| Xandex Thrives on Proactive Workplace Ergonomics Program Ergonimics: "The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Also called biotechnology, human engineering, human factors engineering." "One of the primary goals of ergonomics is prevention of workplace illness and accidents. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60 percent of the workplace illnesses reported each year are associated with repetitive stress injuries (RSI). These injuries result from continuous repetition of the same motions, for instance screwing or twisting items on an assembly line. The injury may be exacerbated by awkward postures, such as bending or reaching. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is a painful and often debilitating swelling of the tendons in the wrist, which results from overuse of the hands and wrists. It is particularly common in people who must bend or overextend their arms while performing a repetitive task, for instance, typing on a computer keyboard, cutting meat, or tripping knobs and levers. Frequent, unassisted heavy lifting, for example moving hospital patients in and out of beds, is one of the leading causes of work-related back injuries. Noise-induced hearing loss resulting from continuous exposure to excessive noise is another type of RSI, as are headaches and eyestrain due to improper workplace lighting."1 The Xandex ergonomics program focuses on three categories: hazard identification and corrective action, prevention practice and wellness, and initiative and support. All employees participate in regular stretch breaks throughout the day and are encouraged to monitor their activities for repetitive motions that may cause muscle strain. Regular workstation evaluations help ergonomics coordinators identify posture and motions during daily work that may lead to injury. Modifications are made so that each employee has the right tools, equipment and information to stay healthy. Each department has an ergonomics representative responsible for monitoring activities funneling suggestions and maintaining the highest standards for the Company’s health and safety program. The Xandex ergonomics program has been in effect since 1993. Prompted by a high percentage of repetitive stress injuries to employees, Xandex embarked on an intensive information gathering campaign which led to the development of an improved ergonomic work environment and a subsequent reduction in work related injuries. Xandex Ergonomics Program Nationally Recognized Xandex was one of five organizations recognized nationally by CTDNews for the “Best Practices” of its extensive ergonomics program. The January 1998 issue of CTDNews (PDF 258 K), a national publication dedicated to identifying workplace solutions for repetitive stress injuries, focused on the methods and interventions implemented by Xandex and four other organizations in an effort to reduce the high costs associated with repetitive stress injuries. CTDNews features in its “Best Practices”, companies “willing to embark on progressive campaigns to reduce, if not rid, their workplaces of cumulative trauma disorders.” According to CTDNews they received more nominations for this year’s “honor roll” than any of the previous years. Along with Xandex, the recognized organizations included: City of Tucson, Eastman Chemical Co., the New York Times and the Association of Retarded Citizens Thrift Stores. |
