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Completed Projects:
- Ergonomics Study of Custodial, Housekeeping, and Environmental Service Positions at the University of California
- Ergonomics Study of Dining Service Workers at the University of California
Future Projects:
- Ergonomics Study of Building Maintenance Workers at the University of California
- Ergonomics Study of Animal Laboratory Positions at the University of California
- Ergonomics Study of Groundskeeper Positions at the University of California
Featured Ergonomic Projects
Ergonomics Study of Dining Services Positions
at the University of California
May 2012
At the University of California, Dining Services plays a critical role in providing food for thousands of students, patients, guests, staff, and faculty. To perform this critical job function, workers are exposed to ergonomic risks such as repetitive motion, strain, and awkward postures. During fiscal years 2008-2011, ergonomic injuries in dining services accounted for 705 workers’ compensation claims, with an actuarial estimated ultimate direct cost of $8,651,496. Loss data was valued as of November 30, 2011.
At the request of UCOP Risk Services, the UC Ergonomics Work Group conducted a study of Dining Services to identify the top five areas of ergonomic risk and develop strategies to address these issues. A project team comprised of ergonomists from various UC locations was formed.
Various approaches were used to meet the project objectives, including:
- Workers’ Compensation data analysis
- Literature review
- Task analysis
- Direct observation and front line experiences at individual locations
The top 5 high risk tasks identified and addressed in this project include:
- Food Preparation
- Manual Material Handling in the Kitchen
- Stocking the Storeroom/ Retrieving Items from Storeroom
- Transporting Food to Remote Locations (catering, patient food distribution)
- Dishwashing (dishes, pots, pans) .....click here to read full report
Best Practices
Best Practices Bulletin_Dishroom
Best Practices Bulletin _Food Preparation
Best Practices Bulletin_Food Transportation
Recommended Product Sheets
Design Guidelines
at the University of California
May 2011
At the University of California, custodians, housekeepers and environmental service workers play a critical role in keeping building interiors well-maintained. To perform these physical tasks, these workers are exposed to ergonomic risk factors such as repetitive motions and awkward postures. In fiscal year 2010, custodial injuries accounted for 761 workers’ compensation claims, with an actuarial estimated ultimate direct cost of $7.1 million. Loss data was valued as of June 30, 2010.
UCOP Risk Services tasked the UC System-wide Ergonomics Work Group with conducting an ergonomic study of this group to identify problem areas and develop strategies to address those problems. A project team comprised of ergonomists from various UC locations was formed.Various approaches were used to meet the project objectives. Workers’ Compensation data and task analysis were used to identify high risk tasks. The high risk tasks include: trash, recycle and linen handling, mopping, bathroom cleaning, vacuuming, lifting and moving furniture. A literature review was conducted and the ergonomists drew upon front line experiences at their individual locations.
....click here to read full report
Recommended Product Sheets
Auto Scrubbers
Mopping Systems
Steam Mop
Backpack Vacuums
Large Area Vacuums
Upright Vacuums
Bathroom Hand Tools
Bathroom No-Touch
Dumpster Poles
Ergo Tug
Lightweight Furniture
Stationary Lifters
Large Load Stationary Lifter
Linen Spring Load Cart
Mobile Trash Lifters
Powered Hand Trucks
Light Weight Conference and Banquet Tables
Best Practices Bulletins
Bathroom Cleaning
Furniture - Moving/Lifting
Mopping
Trash, Recycle and Linen
Vacuuming