Proof That Ergonomics Works: Combined Results of over 100 Independent Ergonomic Intervention Studies

Abstract

In an innovative effort to reduce the incidence and severity of cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) claims in Ohio, the BWC has established the CTD Safety Grants program. Employers can receive funds to incorporate ergonomic principles into their workplace. In return, the employers receiving grants provide data to BWC regarding the effectiveness of their interventions. A risk factor checklist was used to rate 306 tasks before and after ergonomic interventions. Also, CTD incidence rates, lost days rates, and turnover rates were measured before and after ergonomic interventions at 126 companies. The data indicate a reduction in risk factor scores of 41.7% (p<0.0001) and a reduction in lost day rates of 42.3% (p<0.005) after implementing ergonomic interventions. These data suggest that engineering controls designed to reduce or eliminate worker exposure to CTD risk factors will reduce the number and severity of CTDs.