Recorded presentation

Andrew J. Comai, MS, UAW Health & Safety Department, UAW Health & Safety Department, 8000 East Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, (313) 926-5563, acomai@umich.edu

Towards an Ergo Standard in Michigan: Policy Implications in Ergonomics from Collect Bargaining Agreements Negotiated by the United Auto Workers

The United Auto Workers have negotiated comprehensive ergonomic programs through the collective bargaining process with a variety auto companies, truck manufacturers, agricultural implement manufacturers, home appliance manufacturers, and the employers in the health care industry. This paper will provide a historical framework for these collective bargaining agreements, describe research projects that have stemmed from them and provide case studies from successful ergonomic processes that have resulted. The paper will establish UAW baseline criteria for an Ergonomic Standard in the State of Michigan.

One cornerstone to the joint labor/management health and safety programs is the development and funding of ergonomic research projects. Practical applications that have resulted from these research projects will be described.

The paper will describe historical and recent innovations from several joint programs. Recent innovations in the collective bargaining agreements include injury/illness tracking improvements, improved risk assessment tools, development of ergonomic design guidelines, and worker involvement in evaluation and remediation of problem jobs. A model post-injury return to work process will also be described.

Andrew Comai United Auto Workers Health and Safety Department 8000 E Jefferson Detroit Mi 48103 313 926 5563 acomai@umich.edu Acomai/ergodocuments/presentations

Learning Objectives:

• inform participants on the UAW collective baragining agreements on ergonomics, successes, improvements future goals. Update participants on the status of the Michigan Ergonomics Standard and or the z-365 committee. The submitter is a panel member on the michigan ergo standards committee,and is a member of the ANSI z-365 committee.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Union

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation