Ergonomics Consulting
Our goal is to bring the latest ergonomics research to your work environment
The UC Ergonomics program offers Ergonomic Consulting Services. For more information, you may call our office at 510 665-3403 or contact Kristin Amlie. If you are interested in Ergonomic courses offered through the COEH Continuing Education Program, click here.
Ergonomics involves designing workplaces and work tools to be used easily, efficiently and effectively by people. The overall goal of this applied science is to promote health and productivity in the workplace. Where ergonomic principles are not applied, chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis of the arm and hand, nerve entrapments and back injuries may be common.
The University of California provides ergonomic consulting services to companies, labor organizations and government agencies via the Ergonomics Program. In a climate where cumulative trauma disorders and the associated workers' compensation costs continue to increase, these services are directed to identifying the risk factors to such disorders and assisting clients in reducing the hazards created by these risk factors.
Examples of the impact of such services are:
At a manufacturing plant quality inspectors examined 4,000 products per day; the job required repetitive and intense hand maneuvers. The number of workers' compensation cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis was rising. The workstations were redesigned to reduce muscular loading of the shoulder muscles and repetitive pinching.
The workstations and tasks of court stenographers from a County in the Bay Area were redesigned to reduce hand and wrist fatigue and increase productivity.
A job analysis at a Hazardous Waste Facility led to improved materials handling procedures, thereby lowering the risk of back injuries.
These consulting services are provided by trained and experienced industrial engineers and health professionals. The range of services offered include:
Computer and other workstation evaluation and modification
Job evaluations combined with recommendations for modifications
Tool design to reduce hand and forearm fatigue
Training of employees and supervisors in ergonomic concepts, proper work break patterns and exercises
Review of medical management protocol for employees with cumulative trauma disorders
Design of an effective Ergonomics Program to meet in-house needs and satisfy pending OSHA Ergonomic regulations
Assistance with the evaluation and selection of furniture and hand tools.
Consultation relationships are as confidential and professional as with private consultants. Our hourly rates range from $150-$183. We offer non-profit pricing and creative, prioritized solutions tailored to individual budgets. If we can provide you with further information please let us know.
