{"id":4578,"date":"2019-08-19T09:24:49","date_gmt":"2019-08-19T13:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthadvocate.com\/site\/?p=4578"},"modified":"2020-01-14T16:58:51","modified_gmt":"2020-01-14T21:58:51","slug":"five-strategies-to-improve-workplace-ergonomics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthadvocate.com\/site\/article\/five-strategies-to-improve-workplace-ergonomics","title":{"rendered":"Five Strategies to Improve Workplace Ergonomics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Dr. Raffi Terzian | IndustryWeek<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through\nthese best practices, manufacturing organizations can significantly change the\nreduction and mitigation of MSDs, improve health outcomes, reduce costs and\nincrease productivity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among all Americans;\nhowever, employees in manufacturing settings are especially vulnerable to\ndeveloping these injuries due to a number of factors specific to their\noccupation. Heavy lifting, bending, awkward postures, reaching overhead,\npushing or pulling heavy loads, and repetitive tasks are all risk\nfactors, which\nincreases the chance of injury on the job<\/a>. According to the Centers for Disease\nControl and Prevention (CDC), 41 out of every 10,000<\/a> manufacturing workers experience a\nmusculoskeletal issue or disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\nGrowing Issue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These injuries have a significant impact on workplace\nproductivity, absenteeism and healthcare costs. Across all industries, the\nOccupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that employers spend up\nto $20 billion each year on direct costs related to MSDs, with indirect costs\ndue lost productivity and turnover far exceeding that amount. Work-related MSDs are among the most frequently reported causes\nof lost or restricted work time.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, a 2017 analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation<\/a>, which explored trends in\nthe cost of treating diseases, found that MSDs were ranked among the leading\ncontributors to overall health services spending growth. As additional evidence\nof the impact of this issue, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among\ninjuries and illnesses causing days away from work in manufacturing, MSDs\naccounted for 34 percent of the total cases for all workers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether\nemployees develop back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff\ninjuries, or any number of other musculoskeletal disorders, it is critical that\norganizations take proactive steps to both prevent and mitigate these issues to\npreserve the health of their workforce and their bottom line. By improving\nergonomics in the workplace, manufacturers can address many of the root causes\nof MSDs among their employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilizing\nErgonomics to Reduce Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the risks\ninherent in manufacturing facilities are not easy to mitigate, there are\nmeasures organizations can take to help protect their employees from developing\nMSDs and helping those with injuries return to work faster. To improve\nergonomics within manufacturing facilities, here are few strategies and best\npractices to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Go beyond the standard assessment. <\/strong>Ensure that any workplace assessment not only takes into account the unique factors of the facility\u2019s environment, but also the hazards specific to each employee\u2019s role. While some employees may be standing on their feet all day, others may be lifting heavy objects or working in awkward positions. This should not be completed in a vacuum; it is critical to involve employees in this process to address the issues affecting each individual\u2019s health and productivity. A comprehensive approach to the initial assessment will lay the foundation for implementing effective ergonomic improvements that make a positive impact.<\/li>
  2. Select appropriate safety equipment. <\/strong>Based on the assessment, introduce and provide employees with suitable safety equipment that encourages safe postures, aids lifting heavy items and protects them from common musculoskeletal injuries. This could include, but is not limited to: