Ergonomics and corporate wellness aren’t just about making your employees more comfortable in the workplace; they’re meant to save your company money. When you invest in the safety and wellness of your employees, you’ll spend less on healthcare costs, and your workers will be more present and productive.
Improper ergonomics setups can lead to Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs) and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), and there are more than two dozen strain-like injuries that qualify as ULDs alone. These can affect the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, wrists, elbows, and fingers, and interfere with daily activities in addition to causing pain.
The good news is, they’re completely preventable, so long as your company follows these steps:
- Evaluate risk in the office. First, you need to determine how much risk your employees face and the effectiveness of your current setup. Pay attention to specific job functions, tasks, and time spent on computers and other devices.
- Limit risks of micro-injury. Next, execute a plan to reduce the risks you’ve found—especially for high-risk employees. Institute more comfortable furniture, lighting, and devices, and encourage your employees to take frequent breaks if they engage in repetitive physical tasks.
- Educate your employees. Environmental factors are only part of the problem; you also need to educate your employees how to mitigate the risk of injury on their own. Inform your employees how to sit with proper posture, the importance of physical fitness and stretching, and what to look for when scouting for a potential injury.
- Monitor and evaluate your plan. Pay attention to your plan’s results, and survey your employees to see what they think about the program. Document as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed.
With the proper investment, you’ll be able to reduce the vast majority of ULDs and MSDs in the workplace, and keep your employees happy and productive. If you’re interested in getting professional assistance to evaluate risk or execute your program, be sure to contact us at Ethiam!