Work Smarter, Not Harder: How Ergonomics Can Enhance Your Health, Safety, and Performance
Ergonomics is the scientific study of designing workspaces in a way that enhances the health, safety, and productivity of employees. Its goal is preventive, focusing on reducing the risk of injuries before they occur by analyzing job tasks and workstation design. This is especially crucial in today’s digital age where many of us spend hours hunched over desks. Without proper ergonomics, this can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
MSDs are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs that can cause pain, discomfort, and disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MSDs are one of the leading causes of work-related illness and injury in the United States¹.MSDs can affect workers in any industry and occupation, but some of the most common examples include sprains, strains, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hernias².
Enhancing Productivity and Safety Through Ergonomics
Ergonomics goes beyond injury prevention. It also improves overall safety and productivity by identifying risks and necessary changes during the ergonomics process. By mitigating risk, improving safety, and reducing claims, ergonomics can increase overall productivity. It’s a tool used not only in the workplace but also in engineering, product design, and daily activities.
Studies have shown that ergonomics can positively impact a business's return on investment (ROI) by reducing costs, increasing revenues, and avoiding negative outcomes. For example, a review of ergonomic interventions by Cornell University estimated that the average ROI for ergonomic solutions was 1.29, meaning that for every dollar invested in ergonomics, there was a return of $1.29.³ Another study by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries found that ergonomic improvements resulted in an average of 76% reduction in workers’ compensation costs, 63% reduction in lost work days, and an 18% increase in productivity.⁴
Ergonomics can reduce days away from work by preventing or reducing the severity of MSDs, which can cause employees to miss work or perform below their optimal level. The private sector experienced 247,620 MSD injuries or illnesses involving days away from work in 2020.⁵ The median days away from work was 14.⁵ By applying ergonomics, employers can avoid or minimize these absences and maintain their productivity.
Ergonomics can also prevent injuries by reducing or eliminating the exposure to ergonomic risk factors, such as force, repetition, posture, vibration, and contact stress. These risk factors can cause or aggravate MSDs by placing excessive stress on the body’s tissues. By using ergonomic principles, employees can perform their tasks in a way that minimizes the risk of injury and maximizes their comfort and efficiency. For example, using adjustable workstations, ergonomic tools, mechanical aids, and proper lifting techniques can help prevent injuries such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
Applying Ergonomics to Improve Workspace Efficiency and Safety
The first step to applying ergonomics is identifying risk factors such as static or awkward postures, repetitive motion, forceful exertion, vibration, and contact stress. Then, a risk factor assessment can analyze the job task and determine the risk of injury.
Ergonomic professionals can provide solutions to reduce these risks. For instance, movement and better postures can be incorporated through height-adjustable workstations or sit-stand desks to reduce static or awkward postures. Job rotation and flexibility can mitigate repetitive motion, and mechanical lift assist devices can reduce forceful exertion.
Embracing Ergonomics in Your Workspace
In office ergonomics, it’s important to position yourself in a good posture. Your chair should be adjusted so your feet rest flat on the floor, your thighs are parallel to the floor, and your back is against the backrest. Your desk should be slightly below or at your elbow height with your shoulders relaxed. Your keyboard and mouse should be located directly in front of you and next to each other.
Monitor placement is also crucial. It should be at the same height as your eyes when sitting or standing and approximately an arm’s length away. Along with proper equipment placement, regular breaks are necessary to reduce eye strain and maintain good posture.
Maintaining healthy habits is key to good ergonomics. Stand up and walk around during breaks, stay hydrated and socialize with colleagues. Remember, not all “ergonomic” marketed equipment necessarily reduces the risk of injury. It should only be used if it improves posture or reduces risk associated with specific movements.
Conclusion
Ergonomics is an essential tool in creating a healthy and productive workforce. It’s beneficial in the workplace and also impacts our overall well-being. By understanding ergonomics, employers can prevent injuries and enhance productivity.
Successful implementation of ergonomics requires the active participation of both employers and employees. A safer and more comfortable work environment can be achieved by identifying risk factors and taking necessary steps to reduce or eliminate them.
References
- Calculating Your ROI for Your Ergonomics Program (ergoconsulting.ca)
- Ergonomics ROI: How To Document Ergonomics-Related Improvements – Ergoweb LLC
- https://m.fellowes.com/row/en/solutionscenter/activelyworkingwell/Pages/the-roi-of-ergonomics.aspx
- https://jan-pro.com/blogs/roi-ergonomic-office-design/
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/safety-topics/musculoskeletal-injuries/
Suggested Resources
- https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html
- https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA4382.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/default.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169
- https://www.oshaeducationschool.com/articles/ergonomics-in-the-workplace-preventing-injuries-and-enhancing-productivity
About Tammy Bradly
Tammy Bradly serves as the senior director of clinical product marketing at Enlyte. Leveraging over 30 years of experience spanning product development, case management, operations, and clinical product marketing, Tammy has carved a niche as a distinguished expert in the field. Her expertise lies in medical case management, disability management, and the integration of health, disability, and workers’ compensation, and is underpinned by national certifications including Certified Case Manager (CCM) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Tammy has significantly contributed to the industry through her authorship of numerous articles and is a regular presenter at industry conferences, addressing everything from telemedicine to mental health. Tammy's leadership not only drives strategic growth within Enlyte but also embodies a commitment to enhancing service delivery and operational excellence in clinical managed care.
R.E.W.A.R.D. PROGRAM: RETURN EMPLOYEES TO WORK AND REDUCE DISABILITIES
The best way to reduce the effect of injuries is to reduce accidents, of course. But accidents still occur, even when employers have done their best to prevent them. The good news is that what happens after an accident can make a real difference in the life of the injured worker and the bottom line of the employer. To read more about the resources provided by the REWARD Program to improve the recovery process and return employees to work within their physical restrictions as early as possible, which benefits employers and employees, download the REWARD Program Toolkit (tn.gov).
MEET WITH LIKE-MINDED EMPLOYERS
Employers are encouraged to attend the annual in-person only REWARD Employer Group meeting that is scheduled before the Bureau’s Annual Conference begins in Murfreesboro at 1200 Conference Center Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 on Wednesday morning, June 12th at 9:45 AM Central Time. Brunch is included. No fee is required to attend this pre-conference REWARD Employer Brunch. The 2024 REWARD Honor Roll for Employers will be announced at the meeting. Join the discussion regarding best practices of successful return-to-work programs.
Interested in attending? Let us know so we can bring enough bagels.
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed in the REWARD Report are solely those of the authors and may not reflect the official policy or position of the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims, the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, or any other public, private, or nonprofit organization. Information contained in the REWARD Report is for educational purposes only.