|
|
Ergonomics and Economics |
||
| HOME
Repetitive Motion Injuries
How You Can Help Prevent Injury to Yourself |
Ergonomics has gained visibility in much of business and industry because of regulation and litigation. The first exposure that many people have had to the field has been media accounts of the multi-million dollar fines charged against companies for problems related to poor ergonomics. Others have the simplistic impression that ergonomics means providing "cushy" jobs or slowing down productivity. This unfortunate introduction has given many people in business the impression that ergonomics presents just another burden. People may hear "ergonomics" and think "more costs and more problems." However, this is a mistake. Ergonomics can save businesses money. By applying the basic principles of this field, we can reduce costs related to issues like workers’ compensation, turnover, and absenteeism. Adjustments made to workstations can result in fewer errors and less wasted time. ILLNESS PRODUCTIVITY
BAD ERGONOMICS GOOD ERGONOMICS
Concern for employees and their well being can easily pay off in improved morale. Precise dollar amounts are difficult to measure, but most people grasp that there can be large costs for poor morale. An increasing portion of workers’ compensation payments are related to Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs) -- lost time, medical treatment, and disability costs. In many companies the portion is about 75 - 85%. A wrist disorder involving surgery can easily cost over $20,000. Along with these costs, there is always the possibility that a company may be sued. At Geomatrix, a substantial amount of our workers’ compensation claims involve computer-related injuries. If this number is not reduced, our premiums will continue to rise. We also have the potential to lose jobs because clients may become concerned that we are a liability. Repetitive motion injuries are truly preventable. Prevention does not have to be expensive. The investment required is tiny compared to the costs of lost time and productivity, medical and insurance costs, and rehiring and training that too many businesses have already suffered. More to the point, safe computing means healthier employees in an environment of higher morale and creativity. It just makes a lot of business sense to make sure that people are comfortable at their computers and protected from the risk of injury. After adhering to an ergonomic plan, Intel's overall injury rate was reduced 33% per year from 1994-1998 and another 50% in 1999. This resulted in over $10 million in cost savings.
Other companies have succeeded in reducing their workers’ compensation costs, along with the added benefits of reduced absenteeism and improved morale. Read about success stories from OSHA and from a company called ErgoWeb.
|
