Abstract
This company initiated a comprehensive workplace ergonomics program in 1991. After five years experience, total investment is estimated at $2.5 million and total benefits at $3.5 million, based on reduced workers compensation cost savings plus improvements in productivity. Lost-time CTD cases were reduced over 80%. CTD recordable cases initially increased because of heightened employee awareness, then decreased. Employee discomfort surveys showed a 40% drop in reported pain; greater results were noted in those areas where improvements have been made, and no change in those areas where tasks have not yet been addressed. Examples of specific workstation improvements and results are presented, including instances where CTD risk factors were reduced and productivity more than doubled. The implication is that employers should institute practical programs in ergonomics whether or not OSHA promulgates a regulation on CTDs.
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