Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services Presents Ergonomic Innovation Award to Radar Industries of Warren

    LANSING, Mich., March 7 Director Kathleen M. Wilbur
announced the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services presented
the Ergonomic Innovation Award to Radar Industries of Warren today.
    The Ergonomic Innovation Award is issued to employers by the CIS Bureau of
Safety and Regulation's (BSR) Consultation Education & Training (CET) Division
for innovative ideas, which have been implemented to reduce worker strain.
    "As Radar Industries expanded into a new location, they incorporated
ergonomic principles into their design process and created a facility which
will help prevent ergonomic injuries," said Wilbur.  "We applaud their
outstanding efforts to protect the safety and health of their workers."
    Radar Industries is a world leader in automotive stampings and assemblies,
and has three facilities in the greater Detroit area with nearly 200
employees.  The award is being presented to the Warren manufacturing facility
in recognition of their ergonomic design innovations.
    "This award is a direct reflection of our commitment to the health and
safety of our employees," said Radar Industries President Dave Zmyslowski.
"Because of the combined efforts of our manufacturing, human resources, and
maintenance departments, ergonomic considerations are taken into account when
implementing new projects such as this.  We are appreciative of this award,
and pride ourselves in our ongoing commitment to make safety our number one
priority."
    During the installation of new equipment at this location, ergonomic
features were a part of the layout and design, particularly with the press
room and welding equipment.  Specifically, Radar used ergonomic principles to:
adjust the height of press beds; determine the location and height of exit
conveyers; and decide the location of welding equipment.
    These modifications allowed them to reduce the force or weight of certain
operations, improve tool angle use, improve the body posture of employees, and
provide body support.  The Warren manufacturing facility employs approximately
40 workers, and has had only one recordable injury since they opened in May
2000.
    The CET Division has worked with Radar Industries since 1995 and has
provided them with numerous education and training services.  During the
installation of the equipment at the Warren facility, Radar management worked
with CET to assure their equipment was all properly guarded.
    BSR Director Doug Earle presented the award to Radar Industries President
Dave Zmyslowski and the management team.  The plant shut down production so
all employees could attend the ceremony, and provided them with lunch after
the award presentation.