Workplace Ergonomics: Reducing Injuries and Increasing Productivity

You can't design the perfect workspace without considering ergonomics. There's a correlation between ergonomics and productivity and safety. Ergonomic workplaces typically have lower rates of injuries and higher productivity levels than other workplaces. What is workplace ergonomics exactly, and how can you leverage this concept for improved safety and productivity?

Overview of Workplace Ergonomics

Workplace ergonomics is the process of designing a work environment to fit the needs of workers. From factories and retail stores to offices and commercial construction sites, there are many different types of work environments. An ergonomic workspace is any type of work environment that's been designed specifically to minimize stress on the workers who use it.

Why Workplace Ergonomics Is Important

Work-related injuries are common. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 127 out of every 100,000 U.S. workers sustain an injury on the job. Some of these injuries are attributed to poor ergonomics.

Workplaces with poor ergonomics pose hazards to workers. They expose workers to more stress, which over time can lead to injury. Workers may sustain pulled muscles, carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries attributed to poor ergonomics. Fortunately, employers can protect workers from injuries such as these by designing an ergonomic workplace.

Not only does it protect workers from injury, but ergonomics improved productivity as well. It allows workers to perform tasks faster and more efficiently. The end result is a higher level of productivity.

How to Design an Ergonomic Workplace

How can you design an ergonomic workplace exactly? You should consider what factors affect workers and their ability to perform tasks. Known as ergonomic factors, they will directly influence their risk of injury and productivity levels. Ergonomic factors may include things like lighting, flooring, machinery, air quality, noise levels and even postures.

Designing an ergonomic workplace involves making each workstation a proper fit for the worker who uses it. Make sure the workstations in your workplace are designed to fit the worker's body. The workstation should allow for neutral postures, which means keeping the body in a comfortable and natural position.

If workers are required to stand on their feet for long periods, you may want to invest in anti-fatigue mats. Anti-fatigue mats are flooring pads that, as the name suggests, are designed to minimize fatigue. Standing on a concrete or otherwise hard flooring surface can lead to fatigue. Anti-fatigue pads offer a solution. They will absorb the pressure of a worker's body so that he or she is able to work more comfortably while standing.