Ergonomic grants available to help solve workplace issues

Topics:

University departments and units needing financial help to purchase equipment or redesign work processes to solve ergonomic issues can receive up to $5,000 in MHealthy ergonomic grant funds.

Applications are now being accepted for MHealthy’s annual ergonomics grants program.

Any regular employee can apply for an ergonomic grant. The Ergonomics Awareness Team encourages submitting an application if work group colleagues regularly:  

• Experience physical discomfort due to manually lifting, pushing, pulling, or transporting equipment, objects or patients.

• Bend over, reach up or perform awkward, repetitive motion for several hours during the work day.

• Experience physical stress or discomfort due to work conditions.

“Many times, making small ergonomic improvements in the workplace can have a big impact on worker safety, physical discomfort, job satisfaction and productivity,” says Suzanne Bade, MHealthy Ergonomics Awareness Team chair and senior ergonomics consultant.

Applications will be judged based on the significance of the ergonomic issue, the feasibility of the project, and the anticipated outcome. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the website for more information on what projects will, and will not be considered for funding.

To make grant dollars go farther and reach more university areas, MHealthy encourages departments and units that receive a grant to share in the cost of the project. However, that is not mandatory to receive a grant.

Applications are accepted year-round. However, submissions by Oct. 31 are encouraged. Once funds are exhausted applications will be held until next fiscal year.

In addition to its grant program, the Ergonomics Awareness Team continues to accept year-round nominations for its Ergo Hero Awards. These awards recognize departments and individuals that have independently implemented ergonomic solutions in the workplace.

Tags:

Leave a comment

Commenting is closed for this article. Please read our comment guidelines for more information.