Whiteboard Series: How to Choose Your Ergonomics Team

Watch the video and learn the importance of building a successful ergonomics team.

Video Transcript

Successful ergonomics processes are typically run by a team. This is called a participatory approach. So why is it important to form a team? Who should we have on it? And, what should they focus on?

Several research studies have concluded that involving employee teams in ergonomics adds significant value by reducing MSD symptoms, injuries and claims, reducing lost workdays and absences, improving employee engagement, improving acceptance of change, and speeding up improvements.

When it comes to who should be on an ergonomics team, it’s key to have cross-functional representation. Typical teams might include participants such as line employees, supervisors and managers, engineers and maintenance personnel, medical personnel and senior level sponsors. The size of the ergonomics team varies by company. According to our benchmarking study, team sizes range from 1 to 28 people, with the average size being 12 participants.

Finally, let’s talk about what the team should be responsible for. The team should be focused on activities that are going to be driving your process to success. Common activities include conducting MSD risk assessments, leading the job improvement process, conducting follow-ups (that’s key), tracking key measurements, communicating information about ergonomics, and also acting as liaisons between employees and management. Of course, ergonomics teams are just one brick in a solid foundation of your ergonomics process.

Check out our eBook on building a foundation for more on that, and a few final points on effective ergonomics teams. They work best with defined roles and responsibilities, the right system to follow, commitment from leadership, strong skills, training, and an easy way to track progress. Learn more about Industrial Ergonomics and how VelocityEHS can help you at our website, ehs.com.