Industrial Rehabilitation works with Leer

Industrial Rehabilitation works with Leer

by Kathy Behnke

Mile Bluff’s Industrial Rehabilitation (IR) program is proud to offer area businesses on-site ergonomic and injury management. Leer, Inc. of New Lisbon has been utilizing those services for over a decade. According to Leer Corporate Operations Manager Ian Beer, a lot of emphasis has been put on ergonomics.

Ergonomics is defined as: The science of designing the job, equipment and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

Ian stated, “Employers are all concerned about the well-being of their employees, but the ergonomics side of things many times goes unnoticed. Mile Bluff has been able to help make us more aware of the fact that there are right ways to do things.” He continued, “We work together to improve what we do and how we do it.”

Due to the positive impact this focus has had on the organization, a cross-section of employees has come together to form the Leer Ergonomics Team. The group is led by Mile Bluff’s IR representative, Tracy Anderson, OTR, and has already begun to see results.

As an occupational therapist, Tracy uses her medical background and experience to provide specialized prevention, evaluation, treatment and management services through all phases of work-related injury. She explains, “Because of my training, I am able to analyze each job, determine the specific physical stressors that impact each individual, and make adjustments as needed.”

Ian has been involved with Leer’s ergonomics and safety initiatives for the past few years, and commented about the affiliation with Mile Bluff’s IR team, “Tracy has been very willing to take on a proactive role with our safety program. I have nothing but great things to say about that relationship.” He continued, “If anyone were to ask me about the program, I would let them know that the cooperation and leadership they would get out of Mile Bluff and its representatives would certainly have an impact on their operation. I would definitely recommend Mile Bluff’s program.”

Whether you are the head of a major industry in need of cutting down workers’ compensation costs, or work from a home office and need help properly setting up your computer work station, Mile Bluff’s IR program can benefit you. If you are interested in learning more about the services available, call 608-847-1422 today.

Mile Bluff’s IR program can help:

· Decrease workers’ compensation costs

· Reduce lost-time associated with work-related injury

· Increase worker productivity and product quality

· Comply with OSHA ergonomic guidelines

· Boost worker morale

· Decrease employee turnover rates

· Enhance worker health

Photo Caption: Standing (l-r): Brian Ritchart, Rick Reynolds, Kim Edgerton, William Van Hoof, John Maki.

Sitting (l-r): John Downing, Steve Dresser, Tracy Anderson

Locations:

Elroy Family Medical Center