrangements in industrial engineering with and remote work may indeed arrangements and emphasis in ergonomics and become the norm for the human factors engineering from foreseeable future. Some remote work may Mississippi State University. Dr. employers may choose to Williams has a career that spans allow employees continue indeed become more than 20 years in various working remotely even beyond aspects of the safety profession the COVID-19 pandemic. To the norm for the including the U.S. Department of address the needs of this new Labor Occupational Safety and telecommuting workforce, foreseeable future. Health Administration. employers must work with employees to ensure their In order to maintain the About Columbia home working environment is health and safety of remote Southern University ergonomically safe. employees, employers should For more than 25 years, Columbia also provide employees with Southern University has been a Employers can manage resources—such as OSHA’s leader in occupational safety and mitigate injury risks eTools—which are interactive, and health education. Taught and promote proper web-based resources designed by experienced safety experts, ergonomic practices by to prevent ergonomic injuries CSU’s bachelor’s and master’s educating employees on and illnesses. Remote degree programs in occupational the benefits of ergonomics, employees might find the safety and health are recognized encouraging early reporting computer workstation eTools by the Board of Certified Safety of symptoms, and providing useful as a guide when setting Professionals as Graduate Safety the resources necessary to up their remote workstation Practitioner® Qualified Academic assess their remote work or as an assessment tool when Programs. CSU’s occupational settings. Education should making improvements to safety and health degree focus on the proper setup of their workstations. programs meet the educational workstations and equipment requirements mandated by and the importance of proper The promotion of proper the Board of Certified Safety musculoskeletal support. ergonomic practices is key Professionals for the Associate to preventing occupational Safety Professional designation In addition, employees injuries and illnesses among (ASP®) and the Certified Safety should be knowledgeable of remote workers. Adopting Professional designation (CSP®). ergonomic risk factors, which good ergonomic practices will make them more aware if does not necessarily happen symptoms such as numbness, instantly in an office setting. tingling, swelling and joint pain Likewise, the implementation begin to occur. process may be even more challenging in a remote Under normal circumstances, work environment. Yet, employees would likely report employers have an obligation an ergonomic injury to their to keep workers safe from immediate supervisor, and an recognized hazards including incident report form would the ergonomic hazards that be completed to begin the could potentially result from a reporting process. Because remote work setting. employees are now working remotely, employers should vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 27

E MONEYBALL R G By Dr. Davana PL AY I N G Pilczuk, THE GAME Corporate DIFFERENTLY Ergonomics Senior Manager, OCintas 28 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

Any die-hard baseball fan knows the famous true story of General Manager Billy Beane and the Oakland A’s. In 2002, Beane was faced with a daunting task: build a top-notch Major League Baseball team on a shoestring budget. He was in a tough situation. Unable to afford home-run hitters and flashy players, Beane would actually go on to make history with his unconventional way of playing the game of baseball. A ll too often, creating a and the odds aren’t to your successful ergonomics advantage, then you must play program can feel like the game differently. an overwhelming task. Budgets are frequently small, staff Just get on base size is usually even smaller and yet more often than not, Beane didn’t have a lot of the leading type of injury money to afford expensive in a business, is from poor homerun hitters. The ergonomics. This combination traditional thinking had of a small team, small budget been that in order to win and a never-ending workload games, you needed to have can feel like a losing recipe. powerhouse players. But those However, by following some of hitters came at a high price the same thinking Beane used and Beane just couldn’t afford to make his team successful, them. He was stuck. How do ergonomists can easily clear you win games when you can’t some common hurdles faced by hit home runs? The answer most corporate programs. was: you don’t. The trick to winning games is to get runs. In my experience, The more players you could ergonomics programs tend to get on base, the higher your face three problems: lacking chance of getting a run. The the finances for big solutions, more runs you get, the more not having enough staff to you win. It’s that simple. implement the program throughout the company and a Ergonomists need to stop general lack of corporate buy- focusing on expensive, large, in. From a staffing standpoint, glitzy projects and start putting ergonomics programs are not their energy into just getting usually very big. There might on base. Simple ideas that cost be a small group of experts less than a couple hundred whose role it is to oversee an dollars can make a big impact entire program across multiple in reducing ergo risk. Ideas like sites, with little to no additional putting wheels on anything help. It’s very easy to feel people have to manually deflated, especially in times push, pull or carry is a great when time and money are tight, (and cheap) ergo solution. and additional headcount isn’t If wheels already exist, then in the cards. However, small improve the handle being used teams and small budgets do not so grip force is decreased and make or break great programs. the item can be maneuvered When the stakes are high more easily. Fancy solutions like automating something is vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 29

Ergonomists need always ‘cool’ and eye catching, However, I challenge this way leaders is vital to the success to stop focusing on but the time, money and effort of thinking and think you of your program. Create a expensive, large, it takes to implement a project should too. “train the trainer” program glitzy projects like that is high. I would take a allowing them to teach their and start putting hundred base hits over an ergo To solve problems, you departments, field office their energy into home run any day. don’t always need an expert. furniture questions and just getting on Often, problem solving conduct simple workstation base... Ideas like Recruit undervalued requires someone who is highly evaluations. The admins I putting wheels on players creative, doesn’t get frustrated have worked with in my career anything people with failure and someone who have been huge advocates have to manually With such a small payroll, simply likes to tinker. Workers for ergonomics since they push, pull or Beane was forced to find experienced in building know what it feels like to be carry is a great athletes with small price tags. maintenance, assembly work uncomfortable at work. (and cheap) Famous players came with and mechanics make great ergo ergo solution. hefty contracts, so Beane problem solvers. These folks Admins also have a massive decided to look elsewhere. He love figuring things out. They internal network and can reach recruited players considered see a challenge in front of them key people you may not have past their prime by scouts and they start to tweak, modify had access to. By putting them and even signed injured ones, and even play with ideas to on your ergo teams, they can whom no one thought would solve the problem at hand. help you behind the scenes by be of value. The league valued Find these types of people in supporting your initiative and youth, power and flash. Beane your business and put them influencing those hard to reach valued experience, passion and on your ergo teams. Bring executives who’s buy-in you teamwork and his idea to use them with you to conferences definitely need. undervalued players paid off. or give them some internal training on how to design with Approach the Many companies turn to ergo in mind and you will see game differently their ergonomics department them create an idea far better to solve their ergo problems. than what many of the experts The A’s used a process called If a separate ergonomics could ever have designed and sabermetrics, which had not department doesn’t exist, probably for half the cost. been used before in baseball. It companies often turn to the was uniquely different way to safety professionals to figure Another great group to objectively measure a player’s out how to reduce their rising recruit is administrative success versus the old way, soft tissue injuries. At first assistants. Most ergonomists which relied on more subjective this seems like the smart and are not only tasked with measures. At first, others obvious thing to do; turn to the solving ergo problems, but criticized Beane’s approach, but experts to solve the problems. they have to create and after seeing how well it worked conduct corporate wide ergo for the A’s, sabermetrics is now training, lead ergo teams, a common way teams measure sit on injury investigations, a player’s success. do job evaluations, office evaluations and the list goes One of the largest complaints on. At some point, things fall from ergonomists is the lack of through the cracks and this corporate buy-in for ergonomics is where admins can help. programs. It seems as if the Admins are often a highly C-suite understands financials, undervalued group, yet their key performance indicators and role and position next to key even safety regulations, but when it comes to ergo, they just don’t get it. In my experience, it isn’t that management doesn’t ‘get’ ergonomics but rather ergonomists have been selling it all wrong. Safety professionals and ergonomists tend to focus on counting injuries while businesses tend to focus on financials. My advice: Stop focusing solely on injuries and start talking business. Unfortunately, injuries 30 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

aren’t unpredictable and a lag A decline in huge labor costs while indicator. Yes, they do cost performance is the simultaneously reducing ergo money, but who gets injured first thing you will risk to the body. It’s a win-win. and when, is extremely hard see happen, well to predict. Instead, focus on before an injury In the end, the A’s went on leading indicators that are much kicks in. When to the playoffs and became more immediate, have a direct the body gets the first team, in over 100 impact to the business and can tired, it starts to years, to win 20 games in a show solid financial gains. slow down, and it row. Beane’s decision to use makes mistakes. undervalued players, getting Tact time, overtime and base hits and playing the game rework are all common example, overtime is also a differently, paid off. As for the examples of productivity big indication that the job is safety world, just because the and quality metrics. When too difficult, plus overtime game doesn’t feel fair, doesn’t people begin to fatigue, these is costly. Therefore, look for mean you can’t win. Use will be the first measures jobs that require additional Beane’s innovative approach to impacted by poor ergonomics. manpower, additional hours winning and never be afraid to A decline in performance is or additional rework and you just get on base. the first thing you will see will almost always find poor happen, well before an injury ergonomics as the culprit. If Dr. Davana Pilczuk manages the kicks in. When the body gets you can reduce overtime and ergonomics program for Cintas. tired, it starts to slow down, rework, you will be reducing Under her tenure, the program and it makes mistakes. We won the 2019 OSHA Innovation struggle to focus and maintain Award, 2019 Excellence Award the pace, so always look for and 2018 Ergo Cup award performance decrements since from the Applied Ergonomics they are indications that the Conference. The Cintas program job demands are too high is annually benchmarked for people to maintain. For by Fortune 500 companies learning how to implement a participatory ergo program. ® • Keeps extension ladders from Ladder falls – slipping on slick surfaces such as 2nd leading cause of composite decking work-related • Unique design of foam creates tiny injur ie s! * suction cups that grip the surface, even when wet * https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ nioshtic-2/20034690.html • Light weight for easy use, weighs less than 6 pounds Working Concepts, Inc. • Works on smooth surfaces, plastic, 888-456-3372 • www.softknees.com • [email protected] wood, concrete, etc., even when wet Patent Pending • Prevents marring and scratches to deck caused by ladder feet • Attaches to the bottom ladder rung, with adjustable strap, for easy movement of ladder along wall • Fits most extension ladders, up to 21” wide • Replaceable self-adhesive foam pad vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 31

AS THE MOST VALUABLE ASSET The Principle s of Lean Ergonomics 32 Leader—Autumn 2020 By Dr. Earl Blair, CSP, Visiting Lecturer of Safety Management at Indiana University and Steve Davis, CLE, CEM, CQCSM, SSHO, True Lean vpppa.org

VPPPA is a benchmark for organizations that aspire to go beyond safety basics and be the best. They share many fundamental principles with the Toyota Production System (TPS)—principles have made TPS a benchmark for organizations across all industries. So how did TPS become fact, that term was a generic Development, and the Lean recognized as the most title based upon the authors’ Systems Program was born. efficient system in all reflections of TPS in the 1990 The Lean Systems Program’s of manufacturing? After book The Machine That Changed Mission is to explore, study World War II, Toyota was on the World. The book was based and teach the workings of the the brink of bankruptcy and upon an MIT five-year research Toyota Production System. The recognized they needed to study on the future of the True Lean™ title for the course fundamentally change the way automobile. “Lean production” offerings was chosen to reflect they managed the company. One has since become a generic that the source of the core of their first steps was to rebuild term that is used worldwide. An content is based upon the origin a relationship of trust with their interesting note from Amazon’s and first-hand knowledge— team members, listening to introduction to an updated Toyota—while also connecting their needs and recognizing that version of the book states: with the common term Lean. the person in the process was in the best position to improve the When The Machine That There are numerous True process. Respect for people was Changed the World was first Lean™ offerings including a key foundational element. published in 1990, Toyota a three-week (over three was half the size of General months) True Lean™ Building upon this cultural Motors. Twenty years later Certification, a two-day People foundation, next came TPS in Toyota passed GM as the Side of Lean which covers the 1950s when one of Toyota’s world’s largest auto maker. the cultural elements and a leaders, Taiichi Ohno, began This management classic week-long Lean Ergonomics the practice of going to the was the first book to reveal Certification. True Lean™ floor to observe processes and Toyota’s lean production Instructors include former to identify waste. By involving system that is the basis for its Toyota leadership, many of team members in these enduring success. whom were among the first activities, they began to create North American management. a culture of engagement and Toyota received numerous The program also has a Toyota continuous improvement across inquiries from others around the Executive-in-Residence. all levels of the organization. globe who wanted to learn more Over time, these efforts evolved about TPS. There are many aspects into a complete management to True Lean™ as a total “System”—later labeled as the One of Toyota’s efforts to enterprise system covering Toyota Production System. respond to these requests culture, principles, methods and and to share TPS knowledge behaviors. There are three True Many observers began to and experience came in 1994, Lean™ mutual goals: 1) For the refer to what Toyota created, when they established a customer, 2) For the people/ the Toyota Production System, partnership with the University team members and 3) For the as being the most efficient in of Kentucky (UK) College company. We cannot cover all all of manufacturing. What is of Engineering Institute of aspects of True Lean in this brief surprising to some is that Toyota Research for Technology article, but one foundational didn’t use the term “lean.” In element of True Lean™ is for all vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 33

A class participant (who is also a State OSHA VPP Auditor) receiving Standardized Work: The using the same framework. By his certification. written, current best method following these eight steps, for safe and efficient work that one can methodically find a to endlessly seek, identify and meets the required quality problem, fix the problem at eliminate waste. This will always and provides the foundation its root cause, and keep the benefit the customer, the people for continuous improvement. problem from coming back. and the company. This clearly defines the normal Toyota views problems as an condition, thus supports the opportunity for improvement A few key practices which employees to self-manage as and encourages people to create the environment for they perform their work. By raise problems. In fact, Toyota waste elimination are: knowing normal, abnormal takes quality and safety so can be immediately identified seriously that team members Heavy-Duty Control Room Chairs and addressed. Abnormal is on the production assembly a primary source of waste line are not only empowered INTENSE CHAIRS FOR INTENSE JOBS elimination as it identifies the to stop the line but are waste itself, thus an opportunity expected to stop the line if a 24/7 Use  Up to 550 lbs.  6-Year Warranty to improve. safety or quality issue arises and a countermeasure can’t (800) 892-5563 Standardized Work immediately be implemented. CONCEPTSEATING.COM documents are created by the team members doing the work What is rather than management or engineering. These are living fundamental documents that are maintained and adjusted in each work area for all of this to as improvements are made. By integrating safety and health succeed is to a practices into the Standardized Work, the processes are culture of respect designed based on prevention of injuries and illness. for people. Safety is included in the There are many other Standardized Work! practices in the system, but these key practices directly Job Instructions Training (JIT): support safety and health Job instructions are created management. The system based on the Standardized Work ensures all of the resources documents and are written are provided to conduct safe in a standard format which is work. Internal experienced then used to methodically train practitioners support the people team members. Job Instruction doing the work safely while Training ensures that each producing good quality. Not only employee performs the same way is this a culture that puts safety every job cycle. Thus “normal” first, it is, as noted earlier, based is consistently repeated. on a culture where respect for people comes first. Safety is part of JIT! One True Lean™ offering 5S: This is the organization and referenced above is a week-long cleanliness of each work area and Beta Course in Ergonomics. provides the physical foundation The Certification in Lean to successfully perform Ergonomics is conducted as standardized work and to an on-campus experiential visually see normal vs abnormal. course. These sessions are led by safety and health experts, Eight Step Problem Solving: True Lean™ individuals This is a systematic problem- with Toyota experience, and solving methodology that it features individuals with applies to all types of work extensive experience relating to and all levels of complexity. OSHA VPP—one who led two of Every problem is approached 34 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

the earliest sites in the United seconds in the United States. States into VPP as Star sites This rate of retiring baby and another who is an OSHA boomers will continue VPP auditor. through 2030. The result of this mass number of We are often asked, “Does an retirements is there won’t be organization need to be a lean enough laborers to fill organization before they adopt the workforce. Lean Ergonomics?” • The aging and retiring The answer is, “No, organizations merely need to workers impact the need be at a place where they have for Lean Ergonomics. As begun process improvement.” workers age they generally become more susceptible Think about the ergonomic to strains, sprains and challenges ahead for ergonomic-related injuries. organizations: And as workers retire, there is a greater need • Injury and illness statistics for industries to improve efficienc while maintaining have demonstrated that and increasing productivity. for the past 20 years, over one-third of non-fatal To prepare for these disabling injuries are due to challenges, organizations from poor ergonomics. This means all industries have adapted, or are that 30-40 percent of every in the process of adapting, Lean Workers’ Compensation Ergonomics as a critical element dollar spent is due to poor of their other lean practices. ergonomics that result in these illnesses. What is fundamental for all of this to succeed is to a culture • There are 77 million baby of respect for people. boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964. A baby boomer now turns retirement age every eight FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LEAN ERGONOMICS VISIT: www.engr.uky.edu/true-lean/what-we-do/ergonomics-certification LINKEDIN www.linkedin.com/company/trueleanuky/ www.linkedin.com/in/ergonautsteve Special thanks to other True Lean™ practitioners who contributed to this article. Steve Davis, CLE, CEM, CQCSM, SSHO, has been working with True Top: Dr. Saito (standing) and Ken Kreafle (Toyotas Executive Lean™ since 2000, as an Ergonomics education provider. He supports in Residence) addressing the class about TPS culture. clients as they improve conditions for team members at all levels—in keeping with Toyota’s philosophy of Respect for People. His focus is Middle: A class exercise in 5S and Standardized Work. to systematically identify the true root cause in order to prevent the Participants realize an 80 percent increase in efficiency. problem from recurring. This is in keeping with his rich experience demonstrating that ergonomics are the symptom of process Bottom: Job breakdown exercise for identifying inefficiencies. Steve began developing this expertise in the aerospace inefficiency and risk factors for poor ergonomics. industry where he programmed, setup and operated Computerized Numerical Control machines. He then transitioned to employee development, safety & health/quality systems management, including experience with Halliburton. Steve has worked in both general industry and the construction industry, including contractors with the US Army Corps of Engineers/ US Navy, serving as a Construction Quality Systems Manager or a Site Safety and Health Officer. He majored in Organizational Communications with a minor in Loss Prevention and Safety at EKU. vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 35

Mental Health Spotlight By Lisa Desai, Director of Behavioral Health Consulting, MindWise Innovations COVID-19 and Construction Behavioral Health in our Present & Future Workforce As the COVID-19 pandemic I n our Winter 2020 face the impact of a global across age, ethnic and racial continues, mental health remains Leader magazine article, pandemic recognizing groups (U.S. Census Bureau). a very important safety and health we discussed the role behavioral health struggles topic. The following article is a of early identification and providing resources are MindWise Research behavioral health update from our and workplace resources for effective actions that can be partner, MindWise Innovations. addressing behavioral health taken on an individual and In the last six months, problems, as well as the need systemic level. Since March, MindWise conducted surveys to reduce stigma regarding health and financial problems and polls assessing the impact mental health and substance due to the pandemic have of COVID-19 on businesses. misuse through informed resulted in increased levels In one instance 45 percent dialogue. We recognized of stress and uncertainly for of businesses endorsed that, that a psychologically individuals and families. For “employee mental health is an safe work environment some, the U.S. national unrest extremely important part of creates the foundation to has intensified concerns about their culture,” with 20 percent hold uncomfortable, yet one’s wellbeing and presents saying they’re starting to see impactful conversations about unique challenges. a need to offer more education behavioral health. Mental and resources. Regarding illness and substance misuse Impact of COVID-19 the impact of the pandemic, are treatable. As individuals and Quarantine 30 percent of employers are concerned that returning to According to a recent Kaiser work and re-opening plans Family Foundation survey, 45 during COVID-19 will increase percent of American adults employee anxiety. Fifty-five report that their mental health percent are concerned has been negatively impacted not only about employee by worry and stress due to anxiety, but also racial coronavirus. U.S. Census equality and diversity, and Bureau statistics reveal that job/financial insecurity. the impact of the pandemic is felt more significantly by Behavioral Health, some age groups: 42 percent Mental Health, of 18-29 year olds reported Mental Illness— anxiety, while 36 percent What’s the Difference? reported depression. Among those aged 30-39, 34 percent Mental health is defined by reported anxiety and 28 percent the World Health Organization depression. Further the national as a state of wellbeing in unrest in the United States has which people realize their contributed additional concerns own potential, can cope with the normative stresses of life, derive satisfaction 36 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

from relationships, and work worsen underlying conditions. Action Steps for productively. The ability When concerns about one’s Organizations to manage in the face of mental health surfaces, it adversity and loss while can be useful to look at the Recognize the need to start a dialogue growing resilience is all part of timeline. When did the struggles about behavioral health mental health. begin and how long have the symptoms lasted? What has Provide awareness materials and Mental illness is different than changed, and how bad does it specialized trainings mental health. Mental illness feel? The difference between includes a range of conditions reactive experiences to P romote early identification and provide for which there are standard prolonged stress and knowing access to resources criteria used to diagnose them, pre-existing behavioral health such as depression, anxiety problems can be confusing Engage at a national level and substance use disorders. and are best approached by • Take American Association of Suicidology (AAS) A mental illness significantly consulting with a mental affects how a person feels, health professional. workplace suicide prevention pledge. thinks, behaves and interacts WorkplaceSuicidePrevention.com with other people. Mental Why Future • Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide illnesses are diagnosed by Workforce? Prevention (CIASP) provides a variety of resources mental health professionals for small construction companies. and when recognized early can The CDC has consistently preventconstructionsuicide.com be effectively treated. Contrary ranked construction and to stereotypes, individuals manufacturing as industries Bedrock for a with mental illness are able with the highest rates of death Healthier Workforce to lead productive and happy by suicide, with four times lives when committed to the incidence compared to the Leadership’s commitment to addressing behavioral treatment as needed. According general population. Industry health needs, and prioritizing it as a human and financial to National Institute of Mental related factors such as transient imperative, are vital to bringing about lasting change. Health, as of 2017, nearly one work opportunities, physical Determine what behavioral health resources are available in five U.S. adults live with a demands, financial stress and a within your organization. Companies often provide wellness mental illness. culture of stoicism contribute to services which typically address physical health, but not high rates of substance misuse. often mental health. Learn about how depression results Behavioral health is an Mental health struggles show in unscheduled absenteeism, how anxiety can show up as umbrella term that includes up in the workplace through presenteeism, and ways in which unrecognized behavioral both mental health and absenteeism, presenteeism, health struggles can decrease productivity and team substance misuse with the accidents and poor morale performance. The problem is not that individuals struggle recognition that both often co- which affects both individuals with their behavioral health; the true problem is that mental exist and impact one another. and team morale. From a safety health and substance use in the workplace have been standpoint, behavioral factors ignored. For the good of the current and future workforce, How to Make Sense such as poor concentration, remember that behavioral health struggles are treatable of the Increased anxiety, burnout, and substance and suicide prevention can save lives. What is the first step Report of Anxiety use increase the chance of that your organization will take? and Depression? onsite accidents. Leader—Autumn 2020 37 In the face of an ongoing health During a series of focus pandemic, natural disasters, and groups for a leading national unrest—depression and construction company, anxiety are normative reactions. MindWise heard from men It is important to distinguish and women who had worked between normative emotional, in construction from one year psychological and physiological to over 20 years and found the responses to stressors and conversations to be remarkable underlying mental health candid. In fact, seasoned struggles or mental illness. It workers acknowledged that is also true that the current the need to address mental environment stressors can health and substance misuse in the workplace was overdue. vpppa.org

Younger group members Addressing the need to How COVID-19 appeared more comfortable attract young workers to has Changed the discussing these issues, likely the construction industry, Conversation About due to generational differences a recent article in Redbox Behavioral Health in the ways mental health noted, “Outreach to high schools has been openly discussed in and technical colleges can help The impact of the global schools and amongst peers. stimulate the development of pandemic is surfacing Given the stress inherent in trades programs that could behavioral health needs construction and related fields channel more workers towards in unprecedented ways. it is important to maximize the construction work when they enter Respondents to the MindWise younger workforce’s readiness the job market.” workplace survey indicated that to address behavioral health. the biggest driver of investing In addition to providing in employee mental health Real Needs vocational style programs programs is “providing a better to enhance readiness for office culture, emphasizing The labor needs within construction and related health and wellbeing.” construction require that we fields, providing behavioral The second was increasing find ways to support young health and suicide prevention employee retention and morale, professionals’ ability to thrive training in trade schools and while the lowest priority was in the industry. Eighty percent apprenticeships serves to: lowering heath care costs. of construction companies 1. Recognize signs of mental surveyed reported difficulties When organizations begin filling jobs. (Associated General health and substance looking at ways to address Contractors of America & misuse struggles in oneself employee behavioral health, Autodesk survey, 2020). and others they turn to one of the most Additionally, a recent survey 2. Understand how mental commonly used resources: found that nearly half (44 health problems can show Employee Assistance Programs percent) of responding firms up and disrupt relationships (EAPs). Ninety percent of indicated that labor shortages and the ability to function organizations provide access to caused them to lengthen 3. Prepare young professionals EAP services, yet historically completion time for projects for the transition from utilization rates hover at just already underway. (Autodesk, schools/apprenticeships to 5.5 percent (according to the 2020). Attracting a younger the work environment, and National Business Group on workforce to the construction 4. Learn effective strategies to Health in 2018). A MindWise industry is a major challenge. manage stress and anxiety poll found that 60 percent of Mentorship, free training and to build competency and employers direct employees paths to advancement are key self-efficacy. Feeling pride to their EAP when they ask incentives adjunct to payroll. in one’s professional work for mental health resources Given the mental health is key to healthy self- or assistance, with 15 percent and substance misuse risks esteem, motivation and sending people to internal HR associated with the pressured, productive engagement staff. The most effective way physically demanding, and with team members. to encourage help-seeking transient nature of construction, is making mental health supporting behavioral health visible by talking about it and needs of young professionals providing a variety of resources is vital to long-term health, while strengthening the bridge safety, productivity and to the EAPs. career longevity. Building a Healthy Pipeline 38 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

Infographic Corner According to the WHO, Research shows that musculoskeletal 57 percent disorders rank second worldwide of those who die from behind heart disease and strokes opioid-related deaths in reducing productive life. had at least one prior workplace musculoskeletal disorder. One out of eight The 2019 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index reveals that Americans will experience overexertion is the back pain number one cause of non-fatal workplace during his or injuries in the U.S. her working life. The number of people affected According to NIOSH, by musculoskeletal carpal tunnel disorders rose to syndrome 103.8 million may affect as many as 1.9 million people, and 300,000 to in 2015 from 77.4 million in 2000, 500,000 surgeries are according to data collected performed each year to by the WHO. correct this condition. vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 39

Membership Corner Follow us on social media! Facebook @VPPPA We Have A Autumn Members Twitter: @VPPPA New Website! of the Month Instagram: @VPPPA_Inc LinkedIn: VPPPA, Inc. VPPPA is excited to announce Congratulations to our that we have launched a new Announcing the VPPPA website and database. We are Autumn (September, October, Network of Women still a work in progress, but these upgrades will allow us to November) Members of the Are you a woman in safety better serve our membership Month: Kurt Erdmann, looking to network with by providing a more seamless Chris Davis and Deb Krajicek. industry peers? Consider online renewal and event joining the VPPPA N.O.W. registration process. The link Want to submit someone to (Network of Women) Facebook is still vpppa.org—check out group! This is a private space our new, cleaner look and be considered as a VPPPA to come together as women to awesome resources. encourage, pose questions and Member of the Month? Email empower. To find the group, [email protected]. simply search for “VPPPA N.O.W.” on Facebook and request to join. 40 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org

to the 2020 VPPPA Scholarship & Award Winners! SCHOLARSHIPS June Brothers Sergeant Safety Stephen Brown William “Sully” Sullivan Scholarship Winner Scholarship Winner Scholarship Winner Scholarship Winner Karsyn Suhadolnik Lindsey Wooley MacKenna Kalin Kristen Denney Kennewick, WA Kennewick, WA Lincoln, NE Carrollton, GA VPP Innovation Award Winners ANNUAL AWARDS VPPPA Safety & Health Outreach Award Winner VPP Outreach Award Winners General Electric Healthcare— Marsha E. Bevins Michael Horton Electric Avenue Portsmouth Mission Alliance, LLC, Portsmouth Mission Alliance, LLC, GE Healthcare, West Milwaukee, WI Piketon, OH Piketon, OH Oak Ridge Environmental Chevron Phillips Chemical— Portsmouth Mission Alliance, LLC Management Cleanup Project, Cedar Bayou Plant Case Management Approach Portsmouth Mission Alliance, LLC, Chevron Phillips Chemical, UCOR, Piketon, OH Oak Ridge, TN Baytown, TX vpppa.org Leader—Autumn 2020 41

www.vpppa.org Ad Index VPPPA National Board of Directors Advertiser Website Page Chairperson AIM www.aimforsafety.com 43 Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP Biokinetix www.biokinetix.com 40 Vice Chairperson Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International Bollé www.bollesafety-usa.com 44 Treasurer Concept Seating www.conceptseating.com 34 Sean D. Horne, Valero Energy Glove Guard www.gloveguard.com 23 Secretary Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Grace Industries www.gracefallsafety.com 19 Cintas Corporation Roco Rescue www.rocorescue.com 2 Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Unit Working Concepts www.softknees.com 31 Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company VPPPA contacts T o reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visit www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, Director from a Site Without a Collective please refer to the contact information below. Bargaining Agent Johnathan “JD” Dyer, Shermco Industries Sara A. Taylor, CMP Kerri Carpenter Director of Operations Communications Director from a DOE-VPP Site [email protected] & Outreach Manager Stacy Thursby, Navarro—DOE Legacy [email protected] Management Support Natasha Cole Events Coordinator Jamie Mitchell Director from a VPP Contractor/ [email protected] Communications Coordinator Construction Site [email protected] Brad Gibson, S&B Engineers & Constructors Heidi Hill Senior Event Sales & Katlyn Pagliuca Director-at-Large Advertising Coordinator Membership Manager Shelly Ettel, PCAPP [email protected] [email protected] Director-at-Large Sierra Johnson Philecia Marasco Bill Linneweh, CSP, Hendrickson International Special Projects Coordinator Registrar & Administrative Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Director-at-Large Andy Youpel, SGE, Brandenburg Industrial Editor's note: On page 40 of the Summer 2020 issue of the Leader magazine, it was incorrectly Service Company printed that Anastasia Kraft was the author of the article, \"Innovating Beyond Shrink It & Pink It.\" The correct author is Gabriella DeYoe. Director-at-Large Christina Ross, Morton Salt Director-at-Large Rocky Simmons, Mission Support Alliance Editor Kerri Carpenter, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. EDITORIAL MISSION The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year. Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors. Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 100 • Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 VPPPA, Inc., the premier global safety and health organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities. 42 Leader—Autumn 2020 vpppa.org



7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 100 Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 Tel: (703) 761-1146 Fax: (703) 761-1148 www.vpppa.org VPPPA, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitable organization, promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities. SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VPPPA, INC. http://bit.ly/jVQcBo PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER IRI-s DEVELOPED BY BOLLÉ SAFETY, DESIGNED FOR EVERY FACE The IRI-s is the first universal model of safety glasses that fit perfectly to any face: high cheekbones, flat forehead, or a prominent nose. Designed with a “shaped-memory” bridge, fully adjustable height, depth, width, and an ultra- enveloping frame, including pivoting ergonomic temples. IRI-s follows every contour of any face structure. Platinum®-coated, clear, smoke or twilight versions, with or without diopter, it will guarantee optimal protection. If you are looking for a one-size fits all product that combines comfort and aesthetics, the IRI-s, is the solution. Bollé Safety’s innovation has become the sole reference for any face-shape. SMOKE CLEAR