What Every Employer Should Know About Applying Workplace Ergonomics
It is proven that applying proper ergonomics in the workplace leads to improved productivity while keeping employees safe and healthy. Using the right tools and equipment, as well as applying proper workplace designs can aid in reducing health hazards and occupational injuries. Employers should be aware of the importance of workplace ergonomics and its impact on the overall success of the company.
People who are working in various industries and occupations can be at risk of acquiring health and safety problems due to various factors. These may include poor body postures, pushing and pulling heavy objects, lifting heavy items, and improper bending of the body. All these can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as back injuries, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, muscle strains, neck pain, and muscle pains. These health problems can cause increased absenteeism and lower quality of work. However, all these problems can be solved and prevented by implementing proper ergonomics in the workplace.
Workplace Ergonomics: A Quick Definition
Workplace ergonomics refers to the science of designing and arranging the workplace while considering the limitations and capabilities of the workers. Workplace ergonomics aimed to improve processes to alleviate risk factors causing musculoskeletal injuries and result in improved work performance and better productivity.
Important Things to Know About Workplace Ergonomics
The Ontario government published an interesting and useful new guide entitled Ergonomics in the workplace. The guide mentioned, “ergonomic workplace issues can impact all kinds of workers from construction workers to desk workers and everyone in between. Ergonomic issues can be things like sitting in an awkward position, being in a desk set up where you are constantly having to look over your shoulder to serve clients at the counter, holding a vibrating jackhammer all day, lifting or transferring a patient out of bed in a care setting, changing a beer keg and so on. Think anytime you’re using your body to do your job, yes even if all your body is doing is sitting and clicking a mouse.”
There are various known benefits of workplace ergonomics, such as the following:
#1 Ergonomics helps improve work productivity
Productivity is the main core of implementing workplace ergonomics. This is why every employer should be aware of and apply ergonomics in their work workplaces. Ensure that the best ergonomic solutions in the workplace are applied, not only to create a well-designed workplace but also to remove the obstacles that can make employees uncomfortable and less efficient at work. Instead, they will be more focused and dedicated to work on the tasks assigned to them.
#2 Workplace ergonomics helps reduce costs
With proper ergonomics, employers can save a lot from their expenses. Ergonomics helps reduce costs by preventing the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries that may lead to health problems. Once these problems are avoided, every employee will not have issues with the way they perform their tasks. Instead of spending on employees’ medical costs, they will be more efficient and generate more quality work results.
MSDs can often be prevented by proper ergonomics in the workplace environment. By improving ergonomics, you can reduce or eliminate many of the risk factors that can cause MSDs that will not only hit your workers’ comp budget but can prove even more costly in medical leave and lost productivity.
#3 Proper ergonomics contributes to an improved communication
It is easier to communicate with employees and other members of the team when they are working in a comfortable environment. An organized and well-designed workplace engaged employees to conveniently share their insights and share issues for solutions. When the company is promoting workplace ergonomics, the employees will feel that they are valued at work. They will then take care of their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In return, the members of the organization will feel good about developing good communication with the management. It will also be a good channel to develop an improved company culture and build unity among workers. They will feel better not only while performing their tasks but also in establishing great relationships among colleagues.
#4 Workplace ergonomics strengthens a culture of safety
Since the study of ergonomics is aimed at the enhancement of the work environment and employee’s safety and productivity, there’s an interesting effect that roots from the ergonomic improvement of a company. It may take time and require consistency to implement programs and policies making sure that safety and efficiency are both considered. Members of the organization take the rules and regulations more seriously. Business companies that are implementing ergonomic enhancements may also observe a reduction of workplace safety-related accidents and injuries. It is important to note that efficiency and productivity are included in the top concerns in the workplace, so both employers and employees can both benefit significantly.
#5 Ergonomics helps boost employee morale
Ergonomic experts advised that poor ergonomics often lead to various kinds of pain as well as decreased productivity. These factors can lower employee morale and make a big impact on their work results. When workers are experiencing fatigue and mentally exhausted, they become either stressed or frustrated. When they are not feeling comfortable in the place where they work, they can develop a poor attitude, reduced self-esteem, and there can be a noticeable low quality of work. They may also let bigger and better opportunities pass just because of poor health and work environment conditions. Workplace ergonomics can promote productivity and boost employee’s morale. A boss or employer who makes effective steps and measures to achieve comfort and efficiency, their employees will feel that they are cherished and valued. In return, employees will give their best because they will feel that they are working for a valuable purpose and that they are taken care of. Employees will also aim to become better versions of themselves for every achievement that they make.
#6 Workplace ergonomics improves the quality of work
As most of us may already know, poor ergonomics can lead to fatigue, frustrated, and unmotivated workers. With these conditions, they won’t be able to perform their best performance at work. When the job is too physically demanding, and the tools and equipment required are not available, the result can be disappointing. When the job task is too physically taxing on the worker, they may not perform their job. For instance, an employee may not finish his typing job when he’s not using an ergonomic mouse. This may cause strain and pain on the wrist and arms.
#7 Ergonomics enhances employee engagement
Employees appreciate it dearly when the company is giving their best effort to make sure their health and safety are considered. When an employee does not experience fatigue, pain, and discomfort while they are doing their job, they will create better engagement with their colleagues. Workplace ergonomics can reduce absenteeism, decrease absenteeism, and boost the morale of the employees.
Final Thoughts
Employers have the responsibility to make the workplace a better place for the employees. It will not only make the work environment pleasing to the eye but will also promote a higher level of productivity and efficiency. Workers will be more motivated to work on their tasks and they will be happy to create achievements based on their goals set.