How to Develop a Site Ergonomics Plan

A well constructed site ergonomics plan is critical for ensuring that everyone involved in the ergonomics process understands what needs to occur, and who is responsible for getting it done.  Without a written plan, management doesn’t know what’s needed to support the ergonomics process and you’re likely to be frustrated by a lack of resources to improve workplace ergonomics. Too often, ergonomics processes are initiated with good intentions, but stall out when it becomes apparent support from other functions is needed but was never planned for.

For individuals or teams responsible for managing the ergonomics process at a site, a thoughtfully constructed annual plan is a good way to ensure management support and engagement by the different parties involved.  Ergoweb has developed a planning template to help develop an annual ergonomics plan. Certain activities are needed when a site ergonomics process is launched, such as establishing roles & responsibilities and scheduling training appropriate to the responsibilities.  Other activities are ongoing every year, mainly assessing and improving workplace ergonomics.

Download Ergoweb’s Ergonomics Planning Template to begin or improve your site ergonomics process today.

The template contains planning tools (both examples and blank templates) for:

1. Key Information – for understanding the “current state” of ergonomics at your site.
2. Goals – for documenting specific improvement goals for ergonomics that are endorsed by the site leadership team
3. Roles and Responsibilities – for ensuring roles and responsibilities for ergonomics are formalized in job duties and personal performance metrics
4. Site Ergo Plan – for planning key ergonomics activities over the course of a year
5. Training Plan – for aligning ergonomics training with the skills individuals will need to fulfill their roles and responsibilities for ergonomics
6. Key Metrics – for updating leadership on progress towards the goals established for the site ergonomics process

Also download Ergoweb’s free 14 page guide, 5 Essential Elements of a Successful Ergonomics Process for lessons learned from companies with well managed ergonomics processes.

Don’t have a written corporate ergonomics plan? Here’s a basic example written program from OSHA and the Timber Products Manufacturers Association to get you started.