The Role of Ergonomics in Preventing Workplace Injuries
Admin/ November 18, 2024/ Uncategorized
The Role of Ergonomics in Preventing Workplace Injuries
At NMPC, we recognize the critical role ergonomics plays in creating a safer and more productive workplace. By promoting ergonomic practices, we can prevent injuries, reduce strain, and enhance overall well-being for our employees. Our commitment to supporting proper ergonomics ensures that everyone can work comfortably and efficiently, reducing the risk of long-term health issues while fostering a healthier, more sustainable work environment.
Ergonomics is transforming workplaces by reducing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for employees and slashing workers’ compensation costs for employers. MSDs like sprains, strains, and back pain are frequent causes of work-related injuries, leading to lost workdays and significant compensation expenses. Ergonomics, rooted in science and worker-centric design, enhances employee comfort, decreases the risk of MSDs, and improves retention rates. Fewer MSDs mean fewer lost workdays and a decline in workers’ compensation claims. Ergonomics is a win-win, boosting workplace well-being and financial bottom lines. Learn how to implement these principles with Work Health Solutions today!
The Benefits of Ergonomics to Employees and Employers
More Comfortable Working Conditions
Implementing ergonomic principles, like swapping standard equipment for more ergonomically minded equipment, can increase comfort for employees. Some working environments force workers to use awkward postures to complete a task which puts stress on the workers; musculoskeletal system.
Decreased Risk for Work-Related MSDs
Ergonomics effectively decreases one’s risk for WMSDs because it eliminates or limits the amount of repetitive motion in a task and creates a more effective work environment. A task is considered highly repetitive if the cycle time is thirty seconds or less. An effective ergonomics process will reduce excessive or unnecessary movements, decreasing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Improved Retention
Employees are more likely to stay at a job where they feel that their safety and well-being are valued by management. Implementing ergonomic principles and showing employees that they are valued is a great way to reduce hiring costs.
Decreased Lost Work Days due to MSDs
Injuries caused by MSDs can have lasting effects on an employee’s health and ability. Days, weeks, and even months of valuable work time can be lost due to MSDs. This leads to decreased profit margins and excessive strain on other employees, which can lead to more injuries. Since ergonomics effectively reduces the risk for MSDs, there is less frequency of missed work days due to injury.
Decreased Workers’ Compensation Claims due to MSDs
According to OSHA, MSDs account for 33% of worker’s compensation costs in the United States. With fewer WMSDs because of ergonomics, employers will have a lower risk regarding workers’ compensation claims.