ErgoHOWL

Quarter Two 2022

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Ergonomics

Diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, is a focal point in today’s society and industry. However, many people don’t immediately make the connection between ergonomics and DEI. According to the International Ergonomics Association, the profession of ergonomics applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. In other words, ergonomic principles help make the completion of a task more achievable by a larger portion of the human population.  What are some practical examples showing how ergonomics can support DEI initiatives?

  • Office Workspace
    • Provide diversely sized office chairs that better fit the largest, tallest and smallest members of the population.
    • Similarly, provide alternatively sized computer mice that better fit larger hands and sizes that better fit smaller hands.
    • Ensure that wheelchair users have access to (and underneath) their workstation and can adjust their keyboard and mouse to maintain neutral postures
    • Adjust the font size or screen’s color contrast to make information more easily readable for employees with vision impairments.
    • Incorporate as much adjustability into shared workspaces to include a wider size and ability range of workers.
  • Tool and Workstation Design
    • Use anthropometric data to design so the large can fit and the small can reach to include   more of the workforce; be sure to consider sizes of various ethnicities represented in your workforce.
    • Reduce force requirements to expand capability to a greater portion of the population like females and aging workers who are not quite as strong.
    • Design tools for use with either hand.
    • Add knurling on screw-top lids to allow for easier opening by those with grip issues such as arthritis.
  • Presentation of Information
    • Post information having larger font size to accommodate older workers or those with more limited eyesight.
    • Utilize tall man lettering to call attention to products with similar names.  For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, the drugs, “prednisone” and “prednisolone” would be written “predniSONE” and “predniSOLONE“, to reduce confusion, especially in a rushed environment.
    • Emphasize visual indicators, like a flashing light, to expand capability to those with impaired hearing.
    • Improve sign and signal design to ensure colorblind operators can distinguish between alarms with different meanings like a red light and a green light.
    • Translate information into different languages or use intuitive pictures, universal symbols and graphics to convey information to those who may speak English as a second language or may not speak it at all.
  • Access
    • Ensure walkways, aisles, restroom stalls, breakroom tables and workspaces permit wheelchair user access and inclusion with other employees.
    • Design workstations so that small parts bins are within easy reach of smaller workers.
    • Design service panel openings so that larger-handed maintenance workers can access the contents even while wearing a glove.

Ergonomics is human-centered design applied in the workplace. When we utilize sound ergonomics principles, we inherently create an environment that is more inclusive to a more diverse community of employees.

Proactive Ergonomics: The Best Approach to Minimize Risk and Maximize Efficiency

There is an abundance of evidence that supports the value of having a proactive elements within your ergonomics program instead of relying solely on a reactive approach. Some of these benefits include avoiding injuries before they occur, long term cost savings, increased efficiency, and higher job satisfaction among your workforce. One of the best ways to implement a proactive approach to ergonomics is to eliminate risk and potential physical stressors in the design stage of new products and processes, or any time new equipment is brought into the facility.

A reactive approach addresses issues arising from identified problems in existing products or processes. Issues are identified from complaints or injuries that have already occurred. The program is constantly in a fire-fighting mode, reacting to ergonomics issues as they happen. This approach can prove to be both costly and ineffective, because rarely are the root causes of the injuries addressed. Often a company will attempt to retrofit existing equipment or apply administrative controls, addressing the immediate problem but failing to solve the underlying causes of the workplace hazards.

A proactive program’s approach includes elements that identify and address potential issues in the design phase of a product or process. Risk factors that could lead to potential injuries are identified and addressed in this stage of design/ procurement. Potential issues that could result in an injury are avoided before they occur. Engineering solutions to ergonomic issues will have a greater impact compared to administrative controls.

There are additional ways to incorporate additional proactive elements to your ergonomics program.  Consider some of the following;

  • Integrate ergonomics into your company systems
  • Screening all jobs for risk factors
  • Educate employees at all levels with the appropriate information on ergonomics
  • Using leading indicators vs. lagging indicators (injury rates) for metrics
  • Asking employees for job improvement ideas
  • Document the results of your efforts

It is not uncommon for companies to start with a fire-fighting or reactive approach to ergonomics.  However, in order to grow a program and increase its effectiveness, it’s important to incorporate a more proactive approach to addressing ergonomic risk. The benefits you realize will be real and long-term, your employees will be safer and happier, and your program will thrive.