Safety Partners, Inc. provides ergonomic services to address the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. Services are listed below.

Workstation or Job Analysis:

The workstation or job analysis identifies risk factors for musculoskeletal injury associated with a particular workstation or job. Employees are evaluated while performing their tasks and problematic positioning and techniques are corrected. In some cases, photographs are useful. No photos will be taken without written consent from the individual and management. A report is furnished with a summary of the analysis and recommended solutions.

Ergonomic Training:

Integrating ergonomics into the safety culture is essential for creating a healthy work environment. Ergonomic training is customized to fit the company's work processes and needs.

• Office Ergonomics: Ergonomic training for computer workstation usage focuses on proper posture and positioning, workstation design, and the effective use of rest and stretch breaks. This training will enable employees to eliminate discomfort, increase productivity and reduce their risk for MSDs. The 30-minute class is conducted on-site and attendees are given ergonomic educational materials that include simple stretches employees can perform at their workstations.
• Ergonomics for Lab Workers: This training focuses on the ergonomic challenges specific to biotech labs. Course content is customized according to the needs of the client company. Additional specialized educational materials are provided.
• Healthy Back Body Mechanics Training: The Healthy Back Body Mechanics Training addresses specific tasks performed by the audience. This training illustrates the strains placed on backs from awkward postures, forceful exertions and poor lifting techniques. Attendees are taught correct body mechanics for various tasks, with special emphasis on safe lifting. The 45-minute training is conducted on-site and attendees are given educational handouts and instructions for simple stretches that can be performed throughout the day.
• Customized Work Style Training: Tailored training can be developed to address the ergonomic concerns at a company's facility. The core of the class focuses on how to minimize exposure to MSD risk factors while conducting specific tasks.

Ergonomic Audit:

A comprehensive walk-through tour of the facility is conducted in order to identify any ergonomic concerns. These include processes or situations which put employees at risk for MSDs from exposure to such risk factors as; awkward posture, use of excessive muscle force, repetition, duration, compression, vibration and temperature extremes. Photographs may be taken (with written consent) to illustrate problems and solutions. A complete report with findings and recommendations is provided within 5 business days.

Safety Partners' ergonomics specialist is Ms Ruth Landau-Hoffeld NP/MSN of Practical Ergonomics for Biotech. Ruth is an Occupational Health Nurse with 18 years of experience providing ergonomic services in the biotech setting. To schedule services or find out more information, please contact Ruth Landau-Hoffeld at 339-203-1475 or email rlandau@safetypartnersinc.com.

For more detailed information about Safety Partners' services, please complete the Information Request Form or email us at info@safetypartnersinc.com.