At the same time, feedback from Verizon employees concerning the program improvements has also been extremely positive. Verizon also welcomed input from employees and labor representatives, and enlisted the help of Humantech during implementation, training, and thereafter. Training and Communication Site experts received training to prepare them to be the first point of contact for work-related issues at their locations, and to make ergonomic evaluations and suggestions for improvement. The training also enabled them to assist in the design, development, and delivery of employee ergonomic training as well as educational materials and events. Coaches learn to recognize CTD risk factors and behavioral signs of CTDs.
All employees receive ergonomics training within the first few weeks of employment.
In addition, Verizon's safety intranet provides updates on training activities, and Greer regularly distributes ergonomics awareness materials to call centers. The site expert reviews the ergonomic checklist for technical accuracy, and then records and tracks the incident until it is resolved. If workstation or process modifications do not reduce or eliminate the employee's symptoms, the site expert or coach may escalate the incident to the Safety Department for resolution. If further assistance is necessary, Greer consults an outside Certified Professional Ergonomist. Both ergonomically and economically, the new participatory ergonomics model has made good business sense for the company, and has been adopted and widely accepted for inside operations throughout Verizon.