AIHce Speaker: Market the Need for Ergonomics

June 7, 2002
An ergonomist told attendees this week at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo in San Diego that they need to sell to all levels of a company the business case for an ergonomics program.

When it comes to making a business case for ergonomic interventions in the workplace, top management isn't the only level that needs to buy in to the need, according to a Wisconsin ergonomist.

Patricia Seeley, CPE, principal consultant for ergonomics, WE Energies, says health and safety professionals need to be willing to take the time to substantiate the business case for an ergonomics program. "Be really aggressive about going after your internal corporate data. Don't be afraid to invest some of your own time on this."

Injury and illness data is not enough, Seeley contends. Cost data is needed that proves how ergonomics injuries hurt the bottom line. This includes cost-benefit data, as well as calculating the payback time for an intervention.

When the data is available, Seeley suggests that health and safety professionals "get friendly" with virtually all departments - human resources, medical, purchasing, engineering - about an ergonomics program makes sense from a business perspective. The goal is to gain widespread support.

"Once you've got the data, sell it and sell it and sell it," she says. "Knock on doors. Get up to the very top and down to the very bottom. Market it everywhere you can."

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
Learn about lone working laws in the US, key hazards and risks, and get actionable advice on how to keep your lone workers safe.
June 23, 2025
Chemical substitution can quickly get messy, with unclear steps and the risk of swapping one hazard for another. This checklist helps you avoid costly mistakes, prioritize which...
June 23, 2025
A mature approach to health and safety means making safety a core part of your culture, where everyone plays a role and performance is measured by more than just numbers. In this...
June 23, 2025
Behavior-based safety focuses on observing and encouraging safe behaviors to reduce workplace risks. Experts explain how strong safety culture, clear methods, and digital tools...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!