Ergonomics for Your Safety, Productivity and Health

Ergonomics for Your Safety, Productivity and Health

It should come as no surprise that it’s more efficient and less costly to prevent a condition rather than treat it. If small, simple, easy- to- implement changes can contribute to less discomfort, more efficient productivity, and a significant reduction of injury over time, then one would expect both individual and business to make such changes. However, when individual workers and companies fail to address ergonomics, they’re neglecting health, safety and cost effective business practices.

Ergonomics refers to the structure and arrangement of workplace tools, equipment, and furnishings that directly affect their ease of use, as well as the comfort and productivity of the operating individual. Proper ergonomics allow you do complete daily tasks with greater ease and reduced likelihood of discomfort and injury. From and individual tool, to a complete workstation, to the manner in which you sit, stand, lift and physically perform your job, ergonomics affects your health, safety and comfort.

Workplace statistics show that the more a company does to address ergonomic hazards and prevent worker injury, the less time and money is lost due to injury leave and lost productivity. While it’s smart for businesses to address these issues from a financial and production standpoint, it’s also important for you to address ergonomics to protect your health, safety and your ability to complete your job.

Pain and strain that affects the back, neck, wrists, shoulders, extremities, joints and other parts of the body can easily result from improper use of tools, poor workplace setup, and even factors like vibration and temperature. Poor ergonomics can also amount to a range of musculoskeletal disorders, sometimes called MSDs. Most MSDs qualify as repetitive stress injury (also called cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive motion injury) which include:

• Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Shin Splints
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow

Whether you’re seated at a desk through most of the day, are up on your feet, drive a vehicle, perform heavy lifting, operate specific tools, or perform a combination of these, you should be aware of the individual ergonomics that will help you avoid discomfort or injury. It’s your prerogative to ensure that your company provides you with the tools and information you need to perform your job in the safest and healthiest way possible. It’s also important that you educate yourself and seek care when you need it, including chiropractic and wellness care, which can help assess, diagnose and treat any conditions that may result from your daily activity.

For guides on ergonomics and safe workplace information by occupation, view OSHA’s eTools on Ergonomics: http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/oshasoft/index.html