Products & Services

Ergonomic Job Analysis (CWS099) Top of Page

This service provides your company with a comprehensive assessment of
how the worker or sub group of workers interacts with specific job/tasks
activity in terms of work postures, movement strategies, tools and
general work environment. Furthermore, it involves a open systems model
in a 4-phased ergonomic process in the following ways:

· Phase 1- surveillance is the passive collection of the relevant
organizational data (injury trend analysis, health surveys, human
resource information, etc.) and the active component such as observation
of task activities and interviews with state-of-the art video and
digital photography.
· Phase 2- involves data analysis, research and report development with
recommended risk priorities, time lines and control measures.
· Phase 3- is the actual implementation of actions (training
interventions, design/ redesign etc.)
· Phase 4- evaluation/ reevaluation and outcome tracking at specific
intervals.

· Worksite Epidemiologic Surveillance and Needs Assessment (CWS 100) Top of Page

This service provides your organization with a complete assessment of your workplace environment, as well as specific subgroup worker populations. All ergonomics projects are managed by Board-certified Industrial Ergonomists, who meet and get acquainted with your designated management group, or team, and scout or review all the passive surveillance data (OSHA logs, injury and illness trend analysis data, human resource data, etc.). The active phase will include: walk-through the worksite facility, direct interviews with employees, ergonomics analysis of individual workstations, as well as observations of task behaviors with video and digital photography. Some simple retrofitting or workstation rearrangement generally occurs on an as-needed basis for low- to medium-risk situations. General education about proper posture and movement strategies is given, and common safety hazards such as slips and trips are also identified.

We provide thorough ergonomics analysis and interpretation of the data. A narrative report is generated with appropriate recommendations and control measures for facility design/redesign, or workstation retrofitting, employee training programs, one-on-one evaluations for high-risk employees, or a complete ergonomic job task analysis. A reevaluation of the targeted worker population and facility generally occurs in 30 to 90 days, to consolidate all recommended control measures and procedures.

· One-on-One Ergonomic Consultation and Evaluation (CWS 101) Top of Page

This service is targeted for high risk or injured workers and is conducted onsite for the individual in their total workstation environment. It includes direct observation of equipment tool interaction, movement strategies, work organization, lighting, and air quality. The primary objective is to screen for potential risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders, such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, forcefulness and repetitiveness of task activities, vibration, etc., that may be eliciting any signs or symptoms, and ultimately reveal a relationship between symptoms and workstation environment. This may take 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours and results in a complete report with recommended actions for adaptive strategies or accommodations and an action and priority plan. Again, the goal is to accommodate your employee and help maximize their comfort, performance, and productivity. Also, a reevaluation occurs after one month or when all equipment and tools have been purchased and installed. At this time we further consolidate the employee's understanding of how to interact with this new workstation facility environment, as well as OSHA and ADA compliance.

· OccuCom® Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention System (CWS 102 A and B) Top of Page

The Occupation Health and Safety Communication Surveillance and Training System OccuCom®, will heretofore be called the OccuCom System, which is a comprehensive injury and illness prevention program. It is designed to compress the morbidity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), also known as, repetitive motion injuries (RMIs), repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), ergonomic-related disorders (ERDs), and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), which are commonly found in all workplace settings and job task activities. Our basic approach to this critical need (MSD epidemic) falls under the three umbrellas of injury and illness prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention management), is a four-step or phased, open systems or holistic approach in the ergonomics and safety management process that meets the following objectives:

1. Phase I- equips an organization’s management leadership and employee teams with a surveillance system capable of identifying and analyzing meaningful data, such as potential ergonomic stressors or risk factors (e.g., excessive force, awkward postures, repetitive motions, etc.), as well as the contributing or causative factors (e.g., poor workstation and tool design, aberrant procedures and management policy, human factors and communication barriers, etc.). Risk assessment and prioritization begins here in order to quantify the results and outcomes of the program with pre-testing of targeted worker population (office or knowledge workers and manual material handlers). This would ascertain their stage of readiness for behavioral change and knowledge of the subject matter (MSDs).
2. Phase II- involves further data analysis and research, and, ultimately, creating solutions that may be quite simple (over 90% of these solutions are under $50, such as a monitor riser here and a anti-fatigue mat there), or complex design/redesign applications that would require more technical expertise from a humanfactors/ergonomics consulting group like ours. Nevertheless, the all important report is completed in this phase, which will reveal the appropriate recommendations, such as administrative and engineering controls, and the training interventions. This must consolidate a complete top-to-bottom management “buy in”.
3. Phase III- is the actual implementation of the recommended actions and accommodations that were agreed upon with management. Project management timelines and the logistics are definitively rolled out. Both management and employee (ergoteams) are empowered with the understanding of what MSDs are and how they develop. Also, how their body works in terms of proper posture and movement strategies when interacting with their workstation environment. This is accomplished by the delivery of state-of-the-art educational vehicle packaged in the above stated OccuCom System® program components (e.g., print material, powerpoint presentation, slides, video, cybercasting etc.).
4. Phase IV tracks the outcomes and results at regular intervals of 1 month, 6 months, and 18 months, in order to evaluate the success factors of your program This is coordinated with various templates and matrices (Haddon Matrix). Ultimately, utilizing the analytical results and client feedback, the ergonomics process will continuously improve. An increase in the health and safety, productivity, and efficiency will be demonstrated for your workforce as a metrics review for clients or upper management.

   · The OccuCom System® is a one-of-a-kind product that, when utilized properly, can enhance the bottom line of any sized organization. For more details on program elements for both product versions CWS102A (Cadillac version) and CWS102B (Toyota or budget-line version) are available for viewing with commensurate pricing structures by viewing the attached Program Components (will convert with Acrobat Reader). However, should you not have the capabilities to download this program the following program element description and pricing structure is available and, also note that additional quantities can be ordered per bid quote.

   Furthermore, we are now conducting a series of seminars in collaboration with InterWest Insurance Company to develop a network of qualified providers, which will begin in January of 2003 through December of 2004 for California ONLY. See events bar on home page and click for details. This is targeted for those qualified health care practitioners and environmental health and safety managers who would like to pursue a more in depth understanding of how to facilitate the OccuCom System®. This system includes; worksite epidemiologic surveillance in the ergonomics process, analysis and retrieval of tracked data, intervention strategies for various groups of clients or employee populations, as well as social marketing techniques, contract negotiations and proposal development. Certification will be given to those candidates who attend seminar and pass examination.
   Also, beginning in the fall of 2003 continuing education units will be available for CIE’s and CAE’s.
   

· OccuCom® Ergonomic Team Training System (CWS 103) Top of Page

This "train-the-trainer" approach system can be integrated with your company's Injury Illness and Prevent Program (IIPP) with the formation of employee-management advisory teams (Ergonomic Teams). The employee-based ergonomics intervention program will change the work culture toward safe behaviors and emphasize the workers' role in solving problems. Most importantly, these teams (1-4 individuals) can take responsibility for worksite evaluation and identification of potential risk factors, while developing solutions or control of hazards and implementing training programs and evaluation. The program contents consist of a trainers 3-ring binder with sections for program administration; a scripting narrative of 10 pages with 20 slides on the principles of injury prevention that complement sections of the OccuCom® Training Manual; a set of slides for VDT operators, technical and material handling workers, templates for 12 overheads; also a OccuCom® Trainee Manual and laminated stretching card for each employee and two posters for each subgroup (i.e., material handlers, VDT and technical workers). A toll-free number is available for technical support.

· Biotime Management for Shift-Workers (CWS 104) Top of Page

Workers with unusual work hours (e.g., swing shift workers) experience a chronic physiological condition very similar to jet lag. This program helps employees understand the effects on their body and job performance. We help to identify coping methods such as sleep hygiene, drugs, etc. The following steps and process content are involved in this four-hour workshop:

1. Basic circadian rhythm theory and impacts on physiology are discussed to include body core temperature cycles as indicators of internal circadian phase, exogenous influences including zeitgebers with impacts on entrainment, and desynchronosis from shift work and jet lag. The relationship between circadian rhythms and alertness will be explained. Sleep as a circadian rhythm will be introduced setting the stage for the next presentation. (Slide presentation to accompany.)
2. Basic sleep theory and sleep problems (like microsleeps, rem-suppressed sleep, sleep apnea) are covered. Problems and impacts from poor sleep hygiene and both legal and illegal drugs on sleep quality and quantity are reviewed. Danger signs of sleep disorders are discussed. Sleep inertia, retrograde amnesia and other problems from napping and accumulated sleep debt resulting from lifestyle choices, shift work and jet lag are explored.
3. Coping strategies for sleep deprivation and circadian desynchronosis are reviewed with emphasis on sleep and biotime hygiene, alertness management and healthy, holistic lifestyle choices with positive effects on sleep quality and quantity. Common usage of legal drugs, like alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, and the interactions and negative impacts on sleep and circadian rhythms are explored. Application of coping strategies and diminishment of practices with negative impacts will increase alertness, worker productivity and decrease risk factors for injury and illness.

Faculty: Dan Holley, PhD, and Dave Wood, MS

Enrollment: Limited to 30

· Stress Management Program (CWS 105)

This program is designed for groups of 30 or less for the best worker/instructor mix. Also, the entire organization can be assessed for their specific needs, with appropriate interventions implemented and re-evaluation for successful outcomes are generated based on pre-test and post-test data from the ESSI stress maps. These tools are designed to measure, quite reliably, various stress and lifestyle coping habits. The program format consists of two 90-minute sessions, preferably two to four weeks apart, which provide the stress management tools necessary.

Faculty: Keith Savell, PhD, and Chuck Sherrod, DC, MPH

· Team Building, Trust and Cooperative Problem-Solving Workshop (CWS 106) Top of Page

The development and maintenance of a cohesive and productive worksite (team) is a complicated process requiring teamwork, trust and cooperative problem solving. In order to create such a team, many organizations sponsor team building, communication and personal/professional wellness workshops.

The innovative workshop presented by CHC provides an exciting balance between theoretical content and enjoyable practice. Within our presentation, participants explore team building, communication, trust and cooperative problem solving, and do so through a process involving: a) facilitated learning; b) guided exploration; and c) process evaluation. Specifically, following the acquisition of knowledge and skills, participants engage in "initiatives" or activities requiring immediate application of what has just been learned. Following the initiative, participants are led through a discussion of what they have experienced, and the dynamics of the experience. Therefore, participants not only acquire new skills and abilities, but also have the opportunity to put the learning into practice, as well as process the outcomes of the practice session. Such a combination facilitates the understanding, practice and integration of associated content.

To ensure that the workshop is responsive to the needs and individual dynamics of the participants it serves, CHC senior program leaders visit the work environment several weeks prior to the actual workshop in order to discuss participant needs and expectations for the workshop. These confidential meetings serve to identify the critical issues which must be explored and addressed during the workshop in order to ensure its success and long-term carry-over value.

Team building, trust and cooperative problem solving workshops are available in either one or two-day formats.

Faculty: Keith Savell, PhD

Total Life Concept (TLC) ™ Division

TLC is the division that reduces worker risk factors which are non-occupationally related, such as poor physical fitness, lifestyle distress, smoking, etc. with the following specially designed interventions to empower your employees at work or at home (click on product number for additional details):

· Fitness Training and Gym Design (CWS 107) Top of Page

This program is designed to develop and administer an on-site gym facility and personal training service for employee use. The facility design may require some consultation, including the opinions of those who are funding, designing, maintaining and, in some cases, using the facility. The structural, functional, and acidic qualities of the facility are determined by doing a comprehensive assessment of the following: space and funds available, user profile, level of supervision, and type of strength training and conditioning that will be performed. A proposal is then submitted to the organization determining the room design (size, floor plan and placement), staffing (facility manager and personal trainers), and cost parameters.

Faculty: Louis A. Valencia, DC, CSCS, and Sharon Clancy, MPH, ACE

· Smoking Cessation (CWS 108)

This program is at the top of our Health Promotion agenda. With teen smoking on the rise (future workforce) and the rate of adult quitting relatively flat at 10%, our program objectives combine a series of five steps with a comprehensive strategy obtain successful outcomes of more than 20%. So, if you're fed up with the high cost and modest success of in-house programs or those offered by health plans, try an independent perspective and third-party validation to help you meet your objectives.

Faculty: Sharon Clancy, MPH

Enrollment: Limited to 10

· Self-Care Management Systems (CWS 109)

Designed and developed by a number of top health educators and health service providers, we deliver easy-to-follow advice that encourages appropriate treatment of common injuries and illness and informed lifestyle choices, as well as prompt and wise responses to emergency situations. Give it to your members and employees to promote well-being and help manage demand for health care services. Also, the workshop facilitates the knowledge of natural or alternative approaches to healing, and how to access data from the web. Each participant is given a workbook to interact with in this 90-minute training session.

Faculty: Chuck Sherrod, DC, MPH, and staff

Enrollment: Limited to 25 persons

· Nutritional Maintenance with Healthy Eating (CWS 110) Top of Page

This 45-minute seminar helps your employee and management populations obtain the knowledge and skills to develop diet guidelines that act as a key health management tool. The seminar materials presented during this highly intensive training will provide tools for adopting lifelong positive nutritional habits.

Faculty: Bob Anderson, PhD and Chuck Sherrod, DC, MPH

Enrollment: Limited to 50 persons

· Lifestyle and Stress Management (CWS 111)

According to O'Donnell et al., 97% of chronic diseases are lifestyle related. The objective of this course is to empower your workforce with the knowledge, skills and tools to better manage the environment outside themselves, as well as their own human performance capabilities. This is accomplished initially with a 3 ½ hour workshop with 30-minute tracking evaluations semi-annually to measure behavioral outcomes in terms of increasing productivity, Emotional Intelligence quotients, and general satisfaction. All materials and tools included in pack.

Faculty: Keith Savell, PhD, and staff

· Computerized Health Risk Appraisals and Health Assessment (CWS 112)

This product-service mix was developed by The Society of Prospective Medicine. It helps your organization with various health assessment processes as tools which can be used to predict future health status, evaluate the outcomes of current and planned interventions, and empower individuals' self-responsibility for appropriate health improvement. It comes with a comprehensive handbook and how-to guide, as well as a toll-free technical support line.