Here are five of the
proven benefits of a strong workplace ergonomics process:
Ergonomics reduces
costs. By
systematically reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can prevent
costly MSDs. With approximately $1 out of every $3 in workers
compensation costs attributed to MSDs, this represents an
opportunity for significant cost savings. Also, don't forget
that indirect costs can be up to twenty times the direct cost of
an injury.
Ergonomics improves
productivity. The
best ergonomic solutions will often improve productivity. By
designing a job to allow for good posture, less exertion, fewer
motions and better heights and reaches, the workstation becomes
more efficient.
Ergonomics improves
quality. Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and
fatigued workers that don't do their best work. When the job
task is too physically taxing on the worker, they may not
perform their job like they were trained. For example, an
employee might not fasten a screw tight enough due to a high
force requirement which could create a product quality issue.
Ergonomics improves
employee engagement. Employees
notice when the company is putting forth their best efforts to
ensure their health and safety. If an employee does not
experience fatigue and discomfort during their workday, it can
reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and
increase employee involvement.
Ergonomics creates
a better safety culture. Ergonomics
shows your company's commitment to safety and health as a core
value. The cumulative effect of the previous four benefits of
ergonomics is a stronger safety culture for your company.
Healthy employees are your most valuable asset; creating and
fostering the safety & health culture at your company will lead
to better human performance for your organization.
Workplace
Ergonomics - Is it worth the cost?
So is an ergonomics process worth the cost? Yes, absolutely! Not
only is ergonomics good for your business, it's great for your
people.
Good managers consider the following when making decisions:
- Will this increase our revenues?
- Will this decrease our costs?
- Is this the right thing to do?
When considering a
workplace ergonomics process, you can answer with an emphatic
"YES!" to all three of these questions.
