Creating A Better Work Environment With Ergonomics
Improving Your Work Environment Through Ergonomics
When a worker is sick or injured, it becomes as important as ever to get them back to good health. When you work to make the work environment comfortable, then you also work to make the workforce healthier and more productive. Don’t wait for injury or illness to occur before you begin to understand the importance of ergonomics in your work environment.
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics itself is defined as “the study of people’s efficiency in their work environment.” However, ergonomics is also a tool used by employers to help create a productive, healthy environment for workers where they can easily complete their tasks. Attention to ergonomics in the workplace has been found to reduce eyestrain, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and injuries from repetitive tasks. That’s what makes it worth the investment for your employees and their productivity.
Reduce Costs
When you have an ergonomic evaluation of the work environment performed, it’s the first step you can take to reduce risk factors that will eventually reduce overall cost. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), $1 out of every $3 in workers compensation costs is attributed to musculoskeletal disorders that are the result of the work environment. Reducing the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in the office can make for significant costs savings for the employer.
Improve Productivity
Really great ergonomic solutions will improve productivity in the workforce by allowing for better posture, fewer motions, and less exertion. When the workstation is more efficient, then the worker is simply more efficient too.
Improve Work Quality
When workers don’t feel well due to poor workplace ergonomics, they are more likely to be fatigued and frustrated and won’t do their highest quality work for you. If a job is too physically taxing on them, they might not be able to do it at the level for which they were trained. Quality can suffer in the long term, so it’s best to make sure ergonomics aren’t the reason behind it!
Improve Employee Engagement
If you think that employees don’t notice when companies invest and put effort into their safety and health, then you’re wrong! Employees will be more engaged if they notice you’re working for them in an effort to make their workspace more comfortable. This can result in a reduction in turnover, a decrease in absenteeism, and improved morale in the workplace.
Foster a Culture of Safety
Proper ergonomics show’s a company’s commitment to health and safety. This has a cumulative effect on the entire culture of the workplace, showing your employees they are an asset to be invested in and fostering a work environment that reflects that.
It’s Worth It
Ergonomics to improve the work environment is a cost you won’t regret. It’s good for your business and good for your employees. The health and safety professionals at E3 Consulting want to help you learn more about how proper ergonomics can benefit your business. Contact us today to find out how to seamlessly bring proper ergonomics into your business.
