Green ergonomics: Combining sustainability and ergonomics

Issue title: Green Ergonomics

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Pilczuk, Davana | Barefield, Kevin

Affiliations: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah, GA, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: Davana Pilczuk, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, 500 Gulfstream Road, Savannah, GA 31407, USA. Tel.: +1 912 965 3241; Fax: +1 912 965 4308; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: When discussing ergonomics, the term 'sustainability' usually refers to the preservation of the human workforce. OBJECTIVE: However, in 2010 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation made a conscious effort to combine ergonomics and environmental sustainability in order to increase employee engagement for both programs. METHODS: They introduced a companywide campaign called Green Ergo which is the idea of creating ergonomic solutions from scrap material found on site. This concept embraced the true meaning of 'green' and encouraged engineers and employees all across the company to design innovative green ergonomic solutions. RESULTS: The idea generated over 35 new ergo solutions, reduced waste production, and solved over 700 ergo problems for a fraction of the cost of newly purchased items. CONCLUSION: The demand for these items grew large enough that the company outsourced their manufacturing to a local non-profit. The Green Ergo campaign has changed the culture of the company and has increased the level of buy-in for both the ergonomics and sustainability programs.

Keywords: Cost effective, employee engagement, stewardship

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141869

Journal: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 357-361, 2014