Success Brief:

Within a two-year period of implementing several actions intended to address ergonomic risk factors at the workplace, the musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) DART rate was reduced by 26.3%, and the MSD Severity rate was reduced by 16.2%.

Problem:

CVS associates were experiencing various work-related MSDs primarily involving the shoulders, back, and upper extremities. These injuries were most likely due to repeatedly lifting, pushing, pulling, and performing other manual material handling tasks while bending, twisting the trunk, reaching with arms extended, and other awkward body postures.

Solutions:

1. Equipment Investment
   1. Pneumatic pallet lifter for stockers
   2. Electric lifter for pickers
   3. Elevated platform for workstations at receiving dock
   4. Improved reach poles for pickers
   5. Additional anti-fatigue mats
2. Program enhancements
   1. Hired an injury prevention manager to focus on prevention and reduction of MSD injuries.
   2. Created a Safety Task Force composed of both management and hourly employes to focus on MSDs.
   3. Implemented a safety and hazard reporting system for employees to submit concerns or comments.
   4. Increased focus on the stretching program, including use of a new training video and designation of a dedicated stretching area.
3. Ergonomics training
   1. All employees (new and tenured alike) were fully retrained on ergonomics as a preventative measure in 2024.
   2. Developed a hands-on “Lifting Lab” where:
      1. Employees perform actual lifting and material handling activities with one-on-one oversight by a supervisor who provides real-time instruction and guidance on proper lifting techniques.
      2. Employees are trained on non-material handling job activities, such as opening cardboard boxes and processing damaged items, to ensure that they understand how to perform those activities safely and properly.
      3. Employees who experience an injury or near-miss related to any of the tasks performed receive retraining on proper and safe techniques.

Impact:

The average MSD incident rate for the General Warehousing and Storage industry (NAICS 49311) is 77.1 for 2018 – The latest year than numbers are available. Since the implementation of the actions mentioned above in 2023, the MSD DART rate for the establishment went from 3.8 in 2023 to 2.8 in 2024 (26.3% reduction), and the MSD Severity rate went from 190.6 to 159.7 for the same period (16.2% reduction).

Going forward, CVS will continue evaluating their ergonomics program and MSD rates and make the necessary improvements and investments as recommendations or corrective actions are identified.

Source: Jeff Mouchet, Senior HS&E Manager, CVS Health