Prevent injuries and increase productivity with an ergonomic workspace

Sponsored by Disability Management Institute

In the pandemic shuffle of creating “temporary” workstations, shifting employees to working from home, and equipment shortages, it’s no surprise you and your employees may have developed some aches, knots, or even full-fledged injuries in the last 22 months.

Ergonomics is about the interactions we have with our physical and organizational environment wherever we work. With the right ergonomic equipment, injuries, inefficiencies, and high claim costs can be prevented.

BENEFITS

Fewer errors
When you’re uncomfortable, you’re distracted. Adjusting workspaces, chairs, benches, cranes, shelving, equipment, and anything else to a comfortable position allows employees to stay alert and focused on their work. Putting this into practice can cut down on injuries and any errors that may have occurred from a poor workspace.

More efficient
The right equipment can make all the difference. By reducing repetitive motions, employees exponentially become more efficient. For example, an ergonomic keyboard allows us to type faster and take fewer breaks, equipment that can clean larger areas means less bending over for staff, and monitors with eye strain prevention allow workers to stay focused longer.

Healthier overall

Workplace incidents are more likely to occur from repetitive strains or sprains. By reducing ergonomic risk, costly musculoskeletal disorders are prevented by nearly 60% and absenteeism due to injuries decreases.

HOUSEKEEPING

Regardless of working situation or setup, remind yourself and your employees to change positions, take stretch breaks, and get up and away from your workspace to help prevent repetitive injuries. Every 1-2 hours, stretch your arms, shoulders, neck, lower back, wrists, or any other area of your body that holds tension.

Adjust lighting in your space, if possible, to work for you. When working with printed materials, bright lights are best to prevent eye fatigue, while diffused light is great for working on a computer.

However your employees work, they are not doomed to develop injuries. The keys to success are regular awareness campaigns, targeted education, and reliable, prompt support.

DMI offers ergonomic strategies that can support your organization:

Ergonomics material for your workforce
Education on ergonomics and behaviors to adopt (individual or group)
Video conferencing employee support service for a quick intervention no matter the employee location.
Facilitate a stay at work strategy and a sustainable RTW

Questions
Disability Management Experts are happy to answer any questions you may have. Reach us: