Work System Design Reduces Injuries, Says Researcher

Sept. 11, 2000
A researcher's study suggests that the work system design approach is effective for reducing injuries and increasing productivity in a competitve and complex work environment.

'

Andrew S. Imada, Ph.D., of A.S. Imada & Associates in Carmichael, Calif., won the Liberty Mutual Medal for his scientific paper titled "A Macroergonomic Approach to Reducing Work Related Injuries." Imada was honored at the 14th Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association from July 30 through Aug. 4 in San Diego.

Imada''s paper recognizes workplaces as complex and chaotic human systems. He suggests that traditional interventions alone (engineering, ergonomic, management, psychological or training) do not impact systems because they fail to accommodate the intricacies of real organizations.

This study suggests that the work systems design approach is effective for reducing injuries and increasing productivity in a competitive and complex work environment.

In his paper, Imada describes a macroergonomic intervention in a petroleum company. This intervention changed physical, psychosocial, management and organizational factors.

As a result, the company realized a 70 percent reduction in industrial injuries, a 63 percent reduction in motor vehicle accidents and a 30 percent reduction in unit delivery costs over a 10-year period. The company saved an estimated $1.5 million per year compounded annually.

The Liberty Mutual Medal, with a cash award of $15,000, recognizes outstanding, original research in the field of occupational safety and health.

by Todd Nighswonger

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
Learn about lone working laws in the US, key hazards and risks, and get actionable advice on how to keep your lone workers safe.
June 23, 2025
Chemical substitution can quickly get messy, with unclear steps and the risk of swapping one hazard for another. This checklist helps you avoid costly mistakes, prioritize which...
June 23, 2025
A mature approach to health and safety means making safety a core part of your culture, where everyone plays a role and performance is measured by more than just numbers. In this...
June 23, 2025
Behavior-based safety focuses on observing and encouraging safe behaviors to reduce workplace risks. Experts explain how strong safety culture, clear methods, and digital tools...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!