Are U ERGO?
By Suzanne Bade, MPH, OTR, senior clinical specialist and ergonomic consultant, MWorks
You may have noticed that the Health System and the University at-large are abuzz with talk of ergonomics, and by now you should have received three “No-No vs. Ergo” postcards that show recommended ways to use your body safely. Those efforts are the result of the Michigan Healthy Community Initiative’s Enhanced Ergonomics Awareness Program which empowers faculty and staff to help themselves and each other be safe and comfortable at work and home.
Ergonomics is the science of designing work environments and processes for the people who use them. Here in the Health System, we have resources to help faculty and staff apply ergonomic principles to daily activities, including Safety Management Services (for UMHHC employees), U-M Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (for campus, Medical School and M-CARE employees) and MWorks (for any U-M employee with a physician’s referral). In addition, there are Web-based ergonomic resources—including three tutorials on ergonomic material handling, office work and laboratory work—on the Michigan Healthy Community Web site.
As part of the Enhanced Ergonomics Awareness Program, MWorks offers a special, free service for employees currently under a doctor’s care for musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. If this describes you, MWorks can work with you, your physician and your supervisor to optimize your workplace ergonomic health by suggesting beneficial self-help techniques, work strategies and equipment arrangement.
For example, if you have arthritis in your hands, back or neck and you work with tools (mops, drills, tweezers, etc.), ergonomics specialists can help you position your equipment and body safely, as well as suggest low-cost tool adjustments. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome and you work at a desk, ergonomics specialists can evaluate your workstation setup for comfort and provide instruction on safe keyboard and mouse use.
T
o access this service, have your physician’s office fax a referral form to MWorks at 734-975-3011. An MWorks staff member will contact you and your supervisor for an appointment.
This is just one more way we continue Taking Care of Our Own!
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