The occurrence of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) and Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs) is increasing at an alarming rate, dramatically affecting today's workforce. The symptoms of these disorders develop slowly over time. Workers often ignore the discomfort, hoping it will resolve itself. Eventually, productivity decreases due to pain and loss of function, and a previously productive worker suddenly finds that he or she cannot work as a result of the disability.Although this condition is discouraging, it is also preventable. Ergonomics - matching the work environment to the worker's abilities and limitations - offers a promising method to control, manage, and reduce the risk of CTDs and RMIs in the workplace. Your Guide to Developing an Ergonomics Process will assist in the process of reducing workplace injuries and illnesses related to cumulative trauma disorders and poor ergonomics. This valuable guide presents all aspects of a comprehensive ergonomics process, and outlines federal and state OSHA requirements. The program detailed in the text enables full participation at all levels of the organization - regardless of your experience in ergonomics.

Table of Contents:
Section One: Participatory Ergonomics in the Workplace
Overhead Kit
Section Two: Developing Your Ergonomics Task Force
Overhead Kit
Section Three: Gaining Buy-In to the Ergonomics Process
Section Four: Barriers, Solutions, and Benefits to a Successful Program
Section Five: Building a Performance Based Process
Measuring Performance
Tracking Information
Section Six: Your Ergonomics Policy
Section Seven: Process Flow Charts
Section Eight: Ergonomic Task Force Guidelines and Methods
Section Nine: Ergonomic Task Force Roles and Responsibilities and Procedures
Section Ten: Ergonomic Evaluation, Procedure Forms, and Request Forms
Form A: Ergonomics Evaluation Form
Form B: Ergonomic Evaluation Summary Sheet
Form C: Ergonomic Controls and Recommendations
Form D: Work Practices Changes for Employees
Form E: Workstation Diagram
Form F: Anthropometry Model
Form G: Office Ergonomics Checklist
Form H: Ergonomic Risk Analysis for Laboratory Workers
Form I: Material Handling Worksite Evaluation
Form J: Office Ergonomics - Employee Workstation Self-Assessment
Form K: Ergonomics Evaluation Request Form
Form L: Ergonomic Equipment Purchase Request
Form M: Ergonomic Facilities/Maintenance Request
Form N: Ergonomics Task Force Meeting Minutes
Form O: Ergonomics Controls and Recommendations Tracking Form
Section Eleven: Announcing Your Program
Section Twelve: General CTD Prevention Training
Narrative
Overheads
Employee Training Handouts
Form P: CTD/Ergonomics General Training Announcement
Form Q: General CTD Prevention Training Sign-In Sheet
Form R: Job Specific Ergonomics Training
Section Thirteen: Disability Management Policy, Procedure, and Medical Forms
Form S: Return to Work Evaluation and Release Form
Form T: Cumulative Trauma Disorder Symptom Survey Screen
Form U: Cumulative Trauma Disorder Medical Screen and Log
Form V: Voluntary Screen Request Letter
Form W: Voluntary Screen Notice to Supervisors
Form X: Voluntary Screen Worksite Analysis Request Form
Form Y: CTD Screen Referrals to Medical Provider
Form Z: Dear Physician
Section Fourteen: Surveys and Performance Evaluations
Form AA: "How Did We Do?" An Employee Training Satisfaction Survey
Form BB: Ergonomics Task Force Participant Survey
Section Fifteen: Ergonomics Solutions Guide
Section Sixteen: Office Ergonomics Purchase and Use Guide
Appendix A: Anthropometry Guides
Appendix B: References and Additional Reading List
Appendix C: Summary Article: "How to Develop an Ergonomics Task," Monterey County Sheriff's First Year Results
Appendix D: Three Year Follow-Up - Monterey County Sheriff
Appendix E: ETF Consultation Services
Appendix F: California Compliance Guidelines
Form A 3/3 Cal: Office Ergonomic Exposure Analysis
Form A 2/2 Cal: Ergonomic Risk Analysis for Laboratory Workers
Form A 1/1 Cal: Material Handling Worksite Evaluation