Ergonomics Matter

Ergonomics is crucial for creating safe and productive work environments, especially in industries where employees face risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from repetitive motions, poor workstation design, or inadequate conditions. These case studies demonstrate how ergonomic interventions can significantly reduce injuries, absenteeism, and costs while enhancing productivity and employee well-being in sectors such as medical call centers, manufacturing plants, and corporate offices.

A systematic literature review confirmed that ergonomic interventions lead to improved musculoskeletal health and reduced work-related complaints. For example, Robertson et al. (2017) found that ergonomic office interventions and training significantly improved employee health and computing behaviors. Another study by Vink et al. (2006) demonstrated that participatory ergonomics positively impacted comfort and productivity, further supporting the role of ergonomics in reducing absenteeism.

Below are some key insights as to how ergonomics have been productive to the workforce.

• Percentage Decrease in MSDs: Organizations report a reduction of MSD-related injuries by 40-60% after implementing ergonomic interventions (Niu, 2010).
• Productivity Gains: Ergonomics improvements can lead to productivity increases ranging from 10-25% (Hedge, 2016).
• Employee Satisfaction Scores: Enhanced ergonomics contribute to an increase in employee satisfaction scores by 15-30% (McCauley-Bush, 2012).
• Reduced Turnover Rates: Effective ergonomic programs can reduce employee turnover by 20-40% (Karwowski & Marras, 2006).
• Absenteeism Reduction: Ergonomic interventions can lead to a decrease in absenteeism by 20-30% (Torrens, 2018).
• Cost Savings on Healthcare and Workers’ Compensation: Organizations save 30-50% on costs related to healthcare and workers’ compensation due to reduced MSDs (Kroemer, 2001).
• Return on Investment (ROI): The ROI for ergonomics interventions ranges from 2:1 to 6:1 (Oxenburgh & Marlow, 2005).
• Error Rate Reduction: Error rates decrease by 10-20% with improved ergonomic conditions (Dul & Neumann, 2009).
• Enhanced Work Quality: Quality of work improves due to less discomfort and fatigue (Sauter et al., 1991).
• Compliance with Regulations: Effective ergonomics programs assist in meeting occupational health and safety regulations (Cohen, 2013).
• Participation Rates in Ergonomics Programs: Participation rates in ergonomics training and initiatives can range from 70-90% (Helander, 2006).
• Investment in Ergonomic Equipment: Investments in ergonomic equipment lead to significant improvements in comfort and productivity (Kroemer & Grandjean, 1997).

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References

1.?????? Robertson, M.M., Huang, Y.H., and Lee, J. (2017) 'Improvements in musculoskeletal health and computing behaviors: effects of a macroergonomics office workplace and training intervention', Applied Ergonomics, 62, pp. 182–196. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2017.02.017.

2.?????? Vink, P., Koningsveld, E.A.P., and Molenbroek, J.F. (2006) 'Positive outcomes of participatory ergonomics in terms of greater comfort and higher productivity', Applied Ergonomics, 37(4), pp. 537–546. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2006.04.012

3.?????? ErgoPlus (n.d.) '5 Proven Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace'. Available at: https://www.ergo-plus.com (Accessed: 1 August 2024).

4.?????? Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (2002) 'Ergonomics - Success Stories'. Available at: https://www.osha.gov (Accessed: 17 July 2024).

5.?????? Cohen, A.R., 2013. Managing Occupational Health and Safety: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 4th ed. Abingdon: Routledge.

6.?????? Dul, J. and Neumann, W.P., 2009. Ergonomics contributions to company strategies. Applied Ergonomics, 40(4), pp.745-752.

7.?????? Hedge, A., 2016. Ergonomic Workplace Design for Health, Wellness, and Productivity. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

8.?????? Helander, M., 2006. A Guide to Human Factors and Ergonomics. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

9.?????? Karwowski, W. and Marras, W.S., 2006. The Occupational Ergonomics Handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

10.??? Kroemer, K.H.E., 2001. Ergonomics: How to Design for Ease and Efficiency. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

11.??? Kroemer, K.H.E. and Grandjean, E., 1997. Fitting the Task to the Human: A Textbook of Occupational Ergonomics. 5th ed. London: CRC Press.

12.??? McCauley-Bush, P., 2012. Ergonomics: Foundational Principles, Applications, and Technologies. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

13.??? Niu, S., 2010. Ergonomics and occupational safety and health: An ILO perspective. Applied Ergonomics, 41(6), pp.744-753.

14.??? Oxenburgh, M. and Marlow, P., 2005. Increasing Productivity and Profit through Health & Safety: The Financial Returns from a Safe Working Environment. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

15.??? Sauter, S.L., Schleifer, L.M. and Knutson, S.J., 1991. Work posture, workstation design, and musculoskeletal discomfort in a VDT data entry task. Human Factors, 33(2), pp.151-167.

16.??? Torrens, G.E., 2018. Ergonomics, health and well-being: Reducing absenteeism and improving productivity through ergonomic workplace design. In: S. Vink, ed. Ergonomic Design for Health and Safety in the Workplace. London: Routledge, pp.23-41.

?Published by : Global Society For Human Capital Management