CM research contract with COHAM?

CM features in US auto market study

In the US automotive industry, a single back injury can add as much as $2,000 to the cost of production of a single vehicle. But until recently, there has not been much research into the ways that US automakers could reduce stress, fatigue and injury to US auto workers. How can cranes and hoists help?
COHAM (Centre for Occupational Health in Automotive Manufacturing), located at Ohio State University in Columbus has begun to research ways to use material handling equipment to reduce these stresses on workers. There are over 75 auto plants in Ohio and they produced more than 1.5 million cars in 2006.
Gene Buer, executive director of Columbus McKinnon, said: "Columbus McKinnon is discussing research contracts with COHAM that will assist with the development of new methods and techniques towards improving the ergonomics for production workers." He added: "Ultimately, these studies and developments will help US automakers increase safety, output, efficiency and profits. Our products such as lift tables from American Lifts, jib cranes from CES, LodeRail, hoists, and rigging products, are all being used as vital parts of this revolutionary programme."
With an aging and longstanding workforce, US auto manufacturers are beginning to understand the needs of these particular workers. By helping them avoid injuries, the costs of vehicle production can be kept down and potentially help make American automotive makers more competitive.
Largely funded through a partnership with Honda of America, COHAM is a unique interdisciplinary partnership between an assortment of University Departments, various automobile manufacturers, and numerous automobile suppliers with the overall intent to design assembly tasks and processes so that occupational health risk is minimized and productivity and quality are optimised.
Uniquely, COHAM is the only university-based full scale manufacturing operation in the world where automobile manufacturers as well as suppliers can test the effects of manufacturing systems on the health of workers. The Ohio State University-based programme is distinctive because it provides a "real world" environment to study and optimise high-tech manufacturing technology along with state-of-the art occupational health risk assessment techniques.

Why we love Gorbel Cranes

We blog alot about Gorbel Cranes. You might wonder why we are such big fans? Well our sales people have been selling them since the early 90's and of all the cranes sold these are the least troublesome. If you need a low cost effective solution to help with your material handling these Gorbel bridge cranes are worth a look. Gorbel is so confident in their dependability see their 5 year warranty below:


5 Year Warranty
Gorbel is proud to announce its new 5 year (10,000 hr.) warranty on manually operated crane systems. This five year warranty replaces the two year warranty offered in the past. Most of our competition offers a 1 or 2 year warranty, so this gives us a real advantage with customers. With this new warranty, Gorbel hopes to differentiate itself from the competition while reinforcing our image of being “ A Class Above”.Products Included in 5 Year Warranty - Manual Work Station Cranes (free standing and ceiling mounted bridge cranes, monorails) - Manual Jibs (Work Station Jibs, Articulating Jibs, I-beam Jibs)Products Not Included: - Motorized Jibs (2 year warranty still applies) - Tractor Drives (2 year warranty still applies)What is covered for 5 years? - Defects in materials and workmanship - Trolley & Endtruck Wheels Only What is not covered? - Installation problems, misuse - see Terms & Conditions Sheet - Labor to install new equipment
Copy of Warranty (PDF format)
5 year warranty certificate2 year warranty certificate

Upcoming Material Handling Shows

Upcoming Trade Shows:

IMTS 2008 September 8-13 in Chicago, IL
You'll find that The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is the place to see the latest in manufacturing technology, network with business colleagues, and find solutions to your current and future needs. Click here for the IMTS 2008 facts!


FabTech 2008 October 6-8 in Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas to host the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show in 2008
DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2007 — Today, the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), cosponsors of the annual FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, officially announced plans to take North America's largest metal forming, fabricating & welding event to Las Vegas, October 6-8, 2008. An estimated 20,000 people from around the world are expected to visit more than 800 exhibits at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
"Our customers expressed interest in a West Coast location for the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show several years ago. Exhibitors wanted an opportunity to reach the large number of metal fabricating technology users located in the Western region of the U.S.," said SME Executive Director Mark Tomlinson. "After much research and careful consideration, we concluded Las Vegas has the potential to attract a high number of attendees that traditionally do not visit this show when it's held in other locations like Chicago," added FMA President Jerry Shankel.
AWS Executive Director Ray Shook supports the decision to hold the show in Las Vegas. "Welding technology touches a vast number of applications and vocations. Many welding and cutting companies have participated in other Las Vegas trade shows," said Shook. "Now we will be able to fulfill their marketing objectives with our own event."

Las Vegas hosts the largest number of trade shows and has become one of the top business destinations in the world. The city welcomes over 6 million convention and trade show delegates a year. FABTECH Int'l & AWS Welding Show exhibitors are thrilled the show is heading to Las Vegas in 2008. "We are excited to participate in a metal fabrication show west of the Rockies," said Burke Doar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for TRUMPF, Inc. "No other city in the U.S. does a better job of attracting exhibitors and attendees to premier trade shows than Las Vegas."
The announcement to take the show to Las Vegas for the first time marks show organizer's long-term plans to rotate the event between the Midwest, Southeast, and West Coast. "We are pleased to welcome the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show to Las Vegas and look forward to a long-term relationship," said Chris Meyer, Vice President of Convention Center Sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "We plan to provide all of their exhibitors and attendees with their greatest trade show experience yet."
Future show dates and locations: November 15 - 18, 2009 in Chicago and November 2 - 4, 2010 in Atlanta.
About the Show:The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show is the only annual North American event dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of sheet metal forming & fabricating, tube and pipe and welding equipment and technology. The event brings buyers and sellers together to foster the exchange of products and services.

Prevent back pain with these simple steps

Simple Steps to Prevent Back Pain
By Laura Walter

The current economic slump means that many employees are working harder and longer hours to hold on to their jobs, a trend that poses ergonomic risks and can result in back problems. Chiropractor Dr. Steven Shoshany explained that workers can take some simple steps to ensure their work doesn’t result in painful back problems.
Whether back pain manifests as severe pain or dull aches, it can cause a big problem for the working population. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, back pain results in 100 million lost work days every year – a loss that today’s work force cannot afford to uphold.

Proper Positions
First, Dr. Shoshany noted that a person’s body only can tolerate being in the same position for roughly 20 minutes before it needs an adjustment.

“Good posture relaxes muscles and makes it easiest to balance whether standing or sitting,” he said. Bad posture, meanwhile, leads to muscle fatigue and injury.


When a job requires workers to stand, their legs, torso, neck and head should be approximately in line and vertical, a position that requires the least amount of energy to maintain. Teachers and restaurant workers, who spend nearly 7 hours a day on their feet, can stand in good posture by keeping one foot slightly extended and readjusting at least every 20 minutes. If possible, use a nearby set of steps or a stool to rest one foot on a higher plane than the other.

When sitting, an employee should choose a chair that supports his or her back. The lower back should meet the chair and feet should be flat on the floor.

“All of your joints should form right angles from your hips down,” Shoshany said.

Preventing Falls with the Right Footwear
Shoshany explained that the shoes people wear impact their ability to maintain healthy posture while sitting, standing and walking. Unsupported shoes are difficult to walk in and can cause back-injuring falls.

Nurses who wear soft, resin-based shoes should opt for versions with ankle straps. The straps will keep feet secure, eliminating hazards as nurses rush from one patient to the next.

Wedges provide significantly more surface area than stilettos, making it much easier to walk and offering better support to the foot. Wedges are the safer option when racing from one appointment to the next and hurrying to get into cabs and trains.

Hardwood floors, marble and linoleum provide very little traction, so workers should break in the shoes before wearing them to the office. Men should be aware smooth soles combined with smooth surfaces can likely result in falls.

Pain-Free Success
A common cause of back pain among writers and those in administrative or executive positions is a disorganized, cluttered workspace. According to Shoshany, all necessary equipment should readily be accessible in order to limit how much a worker must reach or twist to reach an item.

If the job requires frequent use of the phone, use the speaker feature. If that’s not possible, use a headset or a shoulder rest extension to prevent neck and back pain. In addition, the computer and monitor should properly fit on the desk so the screen can be read from a comfortable position and computer discs can be inserted with ease.

Finally, stress notoriously causes severe back pain.

“Stress can cause muscles to tense, making you more prone to injury and also causing muscles to form painful knots,” Shoshany said. “As busy as everyone is at work, taking a quick walk outdoors or around the office is a great stress buster.” Walking also provides an opportunity for the body to stretch and regain its healthy posture.

Shoshany pointed out that in today’s uncertain job market, stress levels are higher than ever – all the more reason for employees to follow a few simple steps to prevent back pain.

Gorbel Cranes come thru again!

Work Station Crane Eliminates Need for Scissors Table and Fork Trucks...

Operation Before Crane Installed: Two men begin by placing a cardboard tube (the core) onto the shaft of a winding machine. The machine rolls the adhesive onto the core. When complete, the workers roll a scissors table up to the machine and swing the loaded core out and put it on the table. The shaft is then re-cored, put back on the winder, and the operation would be repeated until the scissors table was loaded 3 tiers high with the rolls. A fork truck then unloads the rolls onto a pallet.

Issues:

Two men needed to perform operation
Injury concerns because of the heavy lifting - "an accident waiting to happen"
Workers were required to reach into and around the machine to change the core
Safety concerns with fork trucks in work areas
Results of Crane Installation:

Only one worker is needed to perform the operation with the work station crane
No need for scissors table in operation
No more complaints of injuries from heavy lifting or changing the cores
Fork trucks are no longer needed to load the pallets


"Installing the Gorbel® Crane really increased our productivity and solved multiple safety issues for us. It's been a great success."

- Chris Danaker, Process Engineer

With the Gorbel® Work Station Crane and the end effector, the roll is lifted right off the machine and walked to the pallets, eliminating the need for the scissors table and the fork truck.

Bushman announces a new product

Bushman Equipment, Inc.
www.Bushman.com

New Pallet Lifter Enables Dense Coil Stacking





From the Roll & Hold Newsletter


Roll & Hold–Portage is one of our fastest growingwarehouses.
The tonnage handled at Portage has doubled, and the
inventory in the building has increased by 50%. But the size of the
building has not changed at all, so the Portage crew had to find
a way to shrink the space needed for some of the products they store.


So Portage SuperintendentEarl Winslett and his crew began looking for ways to store more steel in less space. " The
eye-to-the-sky area was an obvious place to start,” says Winslett. “We were handling those heavy coils with a large
fork lift which required 22-foot wide aisles between stacks of product!”

Winslett wondered if there might be a way to handle this product with the overhead crane so that the wide aisles could be eliminated. “I wanted to make the eye-sky area work like the other coil storage areas,” he remembers. Working with Bushman Equipment, a long-time Roll & Hold supplier, Winslett found that a powered Bushman coil grab, that they already owned, could be re-fitted with longer legs to create a pallet grab. This apparatus allows stacking and picking material on skids using the overhead crane. “We’ll just about double the tonnage per square foot stored in that part of the building,” calculates Winslett.

"In mid-October, we challenged Bushman to deliver this equipment before Thanksgiving,” said Bill Edwards, Vice President of Roll & Hold. “We told them we needed the equipment in time to create space for the year-end inventory build-up. They gasped when they heard this, but they delivered in four weeks with a full two weeks to spare!” By creatively shrinking the space consumed by an important piece of business, Roll & Hold-Portage has grown the tonnage they can accommodate

Simple Steps to Prevent Back Pain

Simple Steps to Prevent Back Pain
By Laura Walter

The current economic slump means that many employees are working harder and longer hours to hold on to their jobs, a trend that poses ergonomic risks and can result in back problems. Chiropractor Dr. Steven Shoshany explained that workers can take some simple steps to ensure their work doesn’t result in painful back problems.
Whether back pain manifests as severe pain or dull aches, it can cause a big problem for the working population. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, back pain results in 100 million lost work days every year – a loss that today’s work force cannot afford to uphold.

Proper Positions
First, Dr. Shoshany noted that a person’s body only can tolerate being in the same position for roughly 20 minutes before it needs an adjustment.

“Good posture relaxes muscles and makes it easiest to balance whether standing or sitting,” he said. Bad posture, meanwhile, leads to muscle fatigue and injury.


When a job requires workers to stand, their legs, torso, neck and head should be approximately in line and vertical, a position that requires the least amount of energy to maintain. Teachers and restaurant workers, who spend nearly 7 hours a day on their feet, can stand in good posture by keeping one foot slightly extended and readjusting at least every 20 minutes. If possible, use a nearby set of steps or a stool to rest one foot on a higher plane than the other.

When sitting, an employee should choose a chair that supports his or her back. The lower back should meet the chair and feet should be flat on the floor.

“All of your joints should form right angles from your hips down,” Shoshany said.

Preventing Falls with the Right Footwear
Shoshany explained that the shoes people wear impact their ability to maintain healthy posture while sitting, standing and walking. Unsupported shoes are difficult to walk in and can cause back-injuring falls.

Nurses who wear soft, resin-based shoes should opt for versions with ankle straps. The straps will keep feet secure, eliminating hazards as nurses rush from one patient to the next.

Wedges provide significantly more surface area than stilettos, making it much easier to walk and offering better support to the foot. Wedges are the safer option when racing from one appointment to the next and hurrying to get into cabs and trains.

Hardwood floors, marble and linoleum provide very little traction, so workers should break in the shoes before wearing them to the office. Men should be aware smooth soles combined with smooth surfaces can likely result in falls.

Pain-Free Success
A common cause of back pain among writers and those in administrative or executive positions is a disorganized, cluttered workspace. According to Shoshany, all necessary equipment should readily be accessible in order to limit how much a worker must reach or twist to reach an item.

If the job requires frequent use of the phone, use the speaker feature. If that’s not possible, use a headset or a shoulder rest extension to prevent neck and back pain. In addition, the computer and monitor should properly fit on the desk so the screen can be read from a comfortable position and computer discs can be inserted with ease.

Finally, stress notoriously causes severe back pain.

“Stress can cause muscles to tense, making you more prone to injury and also causing muscles to form painful knots,” Shoshany said. “As busy as everyone is at work, taking a quick walk outdoors or around the office is a great stress buster.” Walking also provides an opportunity for the body to stretch and regain its healthy posture.

Shoshany pointed out that in today’s uncertain job market, stress levels are higher than ever – all the more reason for employees to follow a few simple steps to prevent back pain.

Ergonomists: Light relief for desk-bound employees

Technology now has workers glued to their screens - all good news for ergonomists

By Caroline Roberts
Thursday, 22 May 2008

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Are you fumbling with your new mobile phone? Baffled by the assembly instructions of a piece of flat-pack furniture? Don't worry – it's not just you. Chances are, the designers failed to consult an ergonomist.


Most people associate ergonomics with the correct placement of work stations, but the science has a vast range of applications. Practitioners use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and psychology to ensure that anything from tools to information displays in plane cockpits and computer interfaces are designed for ease of use and efficiency. And as technology and its applications proliferate, and health and safety remain on the agenda, it's a job with excellent prospects.

Suzanne Heape, an ergonomist with experience in a wide variety of consultancy work, relishes the problem-solving aspect of her career, and also enjoys helping people.

"In workplace assessments, you spend time watching people at their desks or at manual work stations, looking at their posture, adjusting equipment and assessing the general environment, such as heating and lighting. Employers may have thought about the height of equipment, but not about the fact that someone is standing on concrete all day, which puts a lot of pressure on the lower back," she says.

Ergonomists may also find themselves working in IT-intensive fields such as engineering, computer-software development or design. The ageing population means that ergonomists will be increasingly working on adapting things for use by the elderly, as well as for those with disabilities. "I once worked with a company that was developing a new insulin pen for diabetics," says Heape. "They are more likely to have poor sight and lose the tactile ability in their hands, so we had to look at the colour saturation on the pens and ensure that the buttons they use to key in the amounts of insulin all felt different and were placed so they could find them easily."

Collaborating with workers in other professions can be challenging, because some lack awareness of the importance of ergonomics, she says. But it can also be rewarding. "Sometimes you come up with a solution to something that's really been bugging them, and they can see how it makes their job easier and benefits their designs."

Liz Butterworth, a principal ergonomist with consultancy Human Engineering, has worked extensively with the transport and oil and gas industries, and has been involved in the design of control rooms for offshore platforms, as well as train cabs and railway signalling centres.

"Almost every major accident has some element of human error involved, so the emphasis is on supporting people in the tasks that they do and reducing the chances of them making mistakes," she says. "We help establish the requirements and ensure they are captured by the people doing the design. It's satisfying to feel you're making a difference, and that your work is having an impact on usability and safety."

To be a successful ergonomist, you need to be methodical, and good at listening to people and gathering information. Communication skills are also important, because you must be able to convey complex information in a way that clients can understand. The job can mean a lot of travel, particularly in consultancy work, because you will have to spend time on site collecting data. As you progress in your career, however, you are likely to spend less time on the road and more involved in project management.

There are in-house opportunities with large design, engineering and manufacturing companies, and organisations such as the NHS and Health and Safety Executive. But it's also possible for newly qualified ergonomists to go straight into consultancy work, an option that Butterworth recommends.

"It throws you in at the deep end and it can be more pressured, but you get a much wider range of experience, which can benefit your career," she says.

How to get in

Loughborough University (www.lboro.ac.uk) offers a three- or four-year undergraduate degree in ergonomics, the latter including a sandwich year in industry.

Another route is to study for a first degree in a subject such as engineering, design or psychology, followed by an MSc in ergonomics.

The Ergonomics Society (www.ergonomics.org.uk) has a list of universities offering postgraduate courses, as well as a useful careers information pack.

Salaries for newly qualified ergonomists start from £20,000, but can be considerably higher in certain industries. Average pay for those with several years of experience is £30,000-£40,000, rising to £60,000 for senior-level jobs.

Ergonomics Risk Assessment--Part II

May 20, 2008
Ergonomics Risk Assessment: Determining When, Why, Who and How You Should Perform One – Part II: Who and When
By David M. Brodie
Who should perform an ergonomics risk assessment? The answer to this question depends on the reason for the assessment. An ergonomics risk assessment tool can, in many cases, be implemented by any person within a facility with the proper amount of training. In fact, for ergonomics teams that primarily are made up of employees, the use of ergonomics risk assessment tools provides a valuable method of increasing the sophistication by which the team members evaluate a job.
When considering why to perform an ergonomics risk assessment, these reasons can be lumped into categories that guide us toward who should perform the assessment. Consider the first two questions that an ergonomics risk assessment tool addresses: “Which jobs pose the greatest risk?” and “How much is too much?”
These questions revolve around the core of ergonomics, and are a level of training that would be of value to anyone. Therefore, if an ergonomics risk assessment tool is used primarily as a training tool, then anyone can use this tool with sufficient training. The key here is that the tool provides a means of taking the analyst from a basic, subjective approach to a more quantitative approach (i.e. they learn something). The use of the advanced tool is not an absolute necessity in this situation, but it helps the analyst see how ergonomics stressors and exposure factors combine to help predict risk. This knowledge will improve any subjective assessment that an analyst performs in the future.
The next two questions that an ergonomics tool addresses present a different consideration of who should perform the assessment: “How can improvements be shown and evaluated?” and “How can ergonomics efforts be documented?”
When answering questions like these, accuracy becomes a much larger consideration. Therefore, the person performing the assessment has a higher level of significance. Consider the level of importance of data that is used to justify an ergonomics project or determine the work-relatedness of an injury in a workers’ compensation case. In situations like these, where financial and/or legal factors come into play, the need for experienced and trained analysts is evident. In cases where a project is costly with respect to capital changes or the possibility of a deposition or trial is looming, a company may want to consider the use of a professional ergonomist.
How Should You Perform an Ergonomics Risk Assessment?
Considering the number of ergonomics risk assessment tools that are available in books, peer-reviewed literature and from various companies and consultants, it is impossible to provide instructions on how to perform each of these assessments. Instead, there are three simple recommendations that one should follow when choosing a tool that will help achieve accurate and valuable outcomes.
Read original articles and/or documentation to understand the design, use, and intent of the ergonomics tool – One of the most common errors that is made with an ergonomics risk assessment tool is using the tool incorrectly and for the wrong purpose. When an ergonomics tool is developed it usually is with a specific purpose, such as evaluating a specific type of activity (e.g. lifting, posture, hand activity, etc.) or a specific work environment. The validity of the tool may be compromised if used outside of these conditions, so it is important to know the boundaries.
One of the challenges that often is evident when reviewing the information about an ergonomics tool is that there is insufficient information to determine the exact way in which the tool should be implemented. Further, it is impossible to determine what to do when attempting to apply the tool in non-optimal conditions (i.e., What do you do when a novel situation develops?). One would expect that a tool presented in a peer-reviewed article would not fall into this same category, but in many cases, articles primarily focus on the theory and design of the tools and not their practical applications. This problem leads to the second recommendation:
Establish assumptions and decision criteria for the tool – In order to consistently and effectively apply an ergonomics tool, it is important to interpret the design and approach of the tool and develop appropriate strategies to consistently and accurately implement it. Once the boundaries of the tool are understood, then it is necessary to develop decision criteria to ensure the tool always is used within these boundaries, and that users of the tool will achieve consistent outcomes (i.e. reliability).
If a tool consistently is used, then the output of the tool can be used to measure such conditions as baseline exposure, differences in exposure and changes in exposure. With this level of consistency, it is unnecessary to have a tool that has external validity (i.e. correlation with injury causation). Instead, the tool simply provides a means of accurately measuring changes in exposure, which is of value in itself. If the tool has been validated through research such that it has external validity, then the value of the measures is even greater.
Provide sufficient time for training and practice – One of the most critical factors in achieving accurate, consistent output from an ergonomics risk assessment tool is practice. Once an individual is trained on the design and boundaries of the tool, and on the process and decision criteria for implementation of the tool, then it is necessary to practice, practice and practice again.
An analyst should be able to explain the theory of a tool, discuss the measures and methods that are used to apply the tool, describe the output of the tool and interpret the output of the tool before they begin to apply it in real world situations. This does not mean that a person cannot use a tool without this absolute level of knowledge. Instead, this means that the person should practice and learn about the tool in a work setting, but refrain from using the outputs until he or she is positive that the process is accurate.
In this interim stage, it would be of value to discuss the implementation of the tool with a mentor or long-time user. In the ergonomics community, the use of email list servers provides an opportunity to learn from colleagues, or the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) Web site (http://www.bcpe.org) provides a listing of professional ergonomists around the country. A local professional may be willing to provide mentorship in this process.
Contributing Editor David Brodie, MS, CPE, (dbrodie@atlasergo.com) is director of ergonomics services for Atlas Ergonomics.

Want a quick, easy and inexpensive way to increase your workers productivity?

Hundreds of companies have added new work cells with Gorbel cranes or replaced old I-beam jib cranes or overhead bridge cranes and installed manually pushed, ergonomic workstation cranes.

Gorbel® Work Station Cranes are a proven way to improve productivity, increase quality, and provide a safer work environment. More and more companies are using workstation bridge cranes to effectively solve their material handling problems and improve the performance of their business.Not only do workstation bridge cranes solve handling problems, they also provide users with several benefits:
Increased productivity - Gorbel® Work Station Cranes help your workers work more productively than traditional I-beam cranes. A study conducted by the Human Factors Laboratory at Rochester Institute of Technology* for Gorbel® shows that work station cranes increase productivity up to 28 percent compared with I-beam cranes. The productivity increase is possible because bridge cranes require less effort to move than I-Beam cranes. In most applications, particularly high cycle time applications, customers are able to cost justify the crane system with the productivity increases alone.
Ease of movement and positioning - Gorbel® Work Station Bridge Cranes can move a load three times more easily than a traditional I-beam crane. This ease of movement and positioning results from Gorbel®'s unique enclosed track design, high strength-to- weight ratio, and rigid runways with anti-binding end trucks.
Increased Quality - Enclosed track cranes can increase the quality of goods while reducing the cost of damaged or rejected parts. Loads are so easy to move and position with workstation cranes, much of the damage that is done to the product during the manufacturing process is eliminated.
Improved work force utilization - Gorbel® Workstation Cranes can help you reach the typical ergonomic goal in material handling: Allowing a task to be performed by 90 percent of your workers. For instance, the Rochester Institute of Technology study commissioned by Gorbel shows that less than 10 percent of men can safely handle a 4,000-lb. load on a manual I- beam crane, but more than 99 percent can do so on a Gorbel® Work Station Crane.
Modular Design - Gorbel®'s pre-engineered modular kit design permits easy expansion or relocation. The runway length can be increased by adding runway sections, free standing support assemblies and additional bridges as needed.
Better work force utilization - Since physical strength becomes less of an issue with Gorbel® Workstation Cranes, you can better utilize your work force. This is especially true considering that today's work force is aging, and it is becoming increasingly female.

Automotive Seat Adjuster Application utilizing the Gorbel G-Force

Industry: AutomotiveApplication: Lifting and transferring 32 lb. seat adjusters between work stations.Gorbel® Solutions: G-Force® Intelligent Lifting Device The Problem: Prior to the G-Force workers were lifting and transferring these loads manually at 45 lifts per hour. This manual transfer was causing fatigue and injuries.Alternatives: The customer also looked into air balancers but they couldn't compare to the speed, precision, and ease of use of the G-Force.Why G-Force Was The Smart Solution:
Reduced risk of worker fatigue and injuries.
Increased productivity - no more wasting time waiting for the balancer to catch up.
Improved job satisfaction.Two G-Force® units were added to this plant's line. Since the addition, productivity has been consistently above 95% and operator injury and fatigue has been greatly reduced

OSHA announces meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health

(May 19, 2008)-- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) will meet on May 29, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Washington, D.C. The meeting will be held in Rooms N-3437A-D at the U.S. Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

The tentative agenda includes presentations on issues regarding:

* Public and municipal employees
* Global harmonization
* Aging workforce
* Motor vehicle safety
* Worklife Initiative

The committee advises the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on matters related to the administration of the OSH Act of 1970.

Written comments and requests to make oral presentations may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. If submitting by mail, hand delivery or courier service, include three copies of submissions to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210; telephone 202-693-2350. Submissions that do not exceed 10 pages will be accepted via facsimile in the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648. Please reference Docket No. OSHA-2008-0002 and the agency name on all submissions and materials.

Presentation requests should specify the amount of time desired, the interest represented (e.g., organization name) and a brief outline of the presentation. Requests to speak will be granted by the Committee Chairperson as time permits

Interthor new Rotator

The launch of the New Rotator from Interthor opens many new opportunities for tilting and rotating of different boxes and items. The Rotator is available in two models – a classic model with forks and a brand new one with multi-purpose carriage. You can hardly mention a box or item which cannot be handled! ”Our new Rotator is an indispensable partner in all companies, in which emptying and filling of boxes, or rotating different items, are needed! At the same time the Rotator can handle up to 2200 pounds – this is new and unique in the market!”, says Richard Kopacz from Interthor. The classic model with forks can tilt crates and boxes so that the user can reach the contents without stretching and straining the back. The rotator can turn a box 180º to empty it fully. The Rotator with multi-purpose carriage makes it possible to fix and rotate different items, such as tools. This model can be adapted to the requirements of the individual customer. The Rotator controller ensures the user a precise and controlled acceleration/deceleration on rotation. At the same time it is easy to set the degree of tilt and the rotation speed. The controller has no relays and wearing parts, and the maintenance is therefore easy and economical. The current consumption is reduced by 50%. ”The Rotator puts focus on the working conditions of the user! The Rotator can save many back problems – and is received with great enthusiasm amongst our customers”, Richard Kopacz ends the interview.

Leading Global Companies Demonstrate Ergonomics Excellence

Leading Global Companies Demonstrate Ergonomics Excellence for Prestigious Ergo Cup®
Thirty-five outstanding companies competed in the internationally recognized Ergo Cup® awards competition at the 2008 Applied Ergonomics Conference presented by the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE).

Norcross, GA (PRWEB) May 18, 2008 -- Thirty-five prominent companies from across the world competed in the prestigious 2008 Ergo Cup® awards competition held in Orlando, Fla., in March. Presented by the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) and sponsored by The Ergonomics Center of North Carolina, the Ergo Cup competition, an exclusive part of the Applied Ergonomics Conference and Expo, acknowledges companies that offer outstanding ergonomic solutions in the areas of training, engineering and teamwork.

The selection process was highly competitive due to each team's creative approach. A judging panel of master ergonomists selected winners whose solutions excelled in the following three categories: Ergonomics Training, Team-Driven Workplace Solutions and Engineering/Ergonomist-Driven Workplace Solutions. Winners were selected based on stringent criteria including innovation, simplicity, cost savings, ergonomic risk and presentation quality. The winners are Honda of America Manufacturing Inc., East Liberty, Ohio; PPG Aerospace Transparencies, Huntsville, Ala; and Honda of America Manufacturing Inc., Anna, Ohio. Ergo Excellence Awards, selected by attendee votes were presented to Boeing - Interiors Responsibility Center, Everett, Wash.; Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing Inc., Swepsonville, N.C.; Boeing Company, Everett, Wash.; Johnson & Johnson - Ethicon, Cornelia, Ga.; and GE Energy, Bangor, Maine.

"Honda participates in the Ergo Cup as a means to reward our associates by allowing them to showcase their projects with other companies and organizations, as well as learn what others have done. Winning the very competitive Ergo Cup event, of course, becomes an added bonus for Honda," said Jose Banaag, ergonomics leader for Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. and recipient of 2008 Ergo Cup.

In addition to the Ergo Cup awards, the Graduate Student Design team competition, sponsored by Auburn Engineers Inc., allowed graduate students studying ergonomics to present a creative solution to a challenging ergonomic problem for the student prize. The University of Memphis took home this year's Graduate Student Design Ergo Prize.

The Applied Ergonomics Conference and Expo is a distinguished event within the ergonomics industry. Past competitors include Northrop Grumman, Johnson & Johnson (Belgium & France), General Electric (Budapest), Toyota, The Boeing Co., Dell, Bridgestone/Firestone, and Ford Motor Co.

For complete information on the Applied Ergonomics Conferences or to learn more about the Ergo Cup® finalists and winners, visit IIE's Applied Ergonomics community Web site at www.iienet.org/ergo.

Case Study: GORBEL G-FORCE

Case study: Gorbel Inc.
Application: Loading a milling machine
In this work cell, operators load motor adapter castings ranging
from 35-70lbs into a twin spindle milling machine. The adapters
are lifted out of a bin and transferred to the milling machine,
where they are lined up and then carefully placed on the soft-jaw
chuck. The adapters must be placed with care to prevent
damage to the chuck. The milled piece is then moved to a table
for deburring and loaded into the second spindle of the milling
machine.
Ergonomic assessment: Manual lifting is too big a risk
An ergonomics assessment of the work cell identified potential
hazards and problem areas to address to ensure workers' safety.
Based on the assessment, the pump manufacturer began
exploring ways to improve the overall safety and productivity of
the area. Prior to the G-Force, operators frequently lifted the
parts by hand or with an air balancer. These work practices
created potentially harmful situations:
• Risk of injury
The manufacturer was concerned that the position operators
had to maintain while trying to carefully place the castings on
the chuck put them at a higher than acceptable risk for injury.
It was suspected that repeated maneuvers were attributed to
injuries reported at this cell.
• Product damage
The costly soft-jaw chucks in the milling machines were repeatedly
damaged when castings were put down with too much force.
• Lost productivity
Air balancers took so long to bleed pressure before placing the
load that valuable cycle time was lost.
The teachable lifting device
Among the G-Force's versatile features are its teachable virtual
limits and speed reduction points, which have proved extremely
valuable in this application.
The G-ForceTM BXi unit can be easily taught to stop or reduce
speed when it reaches specific points in the lifting range.
Through use of a sensor mounted on this custom crane system,
two zones were created, one over the pick point and one over
the milling machine.
The solution allows the operator to lift more par ts per hour
with less stress on his body. Plus, G-Force'sTM Float Mode
feature allows him to lift and place loads with his hands right
on the par t itself. "The G-ForceTM is so much smoother than
an air balancer - and I don't have to wait for the balancer to
catch up" he said.

Gorbel Crane Increases Productivity 40%--see case study below

Gorbel® Crane Increases Productivity 40%... Eliminates Need For Overtime
Freezer panels, weighing up to 300 lbs., move down an assembly line where they are framed, filled with injected foam, and then finished.
The problem:
Panels are moved manually with a push cart causing back strains to operators
Lifting the panels through the assembly line required 2 - 6 people depending on the size
Carts caused congestion and took up valuable floor space
Solution: Two side by side Gorbel® Free Standing Work Station Cranes with vacuum handling devices - 100 ft. runways and 25 ft. bridges.
Results:
An increase in productivity of 40% and the elimination of overtime hours
Cart paths eliminated and usable floor space gained
Read more about this case study...

Ergonomic Contest Highlights workplace improvements

Ergonomics contest highlights workplace improvements

Author: RP news wires

Humantech announced that it is sponsoring its second annual Find It – Fix It Challenge, which recognizes and rewards simple and effective workplace solutions that result in increased productivity, improved worker morale, and fewer workplace injuries and illnesses. The contest, open to all Humantech clients, past or present, was derived from Humantech RAPID Team Events, which are based on the concept of making quick, simple, visible changes to improve ergonomic issues in the workplace.

“Using the vast number of improvements typically identified and implemented during RAPID Team Events, companies have successfully engaged their employees and generated excitement around workplace improvement” said James Mallon, vice president of Humantech. He added that “this contest gives us a formal way to recognize the individuals and organizations that have invested in improving their workplace.”

Organizations are asked to submit their best workplace improvement, highlighting the implementation of a creative, sustainable and high-impact ergonomic solution. The contest will run from May 1 to September 12. To enter, organizations must complete the application form and entry template and submit them along with original photographs. Application forms and the entry template can be downloaded at www.humantech.com.

Each entry will be judged by a panel of board certified professional ergonomists and Humantech staff members. The winning organizations will be showcased on Humantech’s Web site after November 7.

In the 2007 Find it – Fix It Challenge, Gerdau Ameristeel's Charlotte, N.C., facility received top honors for its Bricklayer-Taphole Sleeve Lifting operation. Honorable mentions were given to Genie Industries, Redmond, Wash., Building #6 for its GR Counter Weight Install, and the DENSO Battle Creek, Mich., facility for its Braze Line Small Parts Assembly.

Since 1979, Humantech has partnered with organizations around the globe to accelerate workplace improvements, enabling people to perform at their best. By focusing on a 30-Inch View, Humantech consultants facilitate operational excellence, increased profitability, engaged employees and reduced workplace injuries.

Ergonomics key to popularity of unusual bike style and it's National Ride a bike to work day.

BY BYRON STOUT • bstout@news-press.com • May 15, 2008
Speaking of work, Friday is National Ride a Bike to Work Day.

But wait! From the not-so-fast department we must note bicycling's downsides: Sore necks, shoulders and wrists are common side effects of bicycling.

And then there is the risk of sexual dysfunction.

Jim Parker, a North Carolina doctor, cites studies that showed about three hours a week astride a traditional road bike seat led to a significantly increased risk of erectile dysfunction in men, and numbness in women. The problem stems from nerves and blood vessels in the perineum being squished against a traditional bike saddle.

Parker, and thousands of other cycling enthusiasts, think they've found the answer to those problems in recumbent bikes - those sometimes low-slung, sometimes elongated cycles that sometimes come in three-wheeled versions. Or not - there are a lot of variations with common themes.

Recumbents (nicknamed bents) have much larger, padded seats with backrests that take the pressure off shoulders, wrists and hands - three of the main points of support on traditional road bikes. Bent bike riders also don't have to crane their necks upward to see the road, so they have a much more comfortable view of the passing scenery, in what Parker calls the TV-watching position.

"They're the best bikes ever," said Fort Myers attorney Kim Hart, 57, who often rides his recumbent to work - a 5-mile jaunt down McGregor Boulevard.

"I recommend them to everybody," Hart said of his long-wheelbase Easy Racer.

Ron Cox, 71, also has a recumbent, but his is a three-wheeler. He rides three or four times a week with other

members of the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, and he's planning a ride across Georgia this summer. He also owns a traditional diamond-frame two-wheeler, but he hasn't ridden it in years because of the advantages of his recumbent, a $5,700 Wind Cheetah.

"First of all, they're a lot more comfortable, and I think they're safer simply because you're lower to the ground in most cases. When you fall off, you don't fall very far," Cox said.

Hart said the smaller front wheel on his recumbent is prone to causing falls because it doesn't handle sand well.

"When it slides, you go down," Hart said.

Others believe the low-to-the-ground trait can be dangerous if motorists don't see a rider.

Parker believes he has the best of all worlds in his Cruzbike line of recumbents. Cruzbikes are the short-wheelbase version of bent bikes, with front-wheel drive and a seating position that puts the front forks between the cyclist's legs. They are designed by Australian engineer John Tolhurst, a partner in the company, and conversion kits that combine with a traditional bike can be purchased for $375.

Cruzbikes use two traditional 700-centimeter diameter (28-inch) bike tires, which puts riders at about eye level with motorists, making them easier to see. The short wheelbase also gives them a turning radius of 41/2 feet that can be negotiated even while pedaling, and they fit on a standard car bike rack.

Parker said Cruzbikes are configured in a way that makes them easier to pedal uphill, a universal knock against recumbents due in part to their extra weight. Riders on recumbents also cannot add weight to pedal pressure by standing up, nor can they increase pressure by pulling up on their handlebars - all of which makes them harder to pedal uphill.

"That's the biggest misconception with recumbents," said Michael Grusseman of Cape Coral. Grusseman, 65, said a recumbent rider first has to condition his muscles to the demands of his or her particular machine. Beyond that, he said selecting the right gearing for the bike is critical.

"The trick is, you don't do what we call mashing. Instead, you spin in a lower gear, at 80 to 90 rpms, rather than 60 rpms on a normal bike."

Grusseman has a lot of biking experience and expertise, ranging from 17-day camping road trips with 95 to 100 pounds of total bike weight, to speed rides that require an average of 101/2 miles per hour, including sleep time. He also is a heart patient with a quadruple bypass, and he's had a colon resection.

He credits his love of biking with the loss of 67 pounds over the past year and a half - down to 198 pounds.

"If you ride four times a week for half an hour, you'll lose weight. I don't care if you weigh 100 pounds to begin with," Grusseman said.

Happy Mothers Day!!!

Improving the way you work

Ergonomics can help you avoid chronic pain in the workplace
By Maggie Hibma
Special to The Journal

If you've been coming home from work with frequent neck pain, backaches and headaches, then don't blame it on the work you're doing. Blame your pain on how you're doing it.

“Ergonomics” is the discipline focused on improving the way people work, the conditions they work in and the quality of their work by specific workplace arrangements. While most of us can't get by without using a computer for work, it's the very thing that's causing office workers to experience muscle aches, joint pain and eye strain

Alan Hedge, professor of ergonomics at Cornell, has been involved with ergonomics since the discipline began about 60 years ago. After teaching a grad program overseas, he came to Ithaca about 20 years ago to teach ergonomics at Cornell. He describes how the subject of study has changed over recent years.

“Up until the time computers came along, most of the work in ergonomics was focused in the heavy industries, such as coal mining,” said Hedge. “What's happened is that in the past two to three decades, those heavy industries jobs have declined, and the office workplace has taken off.”

Computer training
Nowadays, anyone — no matter what age or ability — can grab a computer and start typing away. However, using a computer incorrectly can cause serious health problems. Being trained in using a computer the right way as well as knowing what certain equipment to use for your specific job is key.
People who aren't aware of the proper way to use a computer usually experience problems with their neck, back and wrists. Where the computer monitor sits, how high or low your keyboard is and where the mouse is placed are important factors of computer health.

“What often happens is people are spending hours in a non-neutral position,” said Hedge. They are not sitting in well-supported postures, they are working with parts of their body outside their normal range of motion, and they are hunched over their keys.”

Hedge compared sitting at a computer to sitting in a car.

“You should sit straight back in the seat, legs opened out in front of you, and hands low on the keyboard, just like the wheel,” said Hedge.

One of the most important parts to computer health is keeping your wrists straight. Hedge suggested putting the keyboard in your lap to immediately solve the problem. That way, there is no strain put on the wrists when typing. Same goes for a laptop — use the screen but, if you are experiencing wrist pain, buy a separate keyboard. Sore wrists can lead to carpel tunnel and other serious problems.


Your usage and equipment placement
In terms of a quick-fix for everyday computer users, Hedge said it's all about what the computer is being used for.
“If you are constantly typing at the computer, then where the keyboard lies is the most important. If you are just watching YouTube videos, then where the monitor and mouse are is most important,” said Hedge.

Where the monitor is placed is important for the eyes, too. The New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA) put out a warning for New Yorkers in March, which was “National Save Your Vision Month,” about “computer vision syndrome” — a condition for frequent computer users that leaves them susceptible to eyestrain, light sensitivity, fatigue and neck and back pain. According to NYSOA, this condition is related to poor workstation conditions, prior vision problems and improper work habits.

“[Computer vision syndrome] is a series of symptoms that are related to using the computer, or any electronic devices, such as PDAs,” said Cordes. “A lot of the problem arises from the fact that we are constantly re-focusing our eyes close up.”

Cordes said he sees a lot of people trying to fix the problem by buying bigger monitors for their computers, thinking that a bigger monitor will stop them from squinting and from getting headaches. Cordes said this isn't the case.

“A bigger monitor gives you the impression that you've fixed your problem, but all it means is larger letters, not better focusing,” Cordes said.


Get checked out
While NYSOA gives suggestions to prevent or reduce eye and vision problems, such as checking for glare, reducing the lighting to match the computer and to keep blinking, Cordes says one of the best things people can do to help their computer vision is to get an eye exam regularly. Since long-term vision problems can persist, it's important to fix the problem at the source.
“There's a tendency to just get the over-the-counter glasses for the computer,” said Cordes. “And quite honestly, these will mostly work. But if you don't get annual exams, you aren't being tested for cataracts or glaucoma.”


Take advantage of breaks
While it's important to have your desk arranged in a computer-healthy way, Hedge notes that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to take advantage of your lunch break — and get away from your desk!
“Even if you're in the best position in the world, you can't work without taking a break,” said Hedge.

“Every 20 to 30 minutes do something different and then come back to your work. Over the course of the day, you will find much less stress and strain on the body.”






Originally published May 8, 2008

A note from the NAOSH President

Safety: Good for Business & for Life
North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week is May 4-10. Since 1997, the observance has grown globally and now touches millions of people, thousands of businesses and many public entities, as well as professional, trade and labor organizations. The NAOSH Week logo symbolizes joint venture, cooperation and commitment to common goals shared globally. The connected hands illustrate assistance and cooperation on many levels—from interpersonal relationships in the workplace to international exchange.

In my January message, I wrote about the power of relationships and partnering. The success of NAOSH Week is a great example. Through our strategic alliance with OSHA and thanks to its many alliance program partners, NAOSH Week 2007 was highly successful. We are partnering with these supporters again in 2008, along with companies such as Turner Construction, Board of Certified Safety Professionals, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership and the Safe Tank Alliance. NAOSH Week provides an international stage from which we can illustrate how safety performance is good for business and for life. In the U.S. alone, NIOSH reports that occupational injuries and illness expenditures total nearly $171 billion a year. It has also been reported that injury and illness costs can approach up to 5% of an organization’s total costs. Establishing and sustaining effective safety and health systems can reduce costs by 20% to 40%.

Safety’s positive return on investment is gaining greater attention. A recent study by global investment company Goldman Sachs JBWere found that companies that don’t adequately manage occupational safety and health perform worse financially than companies that do. This suggests that investors should look at a company’s occupational safety and health policies and practices as a factor in their investment strategy. ASSE’s Business of Safety Committee has shared many success stories as well. Laidlaw International Inc., for example, reduced its insurance and accident claims costs by 47% after implementing safety systems. Oregon SAIF Group Insurance collaborated on safety with the construction industry to return $11.7 million to member businesses.

NAOSH Week also gives individuals an opportunity to engage locally to make a difference in their personal sphere of influence. Here are just a few members who are making a difference this year:

Phillip Daigle (international member), deputy theater HSE manager in Baghdad, Iraq, who is working to take the NAOSH Week celebration to more than 60,000 employees in five countries.

Richard Bourlon (Southwest Chapter), director, health and safety service, Boy Scouts of America, which is working with ASSE to promote NAOSHWeek nationwide.

Philip Goldsmith (National Capital Chapter), deputy chief, risk management, National Gallery of Art, who helped arrange a special NAOSHWeek event at the museum on May 5.

Tony Ashdown (Chesapeake Chapter), safety manager, National Mall and Memorial Parks, which will hold its annual “Safety Dazze” event during NAOSHWeek.

During NAOSH Week, ASSE will also recognize the participants in our annual Safety-on-the-Job kids’ poster contest. This year, we received nearly 1,000 posters from around the world. Such recordbreaking participation only happens because members get involved and make it happen. Just ask Kirby Utt and Amy Stewart, Central Ohio Chapter, who report that the contest brings new meaning to participants, their families, schools and communities. Ask Ashok Garlapati, Kuwait Chapter, who submitted nearly 470 posters from members’ children and school children in Kuwait. Ask Cindy Lewis, Gulf Coast Chapter, who encouraged schools in Houston to participate in the poster contest. Or ask Region III members who will sponsor a brunch for poster winners and their families on May 4 at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. We have a great opportunity to recognize efforts such as these when we celebrate Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day on May 7 as part of NAOSH Week.

Consider the possibilities NAOSH Week brings for creating a new reality—an incident- and injuryfree workplace, lower healthcare and workers’ compensation costs, positive reputation and improved business opportunities—all of which are vital in today’s global marketplace. This is a call to action. The NAOSH Week planners have done their part. Now it’s our turn. By globally engaging all stakeholders— business, labor, government and the public—we can showcase safety culture and leadership, and demonstrate that safety is good for business and for life. Thanks in advance for your efforts.



Michael W. Thompson, CSP

Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day--Don't forget those important professionals!

About Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day - May 7, 2008
Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day Wikipedia Entry
Occupational safety, health and environmental professionals work day in and day out to make sure millions of people worldwide continue to go to and return home from work every day.

To recognize and celebrate their ongoing commitment to protecting people, property and the environment the American Society of Safety Engineers' board approved the creation of Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day (OSHP) in March of 2006 to be held every year during North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) on that Wednesday. This year NAOSH Week runs from May 4-10 and OSHP Day is on May 7, 2008.

The purpose of this day is to recognize the ongoing efforts of occupational safety, health and environmental professionals to protect people, property and the environment. “They are the ones that make sure you go to and come home from work safely and without injury every day,” ASSE 2005-06 President Jack H. Dobson Jr., CSP, said as the motion was passed unanimously.

National Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day also aims to further raise awareness and pride in the profession, a profession where one is qualified by education, training and experience who identifies hazards and develops appropriate controls for these hazards all aimed at preventing occupational injury, illness and property damage. The safety and health professional follows a Code of Professional Conduct and brings to bear technical knowledge, skill and expertise along with management abilities developed through years of continued education and practical experience. Currently there are about 100,000 occupational safety, health and environmental practitioners in the U.S. today in what has become one of the most challenging and rewarding career fields.

“We take time this May 7th to say thanks to those invisible heroes, who every day work to make your workplace safer and healthier,” ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP, notes. “It doesn’t happen often, but when a call is made to a family member that their loved one has been injured or killed on the job several lives change forever. Let’s continue to work with occupational safety and health professionals to make sure you and your family never receives that call.

“If you know one, thank your occupational safety and health professional on this day,” Thompson said. “It will mean more than you know.”

North American Occupational Safety and Health week takes place May 4-10, 2008.

Safety Is Good Business
During NAOSH Week and throughout the year ASSE, CSSE, OSHA and its partners will illustrate how safety is good business. Safety and health not only add value to a business, but to the workplace, employees, the community and to everyone's quality of life. For instance:

Effective management and implementation of workplace safety and health programs add significant value to individuals and companies by reducing the extent, severity and consequences of work-related injury and illness.

Workplaces that establish safety and health management systems reduce their injury and illness costs by 20 to 40 percent.

Businesses spend $171 billion a year on costs associated with occupational injuries and illness, expenditures that come straight out of company profits and can comprise as much as 5 percent of a company's total costs.

Preventing injuries and illnesses decreases workers compensation and retraining costs, absenteeism and faulty product.

Preventing injuries and illnesses increases productivity, morale and ultimately, profits. The following provides best practices and information on how a business can develop and implement effective workplace safety and health programs and some tangible results:

See Large and Small Employer Results When They Focus on "Prevention is the Cure" (ppt)
Australians Find Stock Price Success Linked to Safety and Health - The West Australian
Press Release: American Society of Safety Engineers' President Comments on 2006 Fatal Workplace Injury Statistics Released Today - August 9, 2007
There Really Are No Accidents - Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
ASSE Business of Safety Committee
Current NAOSH News
ASSE Announces NAOSH Week/OSHP Day 2008 Activities for May 4-10, 2008 (doc)
ASSE's Kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" Poster Contest Wins National Recognition
American Society of Safety Engineers Kicks Off 6th Annual Youth Job Safety Poster Contest
What is an Occupational Safety and Health Professional?
The Scope of an Occupational Safety and Health Professional (doc)
About North American Occupational Safety & Health Week
The goal of the annual North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week is to focus the attention of employers, employees, the general public and all partners in occupational safety, health and the environment on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace.

We are striving to:
Increase understanding of the benefits of investment in occupational health and safety.
Raise awareness of the role and contribution of safety, health and environmental professionals.
Help reduce workplace injuries and illness by encouraging
new health, safety and environmental activities and
interest in NAOSH Week.

NIOSH announces winners of 2008 Hamilton Awards

NIOSH on May 1 announced the winners of the 2008 Alice Hamilton Awards, a high honor named for the woman who is considered one of the founders of occupational health as a discipline.

"Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers" (www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-122/pdfs/2007-122-full.pdf) was published in August 2007 and was written by James T. Albers of the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology and Cheryl F. Estill of the NIOSH Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies. It notes that construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, with back injuries occurring at a rate 50 percent higher than the average for all other U.S. industries in 1999. Sections of the document cover simple solutions for typical construction activities that cause MSDs, such as tying rebar for road construction, hand drywall finishing, overhead work, smoothing wet concrete, lifting windows and panels into place, lifting heavy loads, hand-wearying tools, moving concrete-filled hoses, cutting sheet metal, and using tools that require stooping. Each section includes costs, benefits, and resources for more information.

Other 2008 Hamilton winners were:

Biological Sciences Category: "Inhalation of Toluene Diisocyanate Vapor Induces Allergic Rhinitis in Mice," authors Johnson VJ, Yucesoy B, Reynolds JS, Fluharty K, Wang W, Richardson D, Luster MI, Journal of Immunology 179: 1864-1871, 2007; "Effect of Short-Term Stainless Steel Welding Fume Inhalation Exposure on Lung Inflammation, Injury, and Defense Response in Rats," authors Antonini JM, Stone S, Roberts JR, Chen B, Schwegler-Berry D, Afshari AA, Frazer DG, Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 223: 234-245, 2007.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Category: "Explosion Pressure Design Criteria for New Seals in U.S. Coal Mines," authors Zipf RK Jr., Sapko MJ, Brune JF, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-144.

Human Studies Category: "Follow-Up Study of Chrysotile Textile Workers: Cohort Mortality and Exposure-Response", authors Hein MJ, Stayner LT, Lehman E, Dement JM; "Development of a Fiber Size-Specific Job-Exposure Matrix for Airborne Asbestos Fibers," authors Dement JM, Kuempel E, Zumwalde R, Smith R, Stayner L, Loomis D.; and "An Epidemiologic Study of the Role of Chrysotile Asbestos Fiber Dimensions in Determining Respiratory Disease Risk in Exposed Workers," authors Stayner LT, Kuempel E, Gilbert S, Hein M, Dement J.

The Hamilton Awards for Occupational Safety and Health recognize scientific excellence of technical and instructional materials by NIOSH scientists and engineers in these areas. Outside panels of experts review the papers.