MHealthy Ergonomics Awards were given to five university departments and units for independently implementing ergonomic solutions within the work environment. Winning areas have decreased risk factors and reduced or prevented employee discomfort by adding or modifying equipment or redesigning work processes.
“The Ergonomics Awards recognize university areas that take care of their employees and make safety an important priority,” says Suzanne Bade, MHealthy Ergonomics Awareness Team chair and senior ergonomics consultant. “This year’s winners are great examples of easy, low-cost and effective solutions that make the workplace safer and healthier for everyone.”
Plaques for Outstanding Contribution
• U-M Hospitals & Health Centers (UMHHC) Vascular Access Services Team redesigned the cart exchange process to reduce strenuous pushing and pulling.
• LSA Facilities installed a water system to eliminate lifting of heavy water bottles.
• UMHHC Gifts of Art constructed a cart to transport musical instruments to patient bedsides.
• UMHHC Laundry installed a filter system to decrease employee awkward postures and repetitive motion when blowing out dryers.
Certificate of Recognition
• UMHHC SWAT uses assistive devices and proper lifting techniques to help staff transport and transfer patients.
Nominations for department-level Ergonomics Awards are accepted each spring and winners receive a special plaque and a celebration sponsored by MHealthy.
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 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.
Also, MHealthy accepts year-round nominations for its annual Ergonomics Grants. Departments or units in need of financial help to purchase equipment or redesign work processes to solve ergonomic issues can receive up to $5,000 to implement solutions that make the work environment safer.
For more information on awards, grants and previous winners, go to www.MHealthy.umich.edu/ergo.
