"I don't think most companies realize how quickly, easily and inexpensively ergonomic product evaluation can be provided. In most cases, a simple video examination is all it takes... More to the point, if companies understood the ramifications of minimizing ergonomic risk on their customers and employees alike, time, difficulty or the expense of ergonomic analysis would be considered immaterial."
Robert O. Andres, Ph.D., CPE President and Founder Ergonomic Engineering, Inc.
"Dear Bob,
We thank you and your group for the excellent job that you have done with this project [patient handeling device], and other related areas of research. In my opinion, it is difficult to place a dollar value on work this important. I want you to know that we are well aware of the efforts made in this research, and we are committed to advancing this technology and helping as many people as possible. Your company's research will help advance principles that will impact those policy makers [health care/nursing home industry] and hopefully manual lifting will be recognized for what it is a fact of life."
David Dubats, Vice President Second Step USA, Inc.
Why EEI?
Ergonomic Engineering, Inc. is comprised of a staff of biomechanical engineers led by company President--Bob Andres, Ph.D., CPE. Dr. Andres is a noted researcher and author in the field of ergonomics and is considered a leading authority on back and upper extremity injuries. Dr. Andres and his staff specialize in Ergonomics consultation and represent over thirty years of experience in the industry.
What is Ergonomic Product Evaluation?
The
primary goal of ergonomic product evaluation is to identify risk--to
your employees as well as your customers.
From a purchasing or company safety perspective, this means identifying which product is the safest, most cost effective and efficient to use.
Because cumulative trauma
disorders now account for over half of all work-related illnesses, ergonomic
risk must be identified and quantified when your company is considering
the purchase of a new piece of machinery or hand tool. A purchasing decision
based on anything less than a full ergonomic analysis is simply guesswork...
Case Study: Nissan
Under
consideration were two models of scanning guns at Nissan's Parts Distribution
Center in New York. Since this tool was to be eventually adopted in all
of Nissan's U.S. plants, the decision was a significant one. After subjecting
the two guns to various ergonomic criteria measures (including weight,
balance and trigger force), a user satisfaction survey was also incorporated
to determine optimal user safety and satisfaction. Employee opinion was
found to be consistent with ergonomic evaluation, as one scanning gun model
was clearly shown to be the superior tool.
From a sales and marketing perspective, EEI ergonomic
evaluation capabilities are intended to facilitate product use and improve
performance. Working with your marketing department, EEI ergonomists can
document the competitive advantages of your manufactured products over
those of your closest rivals. Test results obtained in EEI's fully equipped
biomechanical laboratory support advertising claims and indicate when design
modifications may enhance customer satisfaction. Case Study--Hamilton Industries
EEI not only evaluated and confirmed marketing advantages over competitive
products for this pipette manufacturer, but several design modifications
recommended by EEI were eventually adopted by Hamilton, further differentiating
their products in the marketplace. Hamilton is the world leader in precision
fluid measurement devices.
EEI Product Evaluations--
Affordable, Independent Ergonomic Analysis
EEI product
evaluation provides for improved product performance, safer product use,
lower workers compensation costs and greater sales for your company. Best
of all, you can decide how much analysis you require before purchasing
that new piece of equipment or launching your latest product line(s).
Level 1 Video Analysis $500-$2000
A
certified ergonomist from EEI will review a video of your product being
used and measure the severity of the ergonomic risk factors identified.
A summary report detailing test results and itemizing recommendations will
be generated. All EEI studies conclude with a teleconference to answer
questions and finalize conclusions.
Level 2 Pilot Study $2,500-$10,000
EEI
certified ergonomists will evaluate your product/ prototype and those of
2 to 3 of your competitors. Standard experiments will be conducted using
4 subjects to compare/contrast potential sources of injury or fatigue between
products. A full report with results on all products tested is generated
with specific recommendations to improve your product's performance. Supportable
marketing claims are also discussed in detail.
Level 3 Research Analysis Price: project specific
Results
from these quantitative research projects are intended to be published
in an appropriate peer- review journal. Statistical techniques including
analysis of variance, sample size estimation and post hoc analysis are
used to deliver a report intended to be unassailable by your competition.
For a free initial consultation, simply pick up the phone and call us at
1-800-375-ERGO or e-mail us at EEI@ergo.engin.com.
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