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 work place
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!