Humantech e-book gives 1st step for effective ergonomics program

by Brianna Crandall — April 20, 2016—Four Key Elements of an Ergonomics Gap Analysis is the first in a five-part series of e-books from workplace ergonomics company Humantech about the steps required to build and sustain an ergonomics process.

The Humantech Engagement Model was developed as a framework for companies to follow when starting, improving, or restarting an ergonomics process. In the new e-book, Certified Professional Ergonomists and ergonomics engineers Walt Rostykus and Jeff Sanford explain Step One, “Gaps and Fit,” from the Engagement Model.

Identifying “where you are” and “where you want to be” in the ergonomics process and assessing the difference between them is critical to building an ergonomics process and can be determined by performing a gap analysis, according to the publication. As a result of the analysis, companies will be able to answer the following questions:

  • What are we not doing or not doing well (what are the “gaps”)?
  • What are we doing well (the things we can leverage, or the “fits”)?
  • Where do we want to be (vision and goal for ergonomics and MSD injuries)?
Element #1: Establish the Criteria

According to the book, there are four key elements of performing a gap analysis. The first, or starting point, is to “Establish the Criteria.” The selection of the criteria depends on the desired goal. For example, is it to improve management of the ergonomics process, or to meet country regulations or company standards?

Based on the goal, the elements (criteria) needed should then be selected and compiled. Most companies want to compare their features, strategies, and elements to those of world-class processes. The criteria will reveal what must be done (standards and regulations) and how best to do it (best practices).

Element #2: Use Capable Evaluators

According to the publication, the second key element is to “Use Capable Evaluators.” Who conducts the gap analysis is equally as important as the criteria that is evaluated. To learn what capabilities and skills the evaluators should have, and for the remaining two elements of performing a gap analysis, download the e-book from the Humantech Web site.

Performing a good gap analysis reportedly expedites the next steps in planning and launching an effective and efficient ergonomics process. The second step in Humantech’s Engagement Model, “Building a Foundation,” is addressed in the second e-book in this series, which will be released this summer.