Master Ergonomic Practices: Enhance Occupational Health Outcomes

Introduction

Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace, keeping in mind the capabilities and limitations of the worker. Poor worksite design leads to fatigued, frustrated, and hurting workers. This rarely leads to the most productive worker. More likely, it leads to a painful and costly injury, lower productivity, and poor quality products.

The Importance of Ergonomics

Understanding the importance of ergonomics in the workplace is crucial for occupational health care professionals. It's not just about reducing the risk of injuries; ergonomic practices can also lead to increased productivity, improved work quality, and improved worker engagement.

Increased Productivity

By designing a job to allow for good posture, less exertion, fewer motions, and better heights and reaches, the workstation becomes more efficient.

Improved Quality

Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and fatigued workers that don’t do their best work. When the job task is too physically taxing on the worker, they may not perform their job as they were trained.

Improved Worker Engagement

Employees notice when the company is putting forth their best efforts to ensure their health and safety. If an employee does not experience fatigue and discomfort during their workday, it can reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale, and increase employee involvement.