Mining Publication: Ergonomic Interventions at Unimin

In 2004, management at the Unimin Gleason, Tennessee operation began implementing ergonomic interventions specifically targeted to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). Together with corporate and site management, Unimin identified worksite hazards and began to modify work practices and equipment. Some interventions were relatively simple and were implemented immediately. Others, such as improvements to a mobile shredder, were more complex but were eventually resolved through a participatory approach with employees, management, manufacturers and NIOSH. This paper discusses ergonomic interventions that were successfully implemented using a participatory approach to reducing the risk of injury.