Ergonomics is more than just a buzzword in the business world. The concept deals with ensuring workplace designs, systems, and equipment function and interact well with the people utilizing them. Ergonomics takes into account the capability and limitations of the employee when doing certain tasks. It also focuses on the immediate work environment and how it contributes to worker productivity.
The concept places importance in ensuring individual and overall health, safety, and productivity through several methods. These include designing a functional space and using the right furniture and equipment. It also involves adopting behaviors, actions, and protocol that prevent injury or illness.
Happy and Safe Office Environment
An office without proper ergonomics run the risk of exposing employees to different types of health and safety issues. This applies to all types of employees, whether they are tasked to do manual handling or desk jobs. Without a proper ergonomics program in place, companies run the risk of exposing employees to these issues which could impact productivity and lead to costly claims and compensation.
Workplace injury statistics in Australia reveal that in 2013 to 2014, around 33 percent of work injuries reported involve muscle sprains or strains, followed by joint or muscle conditions at 21 percent. More than 500,000 workers reported a work-related injury or illness during the period. Out of this number, 34 percent said their injury was caused by lifting, pushing, or some type of related activity.
Follow Safety Rules
Experts in the field can help the business owner create a plan to ensure compliance with government health and safety regulations. As a service provider, Work Active office ergonomics training focuses on ensuring compliance and addressing other critical components. Work Active’s program also involves an evaluation of the workplace set-up and customization of training modules to fit company needs.
A licensed physiotherapist, with qualifications in occupational health and safety training, conducts the program. A full ergonomic program provides employees with input on proper warmup and posture suited for their work. It also helps management create reporting procedures and conduct risk evaluations in the office.
A Big Morale Booster
Office health and safety data also reveal that from 2013 to 2014, around 61 percent of employees took time off from work as a result of an injury. From that number, around 23 percent took 1 to 4 days off from work while 29 percent took five or more days. When employees miss work due to injury, productivity levels also suffer. The lack of a program to prevent injury at work also affects employee morale.
Having a safe and happy office environment should be one of the main goals of every company. An office ergonomic plan ensures that these goals are achieved and at the same time, it also facilitates a conducive work environment. In terms of long-term benefits, having a plan in place also prevent loss of time and valuable resources as a result of a workplace illness or injury. It also sends a message that the company cares for the welfare of its employees.
