Five university departments and units were recognized with MHealthy Ergonomics Awards for independently implementing ergonomic solutions in their work environment. Winning areas have decreased risk factors and reduced or prevented employee discomfort by adding or modifying equipment or redesigning work processes.
Gold Level winner:
Plant Hospital Maintenance, HVAC Shop — Significantly reduced the amount of weight lifted by staff by converting from 450-pound drums containing liquid chemical treatments to solid chemical treatments weighing 10 pounds or less that attach to the wall. Also reduced staff’s potential exposure to chemicals, decreased shipping costs and improved inventory control.
Silver Level winners:
Each of these areas provided ergonomic office/computer workstations for staff:
• Canton Health Center.
• ITS Teaching & Learning.
• Microbiology and Immunology.
Bronze Level winner:
HomeMed Infusion, Inventory and Distribution — Implemented complex worksite improvements with help from Safety Management Services and ergonomic grant funds from 2012.
“Congratulations to all of the winning areas for promoting ergonomic risk reduction, raising awareness and taking steps to improve employee comfort,” says Suzanne Bade, MHealthy Ergonomics Awareness Team chair and senior ergonomics consultant.
Nominations for department-level Ergonomics Awards are accepted each spring. Gold level winners receive a special plaque and a celebration sponsored by MHealthy. Silver and bronze winners are recognized with a certificate of recognition or letter of commendation.
The MHealthy Ergonomics Awareness Team continues to accept nominations for its Individual Ergo Hero Award, recognizing faculty and staff members who have reduced their own or their department/unit’s risk of discomfort by using recommended postures, work strategies, or equipment. Any employee can nominate another employee by submitting a short online form. Winners are recognized with an Ergo Hero lapel pin and a congratulatory certificate.
For more information on individual awards, go to www.MHealthy.umich.edu/ergo.
