JTEG Technology Forum: Ergonomics: Protecting the Workforce

DoD employees are our most precious asset. Protecting those employees is critical to every DoD activity, especially maintenance activities which often involve lifting or operating heavy material and tools. Fortunately, ergonomic technology and principles are available which can be utilized in maintenance activities to minimize strain and stress on employees’ bodies. Adopting and implementing these technologies and principles can substantially contribute to the overall safety, comfort and health of the workforce. Additionally, applying these ergonomic assists may help boost productivity and reduce employee turnover rates. Historically, more than one-third of lost-time injuries are the result of overexertion/ergonomics injuries, many of which lead to extended days of leave. DoD has tested and adopted various lift assist devices to increase productivity and reduce musculoskeletal injuries across a range of heavy industrial occupations.  The focus of these devices is to dramatically increase productivity across a broad range of tasks and protect the worker from musculoskeletal injuries. This forum will highlight the ergonomic technology/ practices and their many potential uses to protect our maintainers from injury while increasing productivity.  Examples include full body exoskeletons which have been procured and tested, and the use of exoskeleton arms for tasks such as grinding and sanding.

Agenda

1300-1309:  Welcome and Overview – Greg Kilchenstein (OSD-MPP)

1309-1310:  Administrative Notes – Debbie Lilu (NCMS)

1310-1340:  Shipyard Ergonomics Program & Hardware Solutions – Cindy Whitehead (NSWCDD)

1340-1355:  Hand Tool Vibration – Mark Geiger (NAVSAFECEN)

1355-1410:  U.S. Army Ergonomics Programs – LTC Jay Clasing (U.S. Army Public Health Center)

1410-1425:  Confined Space Monitoring Program and Laser Handheld Particulate Sensor

– Frank Zahiri (USAF AFMC AFSC/ENRB) and Kevin T. Durkee (APTIMA)

1425-1440:  USMC Ergonomics Programs – Greg Russell & Bill Baker (USMC Albany)

1440-1455:  NAVAIR Ergonomics Programs – TBD (FRC-SW)

1455-1500:  Wrap-up and JTEG Principals Comments