About Humanscale Consulting Humanscale Consulting assists organizations with the development and implementation of cost effective ergonomics programs. Our research based training and assessment programs improve worker comfort while lowering injury risks and associated costs. Humanscale s team of certified ergonomists has implemented formal ergonomics programs for clients ranging in size from large Fortune 500 companies, to mid size government agencies and municipalities, to small privately held firms. Service Philosophy At Humanscale, we feel that an ergonomic program s success is predicated on an organization s ability to transfer knowledge to employees. To that end, we pride ourselves on our ability to help employees make the behavioral changes necessary to work more comfortably and with less risk. An effective approach entails a focus on workstation design and employee education. We employ a six phase approach to program implementation: Engage Our first step is to simply become immersed in your organizations current needs and challenges. Together we engage key stakeholders, elevate awareness of best practices and outline a framework for the implementation of a sustainable ergonomics program. Evaluate Next, we investigate key areas of concern. Our team of board certified ergonomists will document and analyze site trends, evaluate existing design standards and review your current program. From there, we will work to develop a cost effective strategy to reduce risk and improve employee comfort and health. Plan Successful action plans require realistic program objectives and timelines. Together we formulate an approach by defining short and long term goals, leveraging available resources and outlining stakeholder responsibilities. Implement Employee training, assessment, and workstation enhancement form the core of our implementation process. Interactive group training sessions and individualized assessments elevate awareness of proper workstation configuration, improve posture and reduce employee discomfort. Our technical certification program builds in house expertise of the assessment process and becomes a first line of defense for preventing workplace injuries. Measure In an effort to gauge the effectiveness of specific program components, we track and analyze a variety of data sets and performance indicators. This process enables our team to make informed program suggestions that will lead to further process improvements. Support Program maintenance is critical for continued success. In this phase, our team is a resource for recurring training, assessment support and program guidance. As your organization shifts employees between facilities or acquires additional facilities, we work to ensure that consistent workstation design and training strategies are implemented throughout.
Service Descriptions Some of our more popular service offerings in office ergonomics are listed below. Work samples and client references are available upon request. Phase 1 Engage Designing Healthy Work Environments Engaging key stakeholders is a critical first step in the development of an ergonomics program. This educational program elevates awareness of ergonomic concerns and provides an overview of common musculoskeletal problems facing today s intensive computer users. Key research developments in the areas of seating, input device design, display technology, lighting and employee level training are discussed. Program stakeholders will learn how ergonomics principles are being applied to the design of computer workstations in an effort to reduce employee discomfort and risk of injury while lowering employer costs. Elements of Successful Ergonomics Programs In this course, participants are shown how to formally address ergonomics concerns from an organizational perspective. We provide a framework for building a successful ergonomics program that will be mutually beneficial to employees and the organization. Emphasis is placed defining goals that are cost effective, measurable and attainable. Case studies are used to illustrate best practices and to help set realistic program expectations. Phase 2 Evaluate Workplace Audit A baseline assessment of the current work environment is recommended prior to devising an improvement strategy. This service is designed to help your organization quickly prioritize risk and identify current ergonomic challenges. We will perform an on site evaluation of current risk factors, design standards and technology challenges. A detailed report is prepared shortly after the site visit. Components of our approach are listed below. Identification of musculoskeletal risk factors Musculoskeletal risk will be assessed throughout the work environment. The following postural risk factors will be screened for: Wrist extension, Ulnar/radial deviation, Excessive reaching, Neck/trunk rotation, Pronation/Supination, Shoulder abduction, Forward sitting, Contact stress, Sedentary postures Task Analysis Because tasks often dictate posture, rest break schedules and joint movement, it is critical that our team can gain a better understanding of the workers tasks. The most computer intensive tasks will be examined so that specific recommendations for improvement can be made. Employee Interviews Speaking with employees helps improve our understanding of challenges that can be difficult to measure through observation alone. These include worker comfort, job stress, equipment challenges and perceived job demands. Interviews are informal and last no longer than 10 minutes. Three to five interviews are conducted per facility. Historically, the feedback has proved invaluable. Review of existing equipment and technology standards Workstation design and configuration are often linked directly to worker discomfort. All workstation configurations will be analyzed and compared to established ergonomic design guidelines. The following technological components are also considered: Monitor technology and size, Input device design, Computing technology, Placement of technology Environmental conditions The ambient environment has been linked to worker health and performance. The following areas can be quickly measured and analyzed where necessary: Lighting, Noise levels, Thermal conditions, Relative humidity
Phase 3 Plan Program Development Workshop This workshop is designed to help your ergonomics team formulate specific program goals and objectives. Results of the workplace audit are used to prioritize areas of concern and develop improvement strategies. Both short and long term program objectives will be defined and stakeholder responsibilities will be assigned. Our team will prepare a working draft of a written ergonomics program which will summarize the policies and procedures related to the management of the program once implemented. Phase 4 Implement Clean Sweep Training and Assessment Program Humanscale s Clean Sweep Training and Assessment Program in Office Ergonomics combines ergonomics training sessions with individualized workstation assessments. This approach has proven to be the most cost effective means of improving employee awareness of ergonomics while maximizing worker comfort and reducing injury risks. Three versions of the program are currently offered. Basic Program In this version, organizations can choose between formal sessions of ergonomics training or informal cube to cube style trainings. Following training, our consultants will conduct an ergonomic assessment of each employee s workstation. Adjustments are made to the existing equipment as necessary to mitigate postural risks. Workstation assessments require between 5 10 minutes per person. A meeting is typically held at the end of the assessment period to discuss site trends and improvement strategies. Standard Program Our standard approach is expanded to include documentation and data analysis of all workstation assessments. A one page checklist is completed for each employee that allows our consultants to record pre assessment discomfort data, postural risk factors and existing equipment challenges. Each completed checklist is then entered into our web based assessment tool and a comprehensive report is prepared that summarizes overall site trends and recommended follow up steps for each employee. Workstation assessments require approximately 15 minutes per employee. In a full business day, each ergonomist is typically able to fit 20 25 employees. Advanced Program Our advanced program extends our standard offering to include full program implementation. A more robust online pre assessment survey is used to collect task and discomfort data. Following employee assessments, additional site visits are made to assist with, and oversee the implementation of workstation changes. Workstation images are taken pre and post intervention, and a post assessment survey is administered 4 6 weeks following the intervention in order to track progress. A full discomfort analysis is performed for each employee and employee feedback is collected to gauge the effectiveness of the overall program. This information is then presented in a final written report. Summary Table Clean Sweep Program Program Components Basic Standard Advanced Office Ergonomics 101 Training Workstation assessments for each employee Documented assessments for each employee with recommendations for improvement plus a written report detailing site trends Implementation assistance following workstation assessments to ensure workstation enhancements are properly installed and correctly utilized by employees Administration of post assessment survey; discomfort analysis and feedback collection Final report generation
Office Ergonomics 101: Working Pain and Risk Free Ergonomics 101 is a one hour educational program designed to increase awareness of ergonomics among employees within your organization. The course provides an introduction to ergonomics through an overview of six major principles specific to office environments. The principles are then applied to workstation design and attendees are trained on how to properly configure their workstations to minimize musculoskeletal risks, maximize comfort, and increase productivity. The most salient components of the training are outlined below: Introduction to ergonomics o Ergonomics defined o Common misconceptions Discussion of awkward postures and associated musculoskeletal risk factors o Wrist extension o Ulnar/Radial deviation o Neck/Trunk rotation o Neck/Trunk flexion o Contact Stress o Elbow abduction/adduction o Awkward reaches o Static prolonged postures Understanding and preventing common MSD s o Spinal Disc Degeneration Basic spinal anatomy o Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Tendonitis Wrist anatomy Carpal tunnel pressure CTS symptoms Preventing CTS through postural means Discussion of neutral posture and associated ergonomic concepts o Neutral reach zone o Proper body alignment o Spinal nutrition and movement o Visual considerations o Rest breaks/job rotation Configuring your workstation for optimal health and comfort o Proper monitor height and distance o Proper keyboard and mouse placement o Optimizing laptop computing o Document placement o Seated posture; making chair adjustments o Body alignment o Lighting and glare considerations o Home computing tips
Train the Trainer Program Humanscale s Train the Trainer program in office ergonomics is a full day course designed to enable individuals to make competent ergonomic assessments. Attendees are taught to identify and control musculoskeletal risk factors through the application of basic ergonomics principles and improved workstation design. Two ergonomist developed assessment methods are shared which serve as useful aids in performing field evaluations. Participants will also gain insights into the latest training techniques for assisting employees with behavioral change. Additional topics of discussion include basic human anatomy, an overview of common musculoskeletal disorders, components of ergonomically designed workstations, and a review of current ergonomics research. Several applied exercises throughout allow participants to gain hands on assessment experience. A listing of the components of the program is below. Introduction to office ergonomics o Ergonomics defined o Common misconceptions Overview of common musculoskeletal risk factors o Wrist extension o Ulnar/Radial deviation o Pronation/Supination o Contact Stress o Neck/Trunk rotation o Static postures Basic Human Anatomy o Visual system o Carpal tunnel o Spinal anatomy o Nerves, tendons, ligaments Overview of common MSD s, symptoms and causes Carpal tunnel syndrome Tendonitis Tenosynovitis Degenerative joint disease Cubital tunnel syndrome Components of an ergonomically designed workstation Seating criteria and relevant research studies - Cornell seating evaluation form Keyboard and mouse positioning - Demonstration of a portable EMG device - Evaluating keyboard and mouse design Monitor and document placement - Guidelines for proper positioning - Dual monitor recommendations Lighting design and requirements - Demonstration of a light meter Product selection criteria Components of effective ergonomic assessments Observation and task analysis Identification and documentation of hazards Equipment analysis Training and education - L.A.C.E. method for affecting behavioral change Ergonomic intervention Post assessment check up Applied ergonomic methods for computer workstations Level I Proactive Assessments Level II Discomfort Assessments Applied exercises Practice conducting ergonomic assessments and employee interviews Discussion of findings and recommendations Question and answer session Technical Certification Humanscale Consulting offers a technical certification in office ergonomics to those who are able to demonstrate proficiency on the ergonomic assessment process. Following formal training, a two hour examination is administered which is designed to evaluate several core competencies. The exam is organized into three sections, 50 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and a mock workstation assessment. Attendees who achieve a passing score on the exam are awarded the designation Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator.
Phase 5 Measure Program Measurement After completing the implementation phase of the program, focus is shifted to program measurement. Using a previously defined set of metrics, we will analyze musculoskeletal health trends and associated cost reductions. Measures of interest typically include lost work days, absenteeism, employee retention, workers compensation costs, trends in health insurance premiums, and comfort levels. A detailed report will be generated and distributed to all program stakeholders. Phase 6 Support Ergonomic Program Support To ensure that your ergonomics program maintains effectiveness, Humanscale can assist with the following: Development of an ergonomics training module for new hires Creation of an employee reference guide Implementation of a recurring ergonomics training program for employees and management Project level workstation design support Post installation training Program refinement and process improvement Ongoing ergonomic assessment support for difficult case Ergonomic Assessment Program Humanscale Consulting is available to perform individualized ergonomic assessments of computer workstations. Our Board Certified Professional Ergonomists utilize a web based assessment tool to collect employee specific postural and discomfort data. Postural improvement and behavioral change are achieved through onsite ergonomics training and workstation adjustment. A detailed report is prepared shortly after the site visit which offers recommendations for improvement and an implementation strategy. Our basic and standard assessment levels entail three phases whereas our advanced assessment level entails five. Assessments can be performed remotely where necessary. Each phase is described below and summarized in table format. Phase I: Pre Assessment Prior to the assessment, a web link to our pre assessment survey is e mailed to the employee. The 5 10 minute survey collects task specific information and employee discomfort data which is used by our team of ergonomists to reduce risk and formulate recommendations. Phase II: Ergonomics Training Next, we provide the employee with one on one onsite ergonomic awareness training. The goal of this effort is to increase the employee s understanding of common postural issues while empowering them to affect behavioral change. Common misconceptions, basic ergonomic principles, and recommended work practices are discussed throughout the training. An article summarizing the training as well as a tip sheet is e mailed to the employee immediately following the training. Phase III: Assessment Once training has been delivered to the employee, a board certified ergonomist will conduct a formal assessment of the workstation. Postural risk factors are documented and an equipment review is performed to ensure the existing workstation meets basic ergonomic criteria. Digital images of the employee s workstation are taken and uploaded to our web based assessment tool. Any workstation adjustments that can be implemented given the existing equipment are made at this time. A report is generated shortly after the assessment that provides recommendations for further improvement. Phase IV: Implementation If additional workstation or equipment changes are required, the ergonomist provides assistance at the time of installation to ensure that the equipment is installed correctly and that the employee has an understanding of how to adjust the equipment properly. Phase V: Post Assessment Check Up Four to six weeks following the implementation of changes, a post assessment survey is administered to the employee to gauge the effectiveness of the intervention. Feedback is collected on the assessment process and on any workstation changes. Pre and post
musculoskeletal discomforts are compared and presented in a final report, which also indicates if any further actions are required. Ongoing support is provided, where necessary. Summary Table Ergonomic Assessment Program Basic Standard Advanced Phase I Pre Assessment Survey Phase II Onsite Ergonomics Training Phase III Onsite workstation assessment by a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist which includes: Complete documentation of musculoskeletal risk factors Review of existing equipment Recommendations for further improvement Detailed written report summarizing postural observations, equipment challenges and a recommended improvement strategy Phase IV Phase V Implementation assistance to ensure workstation enhancements are installed properly and correctly utilized by employee Post Assessment Check Up: 4 6 weeks following the implemented changes, an online post assessment survey is administered to reassess employee discomfort levels and to gauge the effectiveness of the intervention Pre and post discomfort data is compared and a final report is generated which highlights areas of improvement, employee feedback and further recommendations where necessary