Larry J. Fine, Thomas R. Hales, and Robert G. Radwin (Session Arranger). ANSI 2-365 Subcommittee Chairs. This panel will present an overview of the latest ...
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PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS A N D ERGONOMICS SOCIETY 40th ANNUAL MEETING-1996
IMPLEMENTING THE ANSI 2-365 STANDARD FOR CONTROL OF WORK-RELATED CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS Thomas J. Armstrong ANSI 2-365 Committee Chair Stover H. Snook ANSI 2-365 Committee Vice Chair Larry J. Fine, Thomas R. Hales, and Robert G. Radwin (Session Arranger) ANSI 2-365 Subcommittee Chairs This panel will present an overview of the latest working draft of the ANSI 2-365 standard for control of workrelated cumulative trauma disorders and discuss how both newly established and already successful ergonomics programs in large and small companies can utilize the consensus standard. The audience will have an opportunity to make inquiries to the ANSI standard committee chairs, discuss relevant technical aspects of the standard, exchange views about the proposed standard, and offer perspectives on the implementation of ergonomics programs in industry.
PANELISTS Thomas Albin, Ph.D. Ergonomist 3M Company St. Paul, MN Thomas J. Armstrong, Ph.D. Chair of ANSI 2-365 Standard Committee University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI Larry J. Fine, MD Chair of ANSI 2-365 Surveillance Committee National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati, OH Bradley Joseph, Ph.D. Ergonomist Ford Motor Company Dearborn, MI Robert G. Radwin, Ph.D. Chair of ANSI 2365 Job Analysis and Design Committee University of Wisconsin Madison, WI Stover H. Snook, Ph.D. Vice Chair of ANSI 2-365 Standard Committee Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Hopkinton, MA
Carol Stuart-Buttle Ergonomics Consultant Stuart-Buttle Ergonomics Philadelphia, PA
INTRODUCTION The ANSI 2-365 standard is a consensus technical standard that specifies principles and practices for controlling work-related cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). It is intended for use by persons who have responsibility for the design and operation of work equipment and procedures, and for the management of medical, health and safety programs. The draft standard represents the progress of ongoing work by a committee representing interested employers, employees, trade associations, professional societies, governmental regulators and researchers, suppliers, insurers, academics and individuals concerned with the control of work-related cumulative trauma disorders. The draft standard has been undergoing development for five years. The standard reflects available research and experience which shows that CTDs are associated with multiple work-related and non-work-related factors. Work factors and activities include: work processes, methods, equipment, tools, materials, schedules and incentives, and other aspects of work organization. It has been shown that changes in
PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS SOCIETY 40th ANNUAL MEETING-1996
work factors and activities associated with CTDs may reduce exposure to the factors that influence the incidence of CTDs. It is also recognized that CTDs often go unreported. Furthermore it is the experience of the ANSI Z-365 committee that the disability associated with CTDs is often related to how the cases are managed.
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2. Industry panelists will discuss how employers can utilize the ANSI Z-365 standard, from the perspective of ergonomics practitioners in their respective industry.
INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION TOPICS
Given the current body of research and practical experience, the ANSI Z-365 committee concludes that:
Following the initial presentations, the audience will have an opportunity to interact with the panelists. Some possible topics for the interactive discussion are:
•
It is possible to quantify exposure to CTD risk factors.
1 . Specific inquiries to ANSI Z-365 committee chairs regarding technical details of the standard.
•
It is possible to anticipate many work situations in which CTDs are likely to occur.
•
It is not yet possible to specify quantitative work design parameters for a given level of risk in a given population.
• It is possible to develop and implement control measures for suspected or established work related risk factors for CTDs. •
It is possible to identify affected employees for medical and work interventions.
•
It is possible to manage CTD cases in ways in which minimize impairment and disability.
•
It is possible to specify strategies and program components for a performance oriented standard to control work-related CTDs.
The ANSI Z-365 standard details a case initiated, data-initiated, and proactive program for control of work-related CTDs based on the aforementioned conclusions.
ISSUES FOR THE PANELISTS The panelists will address the following topics in their introductory remarks: 1. The ANSI Z-365 standard chairs will provide an overview of the latest draft of the ANSI Z-365 standard. Committee chairs will describe the essential components of the standard and how the standard addresses injury surveillance, job analysis and design, and medical management activities.
2. Sharing of individual perspectives on implementing the standard in diverse workplaces. 3 . Offering of suggestions for improving the draft standard.
REFERENCE ANSI
Z-365
Control
of
Work-Related
Cumulative Trauma Disorders, Part 1: Upper Extremities, Working Draft, National Safety Council-Secretariat, January 1, 1996.
Copies of the ANSI Z-365 draft can be obtained by contacting: Ms. Jill Niland National Safety Council 1121 Spring Lake Drive Itasca, IL 60143 (708) 775-2226 Phone (708) 775-2185 Fax
