How an Expert Ergonomics Specialist Can Really Help Your Business
Ergonomics and safety may be the most overlooked issues in today’s workplace. Most employers and human resources departments pay little attention to this important factor in workplace health and productivity.
Ergonomics affects everyone—no matter the profession or work environment: from the receptionist to a truck driver and a lineman to a production worker. However, a correctly designed workstation can ensure back, neck, shoulder, wrist, and eye health and safety—just to name a few.
Why Hire an Ergonomics Specialist to Evaluate Workplace Safety?
When a qualified ergonomics specialist works with your business, your employees’ health and safety are their top priority. An ergonomics specialist will assess each employee’s job functions and workstation, then provide recommendations to change or upgrade the work area to promote the best interests of each employee.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect a person’s muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and even blood vessels. Tasks such as lifting heavy items, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching overhead, managing heavy loads, performing repetitive tasks (even typing), and working in awkward body postures can increase a worker’s risk of injury.
So, when evaluating a job, an ergonomics specialist will observe three main characteristics, or Ergonomic Stressors: the force required to complete a task, any awkward or static postures used in completing a task, and the repetition of a task. An issue with one or more of these can place your employees at a greater risk for discomfort and short-term or long-term injury.
To optimize the well-being and overall performance of your employees, possible recommendations to improve a workstation may include the following items:
- Desk height
- Seating height
- Back and/or knee support and protection
- Add task lighting
- Suggest different shoes
- Ergonomic chairs
- And more!
How a Qualified Ergonomics Specialist Can Help Your Business
An ergonomics specialist will not only talk with supervisors about company needs, but also observe and speak with employees about any difficulties they encounter on a daily or regular basis.
By identifying problems before employees become hurt or injured, it will help increase safety in your workplace. That means fewer injuries, fewer doctor visits, fewer health insurance claims, fewer absences, and less turnover. In addition, your company and profit will benefit from happy, healthy employees who are more productive every day they are on the job.
When an employee knows that their employer cares about them, they are more likely to work a little harder, remain loyal, and want to give back to that employer as well. That’s why paying attention to office ergonomics and safety in the workplace is a win-win for everyone.
Follow-Up Is Important Too
After your initial assessment, it’s important to schedule follow-up visits with your ergonomics specialist. Your ergonomics expert can track your progress in providing a safe workplace for your employees, including implemented solutions. In addition, your ergonomics specialist will assess any new situations (e.g., job functions, new equipment, new team members, etc.) that may occur.
Are your employees underperforming?
McClure Ergonomics Consulting prioritizes Ergonomics and Safety in the Workplace.
Call TODAY for a consultation!