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Q.
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What is ergonomics?
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Ergonomics, also called human factors, is the study of people at work. We match the workplace to the worker, instead of making the worker adapt to the environment. The objectives of human factors enhance the effectiveness and efficiency with which work is carried out; and maintain or enhance worker health, safety and satisfaction. The central approach of ergonomics is the systematic application of relevant information about human abilities, characteristics, behavior and motivation in their work duties.
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Why should I apply ergonomics to my workplace?
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Applying ergonomics to the workplace reduces work-related injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It lowers work-related injury costs by controlling ergonomic risk factors. Ergonomics improves employee comfort and job satisfaction, reducing absenteeism and turnover. Ergonomics also increases worker productivity, and achieves compliance with health and safety laws.
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What are ergonomic risk factors?
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A risk factor is any experience or exposure that increases the possibility of the occurrence or development of repetitive motion disorder, cumulative trauma disorder, or other musculoskeletal strains and sprains.
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Do I need an ergonomics program?
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In general, your business should have an ergonomics program if your employees have experienced job-related injuries or illnesses diagnosed as MSDs that a licensed physician has objectively identified, or if your business is in an industry that typically has a substantial number of MSDs. Typical industries and jobs where musculoskeletal injuries occur are:
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Manufacturing
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Manual material handling areas
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Construction
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Health care
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Administrative/office areas
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Laboratory areas
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Is ergonomics just for office settings?
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No. Ergonomic concepts improve worker comfort and safety in any environment, from construction to day care, from housekeeping to nursing.
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How can your services help me reduce my workers' compensation costs?
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If you have workers' compensation injuries but question the relationship of the injury to the demands of the job, a task analysis or keystroke analysis is recommended. The task analysis or keystroke analysis objectively evaluates the postures, forces, frequencies and duration of job demands; and compares those to the most currently accepted standards to determine if the risk for the development of a MSD is probable. This information is best-suited to assist a physician in determining a causal relationship between the job and the alleged injury.
If your worksite has obvious ergonomic design or workflow problems that put employees at risk for MSDs, an ergonomic evaluation can help find the most cost-effective ways of reducing those stresses and the potential for injuries.
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