What is Ergonomics?
The science of designing and arranging workstations so that people interact with them efficiently and safely.
People exist in all sizes, abilities, and knowledge levels; thus, workstations, workloads, and work tools are not one-size-fits-all. Current productivity demands, environmental hazards (lighting, noise, air quality, etc.), and our uniform approach to the workforce’s needs - we have the perfect storm for injury.
Whether it’s a small ache that later turns into a serious pain, an injury on the job, or an ongoing pattern of movement that results in long-term medical issues, employers have a reactive approach to musculoskeletal disorders and injury.
Why Ergonomics?
There’s an innate design issue in the workplace that’s costing us millions of dollars.
Physical and mental health are driven by the silent, repetitive things we do (or don’t do) every day: diet, sleep, thought patterns, posture and movement.
Ergonzo’s focal point? Posture and movement. Specifically, posture and movement where we spend the most time - our workplace. Changes made here make all the difference in how we feel and perform.
It’s time to be proactive about the health of your employees.
Not convinced? Besides workers’ wellness, injury has financial implications. Workers compensation provides great protection for employees, but comes at a high cost for employers.
One episode of care for a minor musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) that doesn’t require surgery can cost approximately $4,750 in direct medical costs.
This doesn’t include indirect costs in loss of productivity, potential rehiring/training and blows to morale.
Multiply this to more than one employee and you have a big blow to a company's bottom line.
Don’t think this applies to you? If you’re a forward thinking, progressive employer, you’re thinking, “We buy sit-stand desks and give employees budgets to use at their own discretion.” You’re missing two big concerns:
1) Equipment solutions need to be properly selected, arranged and implemented for optimal use. Typically, they’re either being used incorrectly and creating new injuries or not being used at all.
2) This may help prevent injury if implemented correctly, but aches and pains that arise regardless or already exist are still ignored.
In summary:
Comprehensive ergonomic assessments provide crucial data to employers
Workstations typically do not uniquely fit the worker’s needs
Employees develop aches that can be addressed before they evolve into injuries
Workplace injuries cost the employer money
Injured workers have lower productivity and morale compared to non-injured
Without proper implementation, purchased equipment can still cause problems