Integrating ergonomics into business units and manufacturing technology is helping to protect associates from repetitive trauma injuries. Goodyear has taken steps to allow ergonomics to be incorporated into machinery, job activities and workplace design. Each global region has developed an action plan formulated by associate teams, searching for better ways to make productivity gains without injuries or mishaps. The plan also includes technical expertise from plant engineering and technical staff on specific equipment as well as job requirements devised by plant operators.

Goodyear's ergonomics process was further enhanced in 2003, making it more effective. Training and plant ergonomic handbooks identify, prioritize and analyze tasks using ergonomic concerns and develop, document and implement ergonomic solutions. Training includes awareness and implementing ergonomic processes with the assistance of regional and corporate health and safety management.

Focus is on facility-level ergonomics awareness programs, which allow all associates to assist in the following ergonomic problem-solving process:

1. Identify and prioritize jobs
2. Analyze jobs
3. Develop solutions
4. Implement solutions
5. Follow up and evaluate
6. Document and communicate

Ergonomics communications and visibility continued to gain strength in 2003 via the company's intranet, enabling Goodyear global locations to share job improvements and collaborate on best practices. The ergonomics Web site also provided guidelines for problem-solving and developed ergonomics messages for communication meetings with plant associates. The site included updates on:

• Six Sigma & ergonomics
• ERGO Exchange, a database of updated projects
• Office ergonomics advice for those who work at a desk all day
• Simplified plant problem-solving process

Goodyear's global engineering and manufacturing technology teams ensure that safety, industrial hygiene and ergonomics are integral to orders, projects and expansions. An imbedded safety engineer in each design team serves as a safety, health and ergonomics resource.

Imbedded safety engineers received continuing ergonomics design training in 2003.