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Xandex Thrives on Proactive Workplace
Ergonomics Program Ergonimics: "The applied science
of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize
productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Also
called biotechnology, human engineering, human factors
engineering."
"One
of the primary goals of ergonomics is prevention of workplace
illness and accidents. According to the United States Bureau of
Labor Statistics, more than 60 percent of the workplace illnesses
reported each year are associated with repetitive stress injuries
(RSI). These injuries result from continuous repetition of the
same motions, for instance screwing or twisting items on an
assembly line. The injury may be exacerbated by awkward postures,
such as bending or reaching. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example,
is a painful and often debilitating swelling of the tendons in
the wrist, which results from overuse of the hands and wrists. It
is particularly common in people who must bend or overextend
their arms while performing a repetitive task, for instance,
typing on a computer keyboard, cutting meat, or tripping knobs
and levers. Frequent, unassisted heavy lifting, for example
moving hospital patients in and out of beds, is one of the
leading causes of work-related back injuries. Noise-induced
hearing loss resulting from continuous exposure to excessive
noise is another type of RSI, as are headaches and eyestrain due
to improper workplace lighting."1
The Xandex
ergonomics program focuses on three categories: hazard
identification and corrective action, prevention practice and
wellness, and initiative and support. All employees participate
in regular stretch breaks throughout the day and are encouraged
to monitor their activities for repetitive motions that may cause
muscle strain. Regular workstation evaluations help ergonomics
coordinators identify posture and motions during daily work that
may lead to injury. Modifications are made so that each employee
has the right tools, equipment and information to stay healthy.
Each department has an ergonomics representative responsible for
monitoring activities funneling suggestions and maintaining the
highest standards for the Company’s health and safety program.
The Xandex
ergonomics program has been in effect since 1993. Prompted by a
high percentage of repetitive stress injuries to employees,
Xandex embarked on an intensive information gathering campaign
which led to the development of an improved ergonomic work
environment and a subsequent reduction in work related injuries.
Xandex Ergonomics Program Nationally
Recognized
Xandex was
one of five organizations recognized nationally by CTDNews for
the “Best Practices” of its extensive ergonomics program. The
January 1998 issue of CTDNews (PDF 258 K),
a national publication dedicated to identifying workplace
solutions for repetitive stress injuries, focused on the methods
and interventions implemented by Xandex and four other
organizations in an effort to reduce the high costs associated
with repetitive stress injuries.
CTDNews
features in its “Best Practices”, companies “willing to
embark on progressive campaigns to reduce, if not rid, their
workplaces of cumulative trauma disorders.” According to
CTDNews they received more nominations for this year’s “honor
roll” than any of the previous years. Along with Xandex, the
recognized organizations included: City of Tucson, Eastman
Chemical Co., the New York Times and the Association of Retarded
Citizens Thrift Stores.
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