Boeing ergonomists such as Miriam Joffe help Boeing wage war on ergonomics injuries every day with support from those who experience the injuries. Ergonomics-related injuries can occur to the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, ligaments, joints and nerves, when job requirements exceed the worker's capabilities.
“Many of the early warning signs that our employees experience can be eliminated through the implementation of appropriate ergonomics principles,” Joffe said. “And where they can’t be eliminated easily, we may look outside the box to modify off-the-shelf items or custom design a specific solution to reduce the risk for injury.”
One recent example was a demonstration she had seen involving a monopod, a single-legged, collapsible camera supportwhich are often used by sports and wildlife photographers. Joffe thought this might have an application for welders.
Like their counterparts across many industries, welders suffer from neck, shoulder and back musculoskeletal disorders. That’s why welder Doug Beal is on the constant lookout for ergonomics improvements.
“I don’t want the young welders to have the same injuries my partner and I have,” Beal said. “Long-lasting, sometimes life changing, injuries are avoidable with smart ergonomics. And any tools I develop to help with that will outlast my time here at Boeing.”
