Ergonomic factors in the workplace: Improving and recognizing
With countless hours spent at work, exploring ergonomics in the workplace and identifying ergonomic risk factors are vital to a company’s success.
Why You Should Care
The right ergonomic considerations can be the make or break factor in a good or great employee expereince - they can reduce turnover and drive performance.
This analysis of workplace ergonomics and the six tips that follow can help you and your workforce immesurably. Read on.
Collectively, we spend more time at work than we do sleeping, eating, or anything else, for that matter. Hours, day-in, day-out at the same desk, in the same hunched position; solely broken up by the occasional meeting or bathroom break. It’s a pretty grim picture to paint. And that’s why ergonomics in the workplace and identifying ergonomic risk factors are so crucial to a company’s success.
What is workplace ergonomics?
In very academic terms, the etymology of ergonomics comes from the Greek words for ‘work’ (ergon) and ‘household management’ (economics). It’s the method to ensure management are providing safe and healthy environments for their employees. Because, contrary to outdated mindsets, your workspace should reflect your individual physical needs – not vice versa. And ending your workday with sore wrists, an aching back or strained eyes is a key indicator that something about your working environment requires addressing.
For companies, that means providing new equipment, furniture that meets physical specifications, and encouraging a healthy balance in working routines.
The main ergonomic risk factors
Naturally, careers that heavily utilize manual labor are some of the most overtly identifiable for ergonomic risks and hazards. But regardless of industry or workload, we all contort ourselves into unnatural or uncomfortable positions for hours on end. Whether operating heavy machinery or sat at a desk, typing, your body is at risk of harm and deterioration through daily wear and tear.
The danger stems from the fact that these pressures are slow burn, building up over time. Meaning ergonomic risks are present in any physically demanding role. Which can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), absences and crushed morale. So, by identifying ergonomic hazard examples, companies can protect their staff and reduce discomfort across the workforce.
The cause for these daily pressures can be broken down into a series of categories; all of which contribute to and directly cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Physical exertion, forceful motion and the application of prolonged pressure pushes our muscles to their limit. Lifting even the smallest weight over a period of time, can weaken them and inflict lasting damage. Sustained, awkward posture, both sitting and standing, twists our bodies into positions that put stress and tension on nerves and spinal discs. And the repetition of tasks grinds down our joints and ligaments.
But these are merely the largest contributory factors. In addition to too little or too much motion, temperature, noise, lighting and vibrations must also be considered. Essentially, any continuous action can advance RSIs and MSDs.
The importance of ergonomics in the workplace
Put simply, an investment in ergonomics in the workplace, saves company money. Because, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 30% of workplace absences are the direct result of MSDs. In practical terms, that’s additional costs to cover workload, reduced productivity and compensation claims.
Subsequently, advocating preventative measures and adopting good practices, not only bolsters physical health, but employee wellbeing as well. After all, feeling like a rusting cog, buckled and ground down by micro pressures, has a significant adverse impact on how an employee reflects on their workplace. And by creating a safer working environment, you instill a sense of value in both new starters and veteran employees.
But the work doesn’t stop there. To be a progressive, dynamic business, ergonomics must also factor into diversity in the workplace, as well as remote working requirements. Ableism is the discrimination against disability, so assuming all your staff have identical needs is a recipe for disaster. And while you cannot completely control how a remote working member of staff sets up their workspace, you can encourage practices enshrined by company policy.
Six tips for improving ergonomics in the workplace
Evaluation
Assessments are the best route to understanding each employee’s requirements. It’s not only a question of following standard templates, but a consideration of height, weight, eyesight and pre-existing conditions, as well as a myriad of other unforeseen personal prerequisites.
The right tool for the job
Decent, dependable resources can make departments in charge of budgets wince. But it’s vital to ensure equipment and furniture are appropriate, as well as fit for purpose. And unfortunately, this isn’t a one-time purchase situation. Depreciation over time needs to be addressed, logged and tracked, to guarantee employees do not suffer drawn out negative effects.
Rise to the occasion
Technology is constantly evolving to better suit our needs. Hence the advent of motorized adjustable desks, which allow employees to alternate between seated and standing positions while at work. More than a fun novelty, this variety allows the body to move, improves circulation and can reduce lower back pressure.
Sound and vision
Quality monitors and speakers reduce eye strain and hearing issues. But it may surprise you to learn that grainy screens and crackling audio feedback take a psychological toll too. Investing in visual display unit (VDU) devices and peripherals eases these strains. As can utilizing software which offers dark modes and other display optimization settings.
Illumination
Ensure lighting is taken into consideration. Avoid blinding office strip lighting or constantly being bathed in the glow of a computer screen in a darkened room. Because our eyes need balance to work efficiently and prevent long-term damage. Solutions can include orientating desks to deal with natural light and installing eye-friendly bulbs.
Know your role
Offering training is crucial to establish best practices, not only in the office but also for any remote employees facing ergonomic issues. It signals to your staff that you take this matter seriously and are invested in their health and wellbeing. Furthermore, it sets up a process by which everyone at the company, from the top down, can report issues and resolve them effectively.
For an illuminating look into other challenges facing HR today, watch our on-demand webinar.
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Staff writer, UNLEASH
Matt’s HR roots run deep, as he spent 15 years working for the NHS, in roles across payroll, HR and finance.
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