Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace

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30 Jan

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What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics applies information about human behaviour, abilities and limitations and other characteristics to the design of tools, machines, tasks, jobs and environments for productive, safe, comfortable and effective human use." (McCormick and Saunders, 1993).

When looking at workplace ergonomics, all physical and environmental aspects of the job are considered. Physical aspects include looking at stresses work tasks place on joints, muscles, nerves and tendons. Environmental factors such as lighting, temperature and noise can affect hearing, vision and general comfort and health.

Benefits of Ergonomics

There are many benefits of ergonomics in the workplace to both the employer and the employee. The most important benefit is increasing the safety and comfort of employees.

Decreases Injury

There are a plethora of injuries that can occur in the workplace, depending on your environment. However there are some common workplace injuries that can be significantly decreased when ergonomics are implemented properly.

Lower back pain
Neck pain
Tennis elbow
Trigger Finger
Tendinitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Increases productivity

Of coarse one of the benefits of decreasing your employee injuries causes their productivity to increase. Apart from your employee’s health, it is the main reason to invest in education and training.

Ergonomics benefits productivity in more ways then reducing sick or injury leave, some of them include:

Improves employee satisfaction
Improves employee retention
Improves employee engagement and relations which improves overall company work culture
Increases employees referring talent to the company
Positive impact on brand reputation

Reduces Costs

Countless studies prove that a good investment in ergonomic equipment and training actually is a good business strategy, which will save your company much more money than it costs.

In a study made by Alison Heller-Ono (2014), it was found that the average Return on Investment (ROI) on ergonomic investments (covering such as consultant fees, training and ergonomic equipment), was that the organization saved $10 for every $1 invested during a five year long period.

A review of the report by “Amick and colleagues” (2002), that concluded that ergonomics in the workplace increases performance with 17.7 % and that the benefit-to-cost ratio was amazingly 24:1.

Source: Josefin Sandberg

Reduces Compensation Claims

Preventable injuries may result in insurance claims, such as workers’ compensation claim. The top three compensation claims made by employees are:

Back injury at work claims
Repetitive Strain claims
Health and Safety breach claims

By providing adequate ergonomics training and by having ergonomics policies in place it can significantly reduce employee compensation claims. If the company does face a compensation claim they are in a good position.

Now that you have read this blog… how long have you been sitting? Why not get up, do a few stretches and walk around for a few minutes. You’ll love it we promise!

Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we aim to promote Wellness at Work and a healthy lifestyle. If you would like information on work place ergonomic assessments that we provide please contact the clinic today. Furthermore, if you have any aches or pains that you think are related to you work environment, book with one of our trained physiotherapist today. You can call (01) 660 6582 or book online.