1. 1 Ergonomics: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods n Every Method Has Both Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects n There is No Clear Distinction Between Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches n Professional Judgment is Required With Any Methodology

2. 2 Methods n Walk-Through and Observation n Checklists n Video Analysis (Slow Motion Reviews, etc.) n Interviews and Discussions n Symptoms Surveys (Discomfort Surveys, etc.) n NIOSH Lifting Evaluations n Psychophysical Evaluations n Biomechanical Evaluations n ETC.

3. 3 Symptoms Surveys n Can Sample or Census Workers Within a Facility n Generally Use a Bi-Polar Scale to Estimate Symptoms from Little or No Pain / Discomfort / Fatigue to Worst Possible Pain / Discomfort / Fatigue n Can Also Estimate Frequency of Occurrence n Surveys Can be Performed So That Workers Are Anonymous Except for Job Title n Anonymity Encourages Honesty in Reporting and Reduces Over-Reporting and Under-Reporting

4. 4 Symptoms Surveys n One Purpose is to Provide a Baseline Against Which to Compare Changes n Another Purpose is to Identify the Most Troublesome Jobs or Tasks n Symptoms Surveys Can Be a Leading Indicator of Injuries n Claims are a Lagging Indicator of Injuries n HR Personnel Generally Insist That the Employer Be Prepared to Both Share Results With Workers and Also Respond to Identified Problems

5. 5 Administering Symptoms Surveys n If a Sample (Rather than Census) Is To Be Taken, Operators Should Be Chosen at Random n Sample Size Should Be Based On Desired Margin of Error n A Census of Workers Should Be Taken Where Possible n Instructions Should Be Provided n Workers Should Be Allowed To Complete Without The Analyst “Standing Over Their Shoulder” n Forms Should Be Completed Quickly, Not Taken Home Over Night or Otherwise Belabored

6. 6 Symptoms Surveys n Manually Scoring Symptoms Surveys and Compiling Results Is Tedious and Difficult Work n A Computerized System for Scoring and Compiling Results Would Be Desirable n Results May Indicate the Most Stressful Jobs Within a Facility