Worksite International Blog

Articles by Alison Heller-Ono

Alison Heller-Ono

As a pioneer in the ergonomics consulting industry since 1993, Alison has used her expertise, experience, know-how and savvy to change the way people work from employee to employee, organization to organization resulting in improved employee health and organizational productivity. Alison Heller-Ono PT, CDA, CPE Certified Management Consultant President/CEO 831-648-8724


Mystery Solved: The Ergonomic Evaluation Request is Your Best Leading Indicator

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on March 13, 2024

Is your Ergonomic Evaluation Process a Mystery to Employees?

It shouldn't be, but in many organizations it is. Knowing how to request an evaluation is often a mystery.

Relying on an ergo-hotline phone call, an email to the supervisor, or word of mouth are insufficient and ineffective to encourage engagement in your ergonomics process. These methods fall short in driving engagement with your ergonomics process, often slipping under the radar or being disregarded.  Nor does it allow you to capture vital information about why employees need an ergonomic assessment.

Solve the mystery by using a simple gateway form to start the evaluation procedure. Employees can proactively ask for an evaluation easily and without bias using a prepared format. As an option, the supervisor can sign the request acknowledging the employee’s request but not rejecting it. The request should go directly to the ergonomics program manager for processing and scheduling.

Your evaluation request form should be readily available to all employees, offering a consistent way to enter the ergonomic evaluation process. Have all employees request their evaluation in the same manner and means for quality, consistency, and reduced delays using an Ergo-Case Request Form (ECRF).

Share the evaluation request procedure in new hire onboarding, through internal newsletters, safety meetings, ergonomics training, and post it on your internal HR or Safety webpage.

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Three (3) Essential Communication Tools Every Ergonomics Process Needs

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on February 14, 2024

Small to mid-size enterprises (SME) typically take a transactional approach to using the science of ergonomics.

Transactional ergonomics is used as a one-time solution to impact one or more employees for a particular reason, such as using an assessment for onboarding, workstation setup, and injury prevention. Or utilizing it reactively as part of a workers’ compensation management strategy.

The challenge with a transactional approach is that it is not always a transparent process shared throughout the organization as a strategy available to all employees. How do your employees access your ergonomics evaluation process?

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Is Your Ergonomics Process Measuring Up?

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on November 28, 2023

In our fast-paced world, technology intertwines seamlessly with our daily lives. The significance of ergonomics and its impact on worker well-being has never been more pronounced. 

As we strive for efficiency and productivity at work, the spotlight turns to the science of ergonomics' critical role in human-centered design to optimize our workspaces and daily routines. But how do you know your ergonomics process is measuring up and making a difference? 

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E-Learning Ergonomics in a Post-Pandemic World

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on September 19, 2023

Now that the pandemic is in our rear-view mirror, many employers have committed to fully remote, or hybrid work schedules. This has led to rapid innovation and change in how we work, communicate, and learn.

It has thrust e-Learning into the forefront as a practical and inexpensive way to train employees. There are so many practical reasons to implement online learning ergonomics if you haven't yet.

This especially applies to full-time remote workers. For this reason, e-Learning home-office ergonomics is essential to onboarding remote and hybrid workers and training current workers! 

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Ergonomics is a Worthwhile Alternative Credential

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on August 15, 2023

College is Out, Alternative Credentials Are In

Before technology evolved into what it is today, college was where you could learn about one subject deeply and acquire specialized knowledge in a particular field earning a four- year degree. Then subsequently, landing a fantastic job so you could pay back your student loan.

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To Footrest or Not to Footrest?

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on March 7, 2023

The use of a footrest is often an optional add-on for a seated or standing workstation. Many employers are in a quandary as to whether to provide this curious device. And many employees don’t recognize when they could use one or even how to use one when placed under the workstation. 

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The 2023 Ultimate Buyer's Guide is Here

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on February 8, 2023

Are You Living an Ergonomic Lifestyle?

An ergonomic lifestyle is one where you are happy, safe, and comfortable wherever you work and whenever you work because you have equipment that fits and supports you while you work.

Working in the office or at home can be hard on your mind and body. Prolonged, uninterrupted sitting for hours at the computer or laptop in all the wrong places in all the wrong ways can take its toll on you!

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WINetwork: A Global Ergonomics Community

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on January 10, 2023

The pandemic has changed our sense of community.  During the pandemic, everything changed. Most of us were forced to transition from working in the office to working from home and online. In the process, we learned how to adapt and connect worldwide. Online communities thrived during the pandemic and continue today. The WINetwork is an example of unifying the ergonomics community globally.  

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Santa’s Back Safety Tips

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on December 14, 2022

As the holiday season approaches, it's important to be aware of the potential stress and physical strain it can bring. This can lead to discomfort in the back and body, which is why it's crucial to prioritize your well-being and share these holiday safety tips with loved ones and colleagues. By taking care of yourself, you can start the new year with a healthy and happy back.

Employees who feel well physically and emotionally perform at higher levels, so it's important to support their wellness throughout the year. 

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The Well Workplace Model

Posted by Alison Heller-Ono on November 2, 2022

While the pandemic had changed our work and home lives in the short term, its impact of it in the long term remains to be seen around the world. An important outcome of the pandemic is the rise of interest in wellness and well-being, especially in the workplace. 

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