Questions for Ergonomists

[Murray Scott]

Hi there.

I'm writing a paper and I'm hoping there are some ergonomists out there who would like to enlighten me.

Would any of you like to wade in on these questions? My context is a large commercial printing plant in Ontario, but I suspect that any "medium industry" might have similar challenges.

1. In your estimation, do employers “get” the significance and costs of poor ergonomics?

2. Is there a big gap between the best and worst employers when it comes to ergonomics in the workplace?

3. What percentage of employers you encounter actually invest enough in safety and ergonomics?

4. What are the commonest mistakes, myths and misconceptions that people have about ergonomics?

5. Other than by using threats of prosecution, have you ever seen or been able to convince a poorly complying employer to significantly improve the ergonomics in his or her workplace?

6. Do employers realize what they are paying for people to be on modified duties for months on end because of ergo injuries?

7. What new government strategy would do the most to reduce Canadian ergo injuries in manufacturing?

Thanks very much for your help.

Murray Scott