MHealthy is accepting nominations for its eighth annual Ergonomics Awards, given to university units and employees that have implemented ergonomic solutions in the workplace.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the workplace to the worker, often resulting in the promotion of safety, health, productivity and job satisfaction.
Nominations are accepted in two categories: Department Level Ergo Awards and Individual Ergo Hero Awards. Applications for department awards can be submitted through March 31. Individual employee award nominations are accepted year-round. Any employee can nominate a department, unit or university regular faculty or staff member for an award.
“We want to recognize ergonomic improvements large and small,” says Suzanne Bade, MHealthy Ergonomics program chair and senior ergonomics consultant. “Solutions include employees acknowledged for working safely, supervisory support of employee needs, or a department improving work processes or equipment to reduce ergonomic risks. Our goal is to acknowledge those university units and employees that are champions in creating a safer workplace.”
Department Ergo Awards
Department Ergo Awards are held each spring to recognize university units that have independently created a safer, healthier and more efficient work environment by decreasing ergonomic risk factors and reducing or preventing employee discomfort
To qualify, a department or unit must have implemented the ergonomic solution during 2013. Entries will be judged based on the significance of the ergonomic issue and the success of the ergonomic solution.
Winners will be announced in May, and areas earning the top award will receive a special plaque and a celebration sponsored by MHealthy.
Individual Ergo Hero Award
Nominations can be submitted year-round for an Individual Ergo Hero Award. This award recognizes any faculty and staff member who is independently reducing their chance of discomfort or other ergonomic risks by using recommended postures, work strategies or equipment. It also recognizes managers, supervisors and other university leaders who support staff by applying ergonomic solutions in the workplace.
“Individual award nominations are encouraged year-round. It’s important to recognize faculty, staff, supervisors and managers for practicing safe behaviors or helping others to stay safe in the workplace,” says Bade. “The application only takes five minutes to complete and all appropriate nominees are recognized with an Ergo Hero lapel pin and a congratulatory certificate.”
Deborah Ryba
Deb is constantly looking for ways to improve our unit. She gives her suggestions to the management and some of her ideas have been implemented. One of her recent ideas was to order a stocking cart that could be wheeled to the bedsides to restock the areas and this reduces risks in carrying supplies in our arms or on a bedside table where they fall off. It also makes the workflow much more efficient as the cart remains stocked and she can roll it around the unit and restock each slot without returning back & forth the the stockroom for supplies. The cart also improves body mechanics and limits bending/carrying of supplies daily. GOOD JOB DEB!
Deb also keeps our work area spotless. She is always organizing/reducing clutter. Cleaning everything she sees that may need to be wiped down. The patients/staff also benefit from this meticulous cleaning regime–reducing germs/dust/contamination around our EAASC.
Deb we appreciate your attention to detail and helping us maintain a clean/safe working environment everyday!! You give 110% when you’re here and it doesn’t go unnoticed!
Lori Dager
I submitted the above comment. Now that I look at it I may not have submitted it to the correct place. Please inform us how to submit an Ergo Nomination to the proper channel. Thanks, Lori
Jamie Iseler
A link to the nomination forms at http://www.MHealthy.umich.edu/ergoawards has been added above.
Lori Dager
Thanks!