How Ergonomics Can Save You Money
Most employers understand the role of ergonomics in reducing workers’ compensation costs. However, there are many other ways to demonstrate the economic benefits of effective ergonomics programs.
Reduction in workers’ compensation costs. Good ergonomics programs can reduce workers’ compensation costs as much as 80-90%.
Improved productivity.Ergonomic improvements can increase productivity 10 to 15%.Studies have demonstrated as much as a 25% increase in output at computer workstations when employees are sufficiently trained in using their software or have ergonomic furniture.
Improved efficiency with better working postures.Working in awkward postures results in reduced strength, less accuracy and increased fatigue. Neutral postures place employees in positions of optimal strength which can increase accuracy and reduce fatigue.
Improved efficiency with better heights and reaches.Excessively high, low or far reaches can result in awkward postures as well as slower work times. If you can’t reach an object, you may need to stop productive work to get a step stool or remove an obstruction.
Improved efficiency with fewer motions.Repetitive motions can be a waste of time. The more motions required, the longer it takes to perform a task. Ergonomics can identify the types of motions required to complete a job to reduce unnecessary movements.
Improved efficiency with less exertion.The harder you have to work to accomplish a task, the longer it takes and the more fatigued you become. Ergonomics can help identify sources of unnecessary exertion as well as ways to reduce it.
Less waste and fewer mistakes.A good ergonomics task analysis breaks down operations step by step, similar to a Time and Motion analysis.Evaluating a task step by step helps to identify wasted activities as well as mistakes to eliminate them.
Reduced absenteeism and turnover. Dissatisfaction caused by fatigue, working in uncomfortable postures, and the pain and discomfort created by overexertion can lead to increased employee absenteeism and turnover. Reducing awkward postures, repetitive motions, and excessive exertion can help keep people at work.
Improved morale. Frustration, aches, and pains caused by poorly designed jobs or equipment can easily affect morale. Often it is the little things that create dissatisfaction.If you have ever had programs getting a broken keyboard or mouse replaced, you know how frustrating it can be. These types of problems can be quickly identified and fixed with an active ergonomics program.
Protecting your human resources. Experienced workers are your greatest asset. If a worker is out due to back pain, you may not be able to replace that person. Even if a replacement is found, skill levels may not be the same.
Ergonomics can offset the limitations in an aging workforce.Older employees have more experience, tend to be more reliable, and are already trained and educated. When ergonomic adaptations are made, older workers can be as productive as younger workers, if not more so.
Improved labor relations. Ergonomics issues are often good ones for joint problem-solving between management and labor. Re-designing the workplace using the principles of ergonomics is a “win-win” situation for management and labor.
Saving yourself from Cal/OSHA.Cal/OSHA has issued fines to companies who do not address musculoskeletal disorders in their workplace. A proactive ergonomics program makes these fines unlikely.
Good ergonomics is good economics!