One of the greatest challenges in the occupational health and safety profession is the application of theory to actual workplace practice. The difference between how the workplace should be ideally designed and the limitations that occur in pre-existing facilities are often difficult to overcome. With examples from the service industry, heavy industry, agriculture, and the office, this text bridges these gaps between theory and practice by using case studies to illustrate sound ergonomic practices.
The Ergonomic Casebook is a resource that professionals and students can use as a guide for solutions to real-world ergonomic problems. Working examples from ergonomic programs in a variety of industries are included. Case studies describe methods for identifying ergonomic problems, and specific causes are reported. Recommended strategies for the elimination of identified stressors are indicated. Implemented strategies and evaluated results are discussed and explained.
Applications of this book are endless. Whether you are a health and safety professional with limited expertise in ergonomics or a student taking a health and safety course, you will gain extensive insight into ergonomic problem solving as a result of the case studies presented in The Ergonomic Casebook.
Chapter 2.1. Agriculture Case Studies
Ergonomic Job Design in the Hog Industry, W. Hilton
Overexertion in the Hog Industry, W. Hilton
Chapter 2.2. Chemical Industry Case Studies
Anthropometrics in the Chemical Industry, J. Kohn
Hand Injuries in a Chemical Industry Quality Control Laboratory, J. Kohn
Chapter 2.3. Electronics Industry Case Studies
Push, Pull, and Lifting Material Handling Issues in the Electronics Industry, J. Kohn
Repetitive Motion Problems in a Small Electric Motor Manufacturing Facility, M. Friend
Chapter 2.4. Hospita/Health Care Case Studies
Elimination of Back Injuries in a Hospital Environment, A. Anderson, B. Maxwell, and E. Johnson
An Analysis of Signal Detection Issues in a Hospital Environment, G. Baker and R. Scott
Manual Lifting Case Studies in the Health Care Industry, B. Maxwell and E. Johnson
Psychosocial Case Study of a Medical Transcription Unit, K. Miezio
Chapter 2.5. Manufacturing Case Studies
A Behavioral Engineering Approach to Ergonomic Problems, J. Kohn
Ergonomic Case Study of an Automobile Radiator Parts Manufacturing Facility, D. Hinnant
Repetitive Motion Problems in a Synthetic Fibers Plant, D. Lawhorn
Repetitive Motion Problems in Handpacking Systems, L. Ridings
An Ergonomic Case Study in a Servo-Motor Assembly Facility, J. Coltrain and B. Dail
Ergonomic Problems in the Product Design Industry, B. Eudy
Chapter 2.6. Mercantile Case Studies
Ergonomic Force Requirements to Open Doors, M. Volney
Chapter 2.7. Office Environments Case Studies
Ergonomic Complaints Regarding Video Display Terminals, L. Ridings
An Ergonomic Program for Solving VDT Workstation Problems, S. Joyner
An Ergonomics Systems Approach for Solving VDT Workstation Problems in the Agricultural Industry, J. Kohn
Office Ergonomics and Engineering Design, M. Hansen
Chapter 2.8. Service Industry Case Studies
Manual Materials Handling in the Frozen Food Delivery Industry, N. Brown
Manual Materials Handling: Loading of a Freezer in the Frozen Food Delivery Industry, N. Brown
An Environmental-Ergonomic Case Study at a Parcel Delivery Facility, A. Tillett
Ergonomic Tool Design Hazards in the Restaurant Industry, J. Krause
Workplace Equipment and Facility Redesign in the Restaurant Industry, J. Krause and R.S. Lawson
Chapter 2.9. Utility Industry Case Studies
Signal Detection - Three Mile Island Accident: Right String Wrong Yo Yo, R. Pate
Index
Most Chapters include an Introduction, a Case Study, a Statement of the Problem, Recommendations, References, and Case Study Questions.
Biography
James P. Kohn is an associate professor of Industrial Technology at East Carolina University. He was previously director of the Occupational Safety Management program at Indiana State University. Dr. Kohn holds a doctorate in education from West Virginia University. He has both academic and industrial experience. He has worked as a safety, health and environmental consultant in the telecommunications for industry and as a corporate supervisor of safety and health training in the electrical utility industry. In the area of occupational safety and health he is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). Dr. Kohn has written four books on safety and industrial hygiene topics. He has also published numerous articles covering ergonomics, safety, industrial hygiene and training. In addition, Dr. Kohn has presented numerous papers at professional conferences and has conducted many training workshops both industry and the public sector. He is a member of the American Society of Safely Engineers, American Industrial Hygiene Association, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. He currently serves as a member of the Eastern Carolina Safety and Health School Board.