The Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program (MIPP)
The Cornell University Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program (MIPP)
provides ergonomics assessment, training and planning services to the Cornell
Community. Objectives of the program include enhanced health and productivity
of individuals and work groups, relief from the human and financial costs
of injury, improved workspace design, and leadership in the prevention of
work injury at Cornell University.
Who provides the MIPP?
The MIPP is an integral component of the Division of Human Resources, Benefit
Services and operates from within the Medical Leaves Administration. The
MIPP is coordinated by Todd Baker, OTR/L, CEES, through his company Empowerment
by Design. An Ithaca-grown consortium of Occupational Therapists and
specialists in related health and wellness disciplines, Empowerment by Design
provides experienced consultants and a program administrator to the MIPP.
Meet Empowerment
by Design.
Who is eligible for MIPP services? Is there a fee?
All Cornell employees are eligible for services with the approval of their
supervisor or Human Resources representative. Benefit Services demonstrates
its commitment to employee health by offering the MIPP at no charge to Cornell
employees and departments. Remember, you do not have to be uncomfortable
or injured to benefit from MIPP services. Ergonomics is most effective when
services are utilized for prevention.
What do MIPP consultants do?
MIPP consultants visit work places to identify ergonomic risks and suggest
options to reduce work-related stresses and injuries. They provide ergonomic
assessments, work site analysis, training and seminars, recommendations
for design or remodeling, and options for equipment. Empowerment by Design
has implemented the MIPP since March 2005. During that time consultants
have improved work environments and delivered custom training for thousands
of Cornell faculty and staff.
How does an ergonomic assessment work?
The consultant reviews the information you provide prior to your appointment
and then visits you at your work site. He or she talks with you about your
work set up and habits, observes your work, and takes photos and measurements
as necessary. The consultant suggests immediate adjustments to improve your
set up and offers recommendations for additional remedies. This information
is later summarized in a report for you and your supervisor. A follow up
phone call or visit is often useful to reinforce new habits or adjust new
equipment.
How do I sign up for an ergonomic assessment?
If you want an ergonomic assessment, talk to your supervisor. With approval,
you may directly request an individual consultation by completing our pre-assessment
profile. Simply visit www.ebd-ot.com,
click Create an Account in the Client Access box and complete the survey.
The MIPP program administrator will contact you to schedule the assessment
at your convenience. Requests are processed in the order received. There
is typically a high demand for MIPP services, so please expect a wait of
2-3 weeks for an appointment unless a custom arrangement is required.
It is often more effective and fun to work together as a group. Consider
initiating an ergonomics assessment and training event to champion a healthy
culture within your department.
What about department training and design consultation?
The MIPP will assist in fitting the jobs to the people who do them by recommending
design, equipment and procedure modifications. Clients may request specialty
seminars, demonstrations, and consultations for work groups or for specific
projects. For example, our "Chair Fair" is an interactive 30-40
minute training where a work group gathers in a common area together with
their chairs to learn ergonomic seating and office tips that can be implemented
immediately. Ergonomics training can also focus on laboratory, materials
handling, dining, custodial, construction, veterinary, grounds or any other
job tasks taking place at Cornell. Include an ergonomics consultant on your
design planning team to advocate a safe, productive, sustainable work environment.
We welcome the opportunity to customize our services to best meet your needs.
The MIPP Ergonomics Demonstration Center Coming Soon!
The Ergonomics Demonstration Center at 840 Hanshaw Road is where you can
experience a state-of-the-art environment stocked with equipment and resources
to maximize productivity and comfort. Try out the latest chairs and experiment
with ergonomic computer accessories before you buy. Explore resources for
ergonomic tools and equipment to benefit all types of work. Contact the
MIPP to learn more.
How do I contact the MIPP?
We welcome inquiries about our services (e-mail inquiries are preferred).
Please bear in mind that MIPP consultants spend most of their time in the
field--we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact:
Todd Baker, OTR/L, CEES, tsb26@cornell.edu
840 Hanshaw Road
Ithaca, New York
(607) 216-1430
fax (607) 216-1425
The office is co-located with the Medical Leaves Administration Office supporting
Worker Compensation and Disability management.
You can also visit Empowerment by Design www.ebd-ot.com
Additional Resources
CU Employees Request an Ergonomics Assessment - www.ebd-ot.com
Computer workstation ergo tips - CU
Ergonomics Web by Dr. Alan Hedge
Cornell Wellness
Cornell Physical Therapy