What are the benefits of ergonomic evaluations and assessments?
Ergonomic evaluations and assessments are designed to assess workspaces, offices and stations to highlight potential issues, recommend changes and modifications and encourage employees to reap the rewards of their working environment. There are several benefits of an ergonomic workplace evaluation. In this article, we’ll explore nine reasons to hire a certified office ergonomics evaluator.
1. Identifying risks
Did you know that in the US, the average employee loses 11 working days per year as a result of injuries or work-related illness? One of the primary benefits of office ergonomic evaluation is identifying risks, which could increase the chances of employees sustaining injuries or having to take time off sick. It’s always better to identify potential hazards and dangers than to respond to accidents. Evaluation can help businesses to be proactive, rather than reactive.
2. Preventing accidents and illnesses
Workplace accidents and work-related illnesses, including back pain and stress, cost US businesses over $60 billion per year. An office ergonomics evaluation is a simple, cost-effective means of preventing accidents and illnesses. Evaluating the environment flags weaknesses and gaps that can be addressed and in turn, used to enhance health, safety, wellbeing and reduce the risk of people being involved in accidents or struggling with chronic pain.
3. Reducing the risk of back pain
Back pain is one of the most common ailments among office workers and employees who spend long periods sitting at a desk. According to the American Chiropractic Association, around 50% of American employees experience symptoms of back pain. A computer workstation ergonomic evaluation and assessment is designed to pinpoint issues or shortcomings that could exacerbate symptoms or contribute to pain and provide tailored recommendations to prevent back and neck pain, improve posture, and ensure that employees are comfortable.
4. Boosting productivity
Your working environment can have a significant impact on productivity, as well as health and wellbeing. If you are comfortable, you are free from pain and you’re able to tackle tasks without worrying about your safety, you will be able to focus on your job and devote all your time and energy to your to-do list.
5. Reducing the number of sick days
Sick days can be costly for both employees and employers and they can also hold talented, dedicated workers back and prevent them from fulfilling their potential. Ergonomic assessments identify risks and hazards and provide targeted advice and recommendations to encourage employers to modify working environments to facilitate efficient working and lower the risk of accidents and injuries. Providing employees with ergonomic workstations and furniture, offering training and instruction to promote good posture and eliminating hazards could all have a positive impact on the number of working days lost.
6. Saving money
Businesses have to make money to survive, and most are keen to improve efficiency and make savings while simultaneously optimizing customer service and employee well-being. An ergonomic evaluation report offers a means of lowering costs and boosting profits by reducing the risk of sick days, increasing productivity and decreasing the risk of workplace illnesses and accidents. Prevention is often much less expensive than cure.
7. Employee wellbeing and engagement
Every employee wants to thrive in their working environment and they want to be able to do their job without any anxiety about safety, pain or injuries. Making changes to the working environment and creating ergonomic workspaces can have incredible benefits for employees well-being but also plays an integral role in building strong relationships between employees and employers making employees feel valued. By hiring an ergonomic evaluation expert, employers demonstrate a commitment to providing their workforce with safe, comfortable workspaces and being proactive in reducing injuries and improving morale and wellbeing.
8. Employer reputation
Employees today want more than a well-paid role. Studies show that job satisfaction, flexibility and work-life balance are highly sought-after, particularly among millennials. Employees want to work for employers who prioritize a positive culture and ethos and take care of their team. By organizing office ergonomic evaluations, employers can enhance their reputation and show that they care about their employees. Happy teams tend to be more productive and looking after staff can also boost employee retention rates.
9. Rehabilitation
Many employees who experience health issues or injuries want to return to work as quickly as possible following treatment, surgery or a period of rest and recuperation at home. Businesses can take steps to ensure a smooth transition and provide support for the individual so that they are as comfortable and confident as possible when returning to work. Ergonomic workstation evaluations play a crucial role in aiding rehabilitation and ensuring that workstations and offices are suitable for people who are coming back to work after an accident or injury. An expert report can highlight issues that could pose problems for somebody who has restricted mobility, for example, as well as flagging up modifications that could be made to create a more comfortable, accessible environment that will enable the employee to return to the office. An expert can offer tailored recommendations based on the requirements of the individual, their role and the environment.
Conclusion
Workplace injuries, accidents, illnesses and pain can all hamper productivity, team morale and well-being. It may not be possible to prevent every incident or injury, but it’s hugely beneficial to be proactive as an employer.
Taking steps to identify risks and hazards and make changes to create safe, comfortable, and inspirational workspaces can contribute to improved morale, a lower risk of injuries, losing employees to sickness, and enhanced company reputation. Evaluations can also help to tackle common ailments, such as back pain and provide additional support and help for individuals who experience chronic pain and those returning to work following an accident or a period of time off. Hiring an ergonomic evaluation specialist can be mutually beneficial for employees and employers alike.
With decades of experience, Occupational Resource Network offers ergonomic evaluation and assessments to assist companies in a variety of settings and can discuss your options tod
