Industrial Ergonomics & Material Handling

INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS & MATERIAL HANDLING

WA2	Introduction to Industrial Ergonomics John LaCourse PhD, CPE, CEES; Chair of the Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of New Hampshire Wednesday, May 30 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM This session is perfect for those with two or less years of experience applying ergonomics principles and implementing solutions. Those recently put in charge of their company’s ergonomics or safety program, as well as those looking for a refresher course – this session is for you! Proven methods of identifying risk, a variety of assessment techniques, and implementing solutions to reduce and eliminate risk will be reviewed. Attendees will: Gain hands-on experience by working in groups with their peers Examine real-life case studies, and using videos and/or photographs, will analyze worksites, identify risk factors and propose solutions to reduce injury and improve efficiency.	BASIC This session will address issues related to the aging workforce.
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WB2	The Energized Approach to Effective Training Michael Melnik MS, OTR; President, Prevention Plus, Inc. Wednesday, May 30 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM There is a big difference between what employees know and what employees do. Companies spend a great deal of time delivering information to employees and very little time energizing the environment in a way that will turn this information into action with bottom-line results. This session will introduce you to methods that will ensure the maximum return on your training investment. Attendees will learn how to: Define the differences between an orientation, education and training Identify the key ingredients that turn information into action Incorporate strategies for creating a workplace that supports your training efforts Identify strategies for making training programs more interesting, fun, and effective.	ALL LEVELS
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WC2	How Pratt & Whitney Implemented 200 Effective Ergonomic Fixes in 6 Months Thomas LeBlond, Manager Environmental Health & Safety, Pratt & Whitney Blake McGowan, CPE; Managing Consultant, Humantech Wednesday, May 30 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM Pratt & Whitney’s North Berwick, Maine manufacturing plant needed to reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries in its workplace. They embarked on a quick start improvement plan that resulted in the implementation of over 200 effective and sustainable ergonomic fixes. This presentation will describe the process they applied toward this program with real workplace examples for other organizations to consider. Attendees will learn how these successful processes can help an organization in: Evaluating program opportunities Assessing the effectiveness of the efforts toward employee fulfillment Delivering a focused effort toward injury reduction.	ALL LEVELS
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WD2	Evaluating Risk Associated with Manual Materials Handling Brian R. Sherman MS, CPE; Director of Ergonomic Services, The Ergonomics Center of North Carolina Wednesday, May 30 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM This session focuses on one of the most physically challenging components in the workplace – manual materials handling. In addition to learning the mechanics of manual materials handling and its effects on the body, participants will learn to assess risk within a job or work area and employ effective analysis techniques to assist in solution development. Assessment tools include the 1991 NIOSH Lifting Guidelines and the Liberty Mutual (Snook) MMH Tables. A broad variety of options will be discussed in this solution-driven session. Attendees will leave this presentation with the ability to: Explain the basic anatomy of the back Explain how the biomechanics of the back affects the ability to lift safely Identify risk factors that contribute to back-related WMSDs Properly use the 1991 NIOSH Lifting Guidelines to evaluable lifting/lowering tasks Use Liberty Mutual Materials Handling Tables to evaluate lifting/lowering/pulling/pushing/carrying tasks Describe proper lifting techniques Describe simple approaches to reducing back-related ergonomic hazards.	BASIC / INTERMEDIATE This session will address issues related to the aging workforce.
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TA2	Evolution of the Ergonomics Program at Honda of America Jose Carlos N. Banaag, CPE, MS; Staff Engineer – Ergonomics, Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. Thursday, May 31 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM The automotive industry has become increasingly competitive. Compounded by the challenges of increasing government regulations and consumer demands, Honda of America has used its ergonomics program as a cost reduction tool. By providing a working environment that minimizes or eliminates exposure to risk they have seen ergonomics-related incident rates decline significantly. Attendees will explore the highly effective ergonomics process approach implemented at Honda, and discover how to utilize their successful methods including: Developing and evolving your organization’s ergonomics program from an expert-based system to one where ergonomics, and safety in general, become a part of daily functions throughout the organization A solid understanding of the fundamental steps required to identify, prioritize and analyze problems Other lessons learned from the Honda experience.	ALL LEVELS
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TB2	How to Save Money & Time with Lean Manufacturing Jerome Congleton, PhD, PE, CPE; Professor, Texas A&M University Thursday, May 31 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM Manufacturing engineers, time study professionals and practicing ergonomists in many companies could benefit greatly by implementing the concepts of lean manufacturing. Understood as a system rather than individual tools and techniques, participants will see that lean can be used in manufacturing, service and administrative functions to increase process effectiveness and reduce costs. This session offers an introduction to the entire system of lean manufacturing, with special emphasis on hands-on application of commonly used lean tools and techniques. Participants will learn skills they can take home and start using immediately, and will learn how lean concepts can enhance their ergonomics, safety and health programs while setting standards, recommending method improvements, and establishing cost/benefit analysis or metrics to measure your success.	ALL LEVELS
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TC2	Ergonomics Risk Assessment: Maximizing the Value of a Physical Demands Analysis David Brodie, MS, CPE, Director of Ergonomic Services, Atlas Ergonomics, LLC Thursday, May 31 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Too often we look at the various tools used in ergonomics and safety in isolation. For example, a physical demands description (or essential function profile) contains very similar data as would be required in various ergonomic risk assessment tools. By optimizing time on the floor collecting data, a company can be prepared to both prevent and react to musculoskeletal injuries. A little planning and preparation is all that is required. Attendees will learn to: Understand the value and content of a physical demands analysis Understand the input variables and output of standard ergonomics risk assessment tools Learn how to combine the two assessments to maximize value of information.	ALL LEVELS This session will address issues related to the aging workforce.
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The National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition and the Eastern Ergonomics Conference are owned and managed by Continental Exhibitions, Inc.
For more information contact Walter Charnizon, President, at Continental Exhibitions, Inc., 370 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017,
Phone 212-370-5005, Fax 212-370-5699, E-mail information@ergoexpo.com