Ergonomics and Human factors, is described as the practice of designing products, systems, or processes to take full account of the interaction between them and the people who use or operate them. Last year, the Health and Safety Executive published figures stating that there were just over half a million people suffering from Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) throughout the year in the UK. This accounted for 8.9 million days being lost in relation to these injuries and conditions.

The cost related to these musculoskeletal disorders? 

Well, the most recent figures we have for the cost of  musculoskeletal disorders are from 2014, but these figures are quite revealing. They estimate the following cost:

Investing in and adopting an ergonomics and human factors approach in your workplace can have huge benefits to various areas of the organisation.

Here are the top 5 proven benefits of a workplace ergonomics programme:

1. Reduced Costs. By implementing a system to reduce and eliminate ergonomic risk factors, you will also reduce the risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders occurring. That saves money in employee compensation, sickness absence and lost productivity. Clearly this potential financial benefit makes a strong business case for investing in a comprehensive workplace ergonomics programme.

2. Improved Productivity.  One key component of  a workplace ergonomic programme is related to the productivity and efficiency of tasks. Designing tasks so that the operator has correct posture, uses minimal energy, undertakes fewer motions and is able to reach required distances comfortably, will increase the efficiency and productivity of the task.

3. Improved Quality. When tasks that have not been ergonomically assessed and the identified risks and inefficiencies have not be adequately reduced, operators may take shortcuts to achieve better comfort. For example, an operator may not fasten a bolt tightly enough if a high degree of force is required and this can lead to overall quality shortfalls.

4. Improved Culture. When an organisation commits to a workplace ergonomics programme it speaks volumes to the workforce. It says, we take your health and well-being seriously. We genuinely want to make things better for you. We are willing to put our money where our mouth is and invest in making you happier, healthier and more comfortable. Organisations who want to achieve an excellent workplace culture should not underestimate the power or investing in their employees’ comfort and safety.

5. It’s The Right Thing To Do. There are many ways that ergonomics can improve the workplace and it is a solid strategy for increasing productivity, quality and the bottom line. However, taking the purely commercial reasoning out of the equation, demonstrating to your employees that you want to improve their lives is something that is truly worthwhile.

The majority of us will spend 35% of our waking hours at work over a lifetime, so lets make sure the experience is enjoyable, safe and comfortable.

How can I introduce Ergonomics Programme to my workplace?

There are various training courses that key members of staff can attend, from introduction to ergonomics, to ergonomic assessor and champion courses to more in-depth ergonomic management courses. There are many providers out there including the Health and Safety Laboratory. Our ergonomists also provide courses throughout the UK.

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