Balanced Image has worked with large and small companies, and in outdoor settings as well as indoor offices.
Whether a company is looking for a comprehensive program or a single evaluation of an individual's workstation, Balanced Image is capable and ready to provide that service. All of Balanced Image's programs and services follow CAL-OSHA requirements for education and reporting.
Developing and implementing an ergonomics safety program
Ergonomics considerations in the design phase of creating and building a workspace
Workplace evaluations, lectures and training
DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING AND MAINTAINING AN ERGONOMICS SAFETY PROGRAM
The basis of any solid ergonomics program is identifying a company's needs. To do this Balanced Image completes a work site assessment and job-based employee ergonomics analysis to determine risk factors for injuries in jobs performed by the company's employees.
After determining what type of program a company needs, Balanced Image can set up and execute that program, as well as develop and implement a process to ensure the efficient and effective running of the program. Depending on the needs of the company that process might include the development of company policies and procedures for reporting injuries, communicating the program to the employees, training managers, or ensuring compliance with CAL-OSHA regulations.
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ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS IN THE DESIGN PHASE OF CREATING AND BUILDING A WORK SPACE
In any phase of planning a work space, Balanced Image works with architects, designers, or facilities planners to design and create a work environment that is ergonomically efficient and follows accepted ergonomics guidelines. In working with designers, Balanced Image considers the specifics of the work space, specific tasks performed by employees, and potential areas where injuries might occur. By integrating this information into the purpose of the design, Balanced Image helps designers create a reasonable work area that works ergonomically and aesthetically, and which also saves the client in excessive workers compensation costs.
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WOKPLACE EVALUATIONS, LECTURES AND TRAINING
COMPUTER WORK-SITE EVALUATION
A 30 to 45 minute visit to the workstation is designed to cover the basic principles of a proper posture and body mechanics while working at the computer. At the end of a visit a worker will be more aware of how a job task is best executed and how to reduce the risk of injury in the tasks he performs. The evaluation emphasizes current ergonomics guidelines for the computer workstation and meets the CAL-OSHA requirements for education.
The individual work-site evaluation covers the following:
- Completion of Balanced Image Workstation Checklist
- Observation of employee work habits
- Evaluation of how workstation is set up for worker's needs
- Immediate on-site adjustments
- Instruction and practice adjusting chair and other equipment
- Review of workstation tips and stretches
- Copy of Balanced Image "A User's Guide: To Prevent Injury and Help You Be More Comfortable and Effective in Your Work Environment" given to employee
- Written report provided to employee's supervisor with findings and recommendations
- If special equipment is recommended, sources will be listed in the report
- A follow-up phone consultation or brief visit can be arranged
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ERGONOMICS LECTURE FOR THE COMPUTER WORKSTATION
A 1 to 1 1/2 hour interactive lecture designed to cover the basic principles of proper posture and body mechanics while working at the computer workstation. It increases ergonomics awareness of how a job task is executed and focuses on reducing the risk of injury.
Variations of this program are available, including shorter versions and a version that focuses on proper posture in a chair and choosing and adjusting a worker's chair.
The lecture emphasizes current ergonomics guidelines for the computer workstation and meets the CAL-OSHA requirements for education.
The lecture covers:
- Anatomy and physiology of the neck, shoulders, wrists, hands and back
- Review of commonly experienced computer related injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, neck and back pain
- Stretches, proper posture and body mechanics specific to working at the computer are reviewed and practiced
- Forming good and lasting work habits so employees are able to work comfortably and injury free throughout the day
- Practice setting yourself up in your workstation following current and accepted ergonomics guidelines, adjusting chairs
- The lecture is given in Power Point format, handouts are provided and ample time allowed for questions.
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BACK SCHOOL LECTURE
A 1 to 1 1/2 hour interactive lecture designed to cover the basic principles of proper posture and body mechanics during tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling and reaching. The lecture increases ergonomics awareness of how a job task is executed and focuses on reducing the risk of injury.
The lecture meets CAL-OSHA requirements and can be tailored to address job tasks specific to the client company.
The lecture covers:
- Anatomy and physiology of the back, back injury and its implications, factors that may place someone at risk for back injury
- Stretches, proper posture and body mechanics specific to the back and specific to tasks performed by client employees are reviewed and practiced
- Forming good work habits that allow the employee to work comfortably and injury free throughout the day
- Possible ideas for ergonomics work place modifications are discussed
- Review and use of back belts, dollies, carts, pallet jacks, proper clothing and foot wear
- The lecture is given in Power Point format, handouts are provided and ample time is allowed for questions.
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LECTURE AND TRAINING IN THE ERGONOMICS OF WORKING IN AN INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING SETTING
A 1 to 1 1/2 hour interactive lecture designed to cover the basic principles of proper posture and body mechanics during tasks involving assembling such as gripping, pinching, screwing, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling. The lecture will help employees be aware of how to better execute tasks they perform and how to reduce the risk of injury. The lecture meets CAL-OSHA requirements for education.
The lecture covers:
- Anatomy and physiology of specific body areas at risk; injury and its implications; and factors that may place someone at risk of injury
- Stretches, proper posture and body mechanics specific to the body area used in task are reviewed and practiced.
- Special attention will be given to specific tasks performed by company employees.
- Forming good work habits so employees are able to work comfortably and injury free throughout the day
- Possible ideas for modifications to the workplace to make it more ergonomically efficient are discussed
- Review and use of ergonomics assistive tools and devices, such as power tools, grip tape, special ergonomically correct tools such as screw drivers, drills, hammers
- The lecture is given in Power Point format, handouts are provided and ample time is allowed for questions.
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LECTURE AND TRAINING IN THE ERGONOMICS OF WORKING IN VARIED AND CHALLENGING OUTDOOR TERRAIN
A 1 to 1 1/2 hour interactive lecture designed to cover basic ergonomics principles of proper posture and body mechanics while working in varied and challenging outdoor terrain. The lecture helps workers become aware of how to better execute their job tasks and how to reduce the risk of injury.
In addition to the lecture, this course has a 4-6 hour outdoor component that allows participants to practice skills learned in the lecture.
The lecture covers:
- Principles of walking on uneven terrain (attention to self, terrain, task)
- Practice posture and body mechanics while lifting, carrying and load shifting on uneven terrain
- Principles of weight shift and body position as terrain features are changing
- Overall good work habits
- Understanding the transition from no ropes to ropes (may include use of fixed ropes)
- Fitness, including practicing stretches and reviewing exercise program
- General considerations for injuries and treatment
- The lecture is given in Power Point format, handouts are provided and ample time is allowed for questions.
The training will cover:
- Walking and balancing on uneven terrain (attention to self, terrain, task)
- Walking and negotiating various slope angles of rocks, talus, grass, logs, brush, concrete, water/rock mixture, or other obstacles similar to those faced by client's employees
- Climbing skills to negotiate going up and down terrain that does not require ropes
- Preparedness for the outdoor environment, such as consideration of proper footwear and clothing, hydration and fitness, weather, altitude
- Finding the route for easy travel through terrain
- Managing and using fixed ropes
- Understanding the transition from not using to using ropes (will not include use of ropes unless fixed)
- Review and practice of stretches
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