How to Preserve and Strengthen the WORKFORCE

US industry is headed toward a workforce crisis that will require critical changes in the national paradigm. Not only is the workforce shrinking, it is also becoming more multicultural. In addition, workers now entering the workforce expect greater challenges and rewards from their jobs than did their predecessors. In his keynote speech at the 2008 Material Handling and Logistics Summit, Benoit Montreuil, president of the College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education, warned that long-term solutions to the impending workforce crisis will require American industry to adjust its attitude toward the workforce and develop new programs to protect health and safety. According to Peter Budnick PhD, president and CEO of Ergoweb, which provides ergonomics consulting, training and products, the implementation of ergonomics programs and installation of ergonomic equipment could become powerful tools in the fight to attract and maintain a viable workforce. In most cases, a well designed, comprehensive ergonomics program can generate a one-year return on investment.