The Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace:

Sep 10 2024 12:45PM

Ergonomics, the study of people in their working environment, it is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. In the UK, poor ergonomics can lead to significant health issues and financial costs for businesses.

Why Ergonomics Matters

Ergonomics aims to reduce strain, fatigue, and injuries by improving the design of workstations, tools, and tasks. Appropriate ergonomic practices can lead to:

• Reduced Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): MSDs, such as back pain and repetitive strain injuries, are common in poorly designed workplaces. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in 2022/2023, an estimated 470,000 workers in Great Britain suffered from work-related MSDs, resulting in 7.3 million workdays lost.
• Increased Productivity: Comfortable employees are more productive. Ergonomic improvements can enhance efficiency by reducing discomfort and fatigue.
• Improved Employee Well-being: A well-designed workplace can boost morale and job satisfaction, leading to lower employee turnover.

Key Ergonomic Principles:

1. Workstation Design: Ensure that desks, work benches, chairs, and computer monitors are adjustable to suit individual needs. Employees should be able to sit with their feet flat on the floor, knees at a 90-degree angle, and eyes level with the top of the monitor.
2. Equipment Use: Encourage the use of ergonomic tools such as keyboard trays, footrests, and monitor stands for desk jobs. For other roles, consider ergonomic hand tools, lifting aids, anti-fatigue matting, and supportive footwear.
3. Regular Breaks: Promote training on ergonomic principles and the correct use of equipment. Employees should be aware of the importance of ergonomics and how to adjust their workstations or equipment.

Practical Tips for Improving Ergonomics

• Adjustable Chairs: Invest in chairs that offer lumbar support and adjustable height and armrests for desk jobs. For other roles, ensure seating in break areas are supportive.
• Monitor Placement: Position monitors at eye level and about an arm’s length away to reduce neck and eye strain for desk jobs. For non-desk roles, ensure screens used in tasks like machinery operation are at comfortable viewing height.
• Keyboards and Mouse: Keep the keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height to avoid wrist strain. Consider using ergonomic keyboards and mice. For other roles, use tools designed to reduce hand and wrist strain.
• Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting to reduce eye strain. Natural light is ideal, but adjustable desk lamps can also be beneficial. For non-desk roles, ensure work areas are well-lit to prevent accident and reduce eye strain.

Ergonomics for non-desk-based Jobs:

• Manual Handling: Use lifting aids and ensure adequate training on lifting techniques to prevent back injuries.
• Tool Design: Choose tools that are ergonomically designed to reduce strain on hands and wrists. Tools should be lightweight and have comfortable hand/finger grips.
• Footwear: Provide supportive footwear to reduce strain on feet and legs, especially for roles that require standing for long periods of time.
• Workstation layout: For roles that involve standing or moving around, ensure that workstations are at a comfortable height to prevent bending or reaching.

The Financial Impact

Investing in ergonomics can lead to significant cost savings in the long term. The HSE estimate that work-related MSDs cost UK employers around £3.2 billion annually. By improving ergonomics, businesses can reduce lost work time, potential insurance claims, and an increase in productivity.

Ergonomics isn’t just about comfort; it’s about creating a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. By implementing ergonomic principles, businesses can protect their employees’ health, enhance productivity, and reduce cost.