:: Benefits of Ergonomics

Costs of Injuries

Recent research suggests that about “40% of workplace injuries go unreported.” Severity of injury was the single best predictor of a worker filing for compensation” (Shannon and Lowe, 2002). [1]  This falls in line with the experience of Anderson Ergonomics Consulting.  We hear from people during our training sessions and during ergonomic assessment that they are accessing treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc. to deal with the discomfort/pain they feel at work, without recognizing it or reporting it as a work-related problem.  Companies often don’t recognize the cost of this impact through company benefit plans as well as reduced productivity on their bottom line.

The direct costs of injuries can be staggering.  In 2006, the average cost of a lost-time claim was $17,200 [2]

Ergonomics can help companies reduce costs related to injuries, while improving employee well-being and retention.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a science that analyzes the relationship between equipment, work environment and employees.
Using ergonomics, existing problems are proactively identified and injuries are prevented in the workplace. This is achieved through onsite ergonomic assessments, hazard identification, and employee training.

Ergonomics reduces physical discomfort and strain, poor workplace design, and repetitive task injuries.

Good ergonomics is a partnership between good design and good education / knowledge of how the body works by employees.  A good ergonomics program ensures that the right tools and equipment and provided and that employees are properly trained to use their bodies and the equipment to their greatest benefit / full potential.

What are the Benefits of Ergonomics?