Dr. M

Do you have or know who has a worksheet and proposal format, or the like, to be used for 
ergonomic evaluations.  I will be making a proposal to a corporate manufacturing plant 
soon, at the request of their Health & Safety Mgr., and need some help. What do docs 
charge for these evaluations? How about making myself available for on-site postural and 
chiropractic exams, as well as adjusting at the plant?  

Thanks for your help once again.

A: 

As far as a worksheet for evaluations .. it has been my experience 
that this is unnecessary but if it helps create your own. There are 
many factors that you look for when evaluating a workplace. 
Observing the obvious is best .. where material lies .. repetitive 
positions of employees .. body torsion in repetitive daily activity 
(such as twisting and reaching) .. weight of objects being moved .. 
height moved to. Safety issues such as lighting .. temperature .. wet 
floors .. use or non use of lower back supports .. etc. I would sit down 
with a paper and write every obvious thing that comes to mind and 
the ideal solution. Remember that their business is productivity and 
any attempt to slow production is not what they want .. they want 
more productive employees with less wear and tear.

If you are going into a auto plant what seems obvious:  Lifting .. 
riveting .. helmets for  those soldering .. lifting above the shoulders 
to place items .. crawling into the car .. torsion of the upper and 
lower trunk .. standing on their feet all day .. noise .. lighting etc. 
What solutions can you provide? Also .. don't forget their clerical 
base for carpal tunnel which also is a problem with those in auto 
plants.

Often there are limited short term solutions except to advise each 
employee to  utilize their break time for specific stretches as a 
means to avoid constant pressure and wear and tear. Discuss what 
they can do prior to work .. during their break and after work to 
reduce the constant stress to their posture and structure relating it 
all to their wellness and health.   

If the group is made up mostly of men be sure to discuss how wear 
and tear effects their social life such as sports and how their game 
is also at risk and under par if they have continued physical 
restrictions. Tap into specific areas of the spine and how it effects 
their overall performance and how their work areas affect these 
regions. Touch base with stress both physical and emotional 
overlays but be sure to discuss neurological stress the subluxation.  
Always relate back to the spine and the importance of spinal 
maintenance and a possible initial evaluation at your office. Be sure 
to bring along surveys and be prepared to schedule appointments 
right there and then.

Check my webpage under weblinks and look for the ergonomic 
section. There are many links for you to explore.

As far as a fee to charge. I always charge zero for the first class or 
evaluation then $100 a day for the others. The big picture is not the 
$100 but to get their employees into my office. If it is possible to 
have adjustments on site it would be great but often the corporate 
world refrains from this as it brings liability into the fold. It is 
best to use their facility as a breeding ground for potential patients 
by your regular workshops and/or evaluations. Be there often but not 
too often.

As far as a proposal be prepared to discuss the important buttons .. 
increased employee production .. decreased employee downtime with 
an ergonomically aware employee base. Your purpose is to review the 
workplace and determine conservative solutions to decrease 
physical wear and tear both at home and the work. First step is an 
evaluation of the workplace .. discussion of findings .. workshop with 
employees .. on site after workshop physical evaluations if possible 
and conservative suggestions for their employees. If they ask what 
you will get out of it .. it is simple. Your intention is to assist your 
community with Health and Wellness both at their social and work 
environment. By meeting people and discussing conservative 
solutions to everyday problems you provide a great community 
service as well as promote chiropractic and yourself. a truly Win-
Win

If you have my workshop and PR workbooks their are some ideas for 
you as well. If you don't have it I can e-mail you some ideas beyond 
what is above just let me now what else you need

Good Luck

Have a Great Day

Dr. M