Services

Alexander Ergonomics Consulting Approach

Each workplace has unique needs so our services are tailored to meet these needs. We like to obtain a thorough understanding of  your work so you get the best value from our expertise.

    

 The Alexander Ergonomics Consulting approach uses the following steps:

  1. On-site visit
    Having a brief look at your work environment and the tasks performed means we have a better idea of what is required. In some instances, a phone discussion may provide sufficient information to decide the best approach and the  time required. 
  2. Assessment and analysis
    This is the crucial part where we gather together all the relevant data.
    We observe the tasks, talk with people about the work, review any relevant procedures or documentation, take measurements and photographs.
    Details of what we need to do depends on the agreed scope of work.
  3. Written report
    We provide a summary of findings and/or record of services provided
    with recommendations based on best practice.
  4. Implementation
    It is your choice how and when you implement the recommendations
    but we can assist you with specific aspects such as training, evaluating mock-ups, writing procedures etc.
  5. Review
    We like to know how you are getting on with improvements in your work area so we will follow up to get feedback on your progress.

  

 Sue Taupiri

 

There are five types of general services offered. You don't need to be limited to these as our approach can be adjusted to suit your requirements - just ask us!

  1. Work site assessments
  2. Individual assessments
  3. Specific ergonomics analysis - task analysis and product design review
  4. Safer handling and moving
  5. Training

 

1. Worksite Assessments

You may opt for one of the three types of worksite assessments depending on how much detail you want.

 Worksite audit

  

Work area design and layout

  

Comprehensive work system evaluation

One-hour assessment of an agreed work space e.g. room or facility (not individual people), to identify opportunities for improvement.

Use this for prioritising target areas that will obtain the most benefit from further analysis and subsequent improvements. 

 

  

Evaluation of specific work spaces to determine optimal layout, space requirements, location of furniture and equipment, heights for work surfaces and shelving/storage.

Useful when building or moving to new premises, purchasing new equipment/furniture or renovating work spaces such as offices, reception areas, warehouses. 

 

  

In-depth analysis of work processes, how people perform the work, risk analysis of tasks and evaluation of the layout and design of the work space.

This is invaluable to organisations committed to excellence in health and safety. 

 


2. Individual Assessments

There are two options for individual assessments - more time is required to assess people who have discomfort.

Individual workstation check

  

Individual workstation assessment

  
In-cab assessment in forestry machinery

 30-minute assessment per person to check workstation set up e.g. bench area, vehicle cab, computer or machine workstation. Includes summary report of key findings and recommendations.

Suitable for new employees or to check that people without discomfort are set up appropriately. Where practical, adjustments are made during the assessment and best practice advice is provided.


 

One-hour assessment with a comprehensive report. Where practical, adjustments are made during the assessment and best practice advice is provided.

Suitable for people experiencing discomfort or problems when working with computers or other workstations. 

 

  

3. Specific Ergonomics Analysis

There are a couple of options depending on whether you want to focus on a particular task or whether you want help critiquing a product.

Task analysis   Product design review  

Detailed assessment and description of specific tasks performed with analysis of functional work demands for load, posture and duration.

Useful for GPs, occupational medical specialists, healthcare providers and HR specialists, to assist them in understanding a person’s role. 

 

  

Evaluation of specific equipment, tools or furniture to provide insight into its functionality for the workforce and the task.

 This evaluation identifies features that should be critiqued by users prior to purchasing. Save money by buying the right item for the task.

 

4. Safer Handling and Moving

Safer moving and handling is about lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, moving, lowering, restraining or carrying objects and/or people so that no one gets injured.

Alexander Ergonomics Consulting provides three levels of intervention:

Basic 

Provision of training and information based on best practice principles. Useful for organisations wanting to meet minimum compliance requirements.

Comprehensive 

Training plus support and special training for local champions, evaluation and advice on equipment selection and facility design. This is for organisations working towards a long-term sustainable programme.

Consolidated 

Embedding all of the above within the culture of the organisation. For organisations that are committed to health and safety with comprehensive systems already in place. 

  

 

 AEC SH Progr web

5. Training

Training provided by Alexander Ergonomics Consulting is:

  • Interactive with participation encouraged.
  • Principle-based with a practical application tailored to the organisation’s needs.
  • Typically from 30 to 60 minutes duration per module depending on content.

For groups or individuals – where possible individuals are given specific information as part of any individual assessment.

Note that training is more relevant if it follows a worksite assessment so the trainer understands your work.

Research has shown that training by itself is not effective. It needs to be part of a broader approach that includes workspace design, equipment choices and the way the work is organised.

         
Training Modules        Handling and Moving People Training Modules

Using your computer safely
Preventing and managing discomfort, appropriately adjusting your chair, optimum set up of computer workstation components, keying and mouse techniques, work surface layout, work organisation and workload management.

5 Steps to Safer Lifting 
Identifying risk factors, 5 steps to safer lifting, how to use your body safely and applying this to your specific workplace.

Safer work methods 
Appropriate work postures, use of breaks and micropauses, specific exercises, principles of efficient muscle use and body movement.

    

Participants are taught about matching techniques to the patient/resident/client’s ability, unsafe techniques, principles of handling. Content and duration is arranged to meet your organisation's priorities.

Techniques taught are grouped by: 

Bed mobility 
Using a slide sheet to move a person up the bed or turn, how to sit a person up on the edge of the bed.

Transferring 
Lateral transfer from bed to bed; moving from one seat to another seated surface by standing and stepping, or with a transfer board or using mechanical assistance such as a hoist or standing lifter.

Mobilising
How to support a person to walk, getting off the floor using mechanical assistance or verbally assisting and supervising.

Fee for services
The fee for services reflects university-level qualifications and professional experience.
 
Consultancy rates are by the day or hour with additional travel, accommodation and other expenses if applicable. 
 
Mutual agreement of costs is obtained prior to commencement of work.