| Estimating the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions through case studies: implications for predictive cost-benefit analysis. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 18571576 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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PROBLEM: Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) can help to justify an investment in ergonomics interventions. A predictive CBA model would allow practitioners to present a cost justification to management during the planning stages, but such a model requires reliable estimates of the benefits of ergonomics interventions. METHOD: Through literature reviews and Internet searches, 250 case studies that reported the benefits of ergonomics programs and control measures were collected and summarized. RESULTS: Commonly reported benefits included reductions in the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) or their incidence rate, as well as related lost workdays, restricted workdays, and workers' compensation costs. Additional benefits reported were related to productivity, quality, turnover and absenteeism. DISCUSSION: Benefits reported were largely positive, and payback periods for ergonomics interventions were typically less than one year. SUMMARY: The results of this review could be used to develop predictive CBA models for ergonomics programs and individual control measures. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Cost-justifying ergonomics interventions prior to implementation may help to secure management support for proposed changes. Numbers used for the benefits side of a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) need to be based on "real world" data in order to be credible. The data presented in this paper may help in the development of simple cost-benefit models for ergonomics programs and control measures. |
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Authors:
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Richard W Goggins; Peregrin Spielholz; Greg L Nothstein |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article Date: 2008-04-28 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of safety research Volume: 39 ISSN: 0022-4375 ISO Abbreviation: J Safety Res Publication Date: 2008 |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2008-06-23 Completed Date: 2008-10-14 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 1264241 Medline TA: J Safety Res Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 339-44 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Consultation Services, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA 98504-4640, USA. gogr235@LNI.wa.gov |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Cost-Benefit Analysis Human Engineering / economics* Humans Models, Economic Musculoskeletal Diseases / economics*, prevention & control Occupational Diseases / economics*, prevention & control Sick Leave / economics* |
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