It is widely known and well accepted that ergonomics reduces workplace injuries/illnesses, improves process efficiency and lowers quality concerns.

A review of case studies was conducted from national conferences, OSHA publications, and RMG’s involvement to better understand companies’ impact with ergonomics.  The following summarizes a sampling of ergonomic impact in three categories including Health & Safety Improvements, Operational Impact, and Quality Enhancements.

• TRW – Cookeville, TN – 83% reduction in WMSD rate
• Chevron Texaco – Multiple locations – 80% reduction in WMSD lost workdays
• Northrop Grumman – Sausalito, CA – 74% reduction in workers’ comp costs
• Owens Corning – Various locations – 34% reduction in WMSD incidence rates
• E. Dittmar – Zanesville, OH – 22% reduction in WMSD restricted workdays

• WWL – Smyrna, TN – $697,000 increase in annual productivity
• Owens Corning – Multiple locations – 12% reduction in process downtime
• Toyota – Georgetown, KY – $94,000 reduction in annual labor costs
• Tamko – Knoxville, TN – 3% reduction of in non-value added walking
• Honda – Alliston, Ontario – 11% reduction in cycle time

• Corning – Goose Creek, SC – $3.6 million reduction in quality issues
• Quaker – Danville, IL – averted $250,000 quality issue
• Nestle Water – Red Boiling Springs, TN – 3% improvement in fill consistency