1st Edition

The Ergonomic Casebook Real World Solutions

By James P. Kohn Copyright 1997

    One of the greatest challenges in the occupational health and safety profession is the application of theory to actual workplace practice. The difference between how the workplace should be ideally designed and the limitations that occur in pre-existing facilities are often difficult to overcome. With examples from the service industry, heavy industry, agriculture, and the office, this text bridges these gaps between theory and practice by using case studies to illustrate sound ergonomic practices.
    The Ergonomic Casebook is a resource that professionals and students can use as a guide for solutions to real-world ergonomic problems. Working examples from ergonomic programs in a variety of industries are included. Case studies describe methods for identifying ergonomic problems, and specific causes are reported. Recommended strategies for the elimination of identified stressors are indicated. Implemented strategies and evaluated results are discussed and explained.
    Applications of this book are endless. Whether you are a health and safety professional with limited expertise in ergonomics or a student taking a health and safety course, you will gain extensive insight into ergonomic problem solving as a result of the case studies presented in The Ergonomic Casebook.

    Chapter 1. Introduction, J. Kohn and C. Winterberger
    Chapter 2.1. Agriculture Case Studies
    Ergonomic Job Design in the Hog Industry, W. Hilton
    Overexertion in the Hog Industry, W. Hilton
    Chapter 2.2. Chemical Industry Case Studies
    Anthropometrics in the Chemical Industry, J. Kohn
    Hand Injuries in a Chemical Industry Quality Control Laboratory, J. Kohn
    Chapter 2.3. Electronics Industry Case Studies
    Push, Pull, and Lifting Material Handling Issues in the Electronics Industry, J. Kohn
    Repetitive Motion Problems in a Small Electric Motor Manufacturing Facility, M. Friend
    Chapter 2.4. Hospita/Health Care Case Studies
    Elimination of Back Injuries in a Hospital Environment, A. Anderson, B. Maxwell, and E. Johnson
    An Analysis of Signal Detection Issues in a Hospital Environment, G. Baker and R. Scott
    Manual Lifting Case Studies in the Health Care Industry, B. Maxwell and E. Johnson
    Psychosocial Case Study of a Medical Transcription Unit, K. Miezio
    Chapter 2.5. Manufacturing Case Studies
    A Behavioral Engineering Approach to Ergonomic Problems, J. Kohn
    Ergonomic Case Study of an Automobile Radiator Parts Manufacturing Facility, D. Hinnant
    Repetitive Motion Problems in a Synthetic Fibers Plant, D. Lawhorn
    Repetitive Motion Problems in Handpacking Systems, L. Ridings
    An Ergonomic Case Study in a Servo-Motor Assembly Facility, J. Coltrain and B. Dail
    Ergonomic Problems in the Product Design Industry, B. Eudy
    Chapter 2.6. Mercantile Case Studies
    Ergonomic Force Requirements to Open Doors, M. Volney
    Chapter 2.7. Office Environments Case Studies
    Ergonomic Complaints Regarding Video Display Terminals, L. Ridings
    An Ergonomic Program for Solving VDT Workstation Problems, S. Joyner
    An Ergonomics Systems Approach for Solving VDT Workstation Problems in the Agricultural Industry, J. Kohn
    Office Ergonomics and Engineering Design, M. Hansen
    Chapter 2.8. Service Industry Case Studies
    Manual Materials Handling in the Frozen Food Delivery Industry, N. Brown
    Manual Materials Handling: Loading of a Freezer in the Frozen Food Delivery Industry, N. Brown
    An Environmental-Ergonomic Case Study at a Parcel Delivery Facility, A. Tillett
    Ergonomic Tool Design Hazards in the Restaurant Industry, J. Krause
    Workplace Equipment and Facility Redesign in the Restaurant Industry, J. Krause and R.S. Lawson
    Chapter 2.9. Utility Industry Case Studies
    Signal Detection - Three Mile Island Accident: Right String Wrong Yo Yo, R. Pate
    Index
    Most Chapters include an Introduction, a Case Study, a Statement of the Problem, Recommendations, References, and Case Study Questions.

    Biography

    James P. Kohn is an associate professor of Industrial Technology at East Carolina University. He was previously director of the Occupational Safety Management program at Indiana State University. Dr. Kohn holds a doctorate in education from West Virginia University. He has both academic and industrial experience. He has worked as a safety, health and environmental consultant in the telecommunications for industry and as a corporate supervisor of safety and health training in the electrical utility industry. In the area of occupational safety and health he is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). Dr. Kohn has written four books on safety and industrial hygiene topics. He has also published numerous articles covering ergonomics, safety, industrial hygiene and training. In addition, Dr. Kohn has presented numerous papers at professional conferences and has conducted many training workshops both industry and the public sector. He is a member of the American Society of Safely Engineers, American Industrial Hygiene Association, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. He currently serves as a member of the Eastern Carolina Safety and Health School Board.