Workplace ergonomics could be defined as scientific in the sense that they require the use and application of already existing knowledge. Ergonomics in a workplace involves the design of the workplace – the way you sit in the office chairs to how your wrists rest on the desk near the computer keyboard, and so much more.
This process of designing the workplace should be done with the employees in mind. This is extremely vital because if the design or layout of the workplace is too shabby or inappropriate, it may adversely affect the workers’ health and productivity.
Such poor design might lead to situations where the workers are easily fatigued, extremely frustrated and more prone to injuries. These will obviously not make the workers any more productive.
Workplace injuries due to poor ergonomics can lead to painful and costly treatment for chronic back pain, arthritis, and more. In addition, productivity will be much lower due to the injury.
Importance of Workplace Ergonomics
The first and most important reason for workplace ergonomics is that it eliminates or drastically reduces certain risk factors. These risk factors include those which could potentially cause common musculoskeletal injuries. Hence, it removes all the obstacles to making the workplace as safe as possible.
Additionally, it ensures that all the employees are kept in their top condition or form. Hence, their performances will not drop and they will not be fatigued at the end of the day. Small fixes like offering standup desks or treadmill desks for typically sedentary jobs can help reduce back injuries due to sitting 8-10 hours each day.
Another key importance of workplace ergonomics is that it leads to healthy competitiveness in the workplace. Since all health and safety issues have been handled, no one has any reason to slack off. In fact, everyone will be working hard to show their true capabilities and potential. This will, in turn, make your company more competitive in the market or economic scene, while making your employees more effective. Ultimately, workplace ergonomics will save you money and reduce unnecessary costs.
Who is an Ergonomic Expert or Specialist?
This is someone highly skilled in workplace ergonomics. This person observes the workplace and the employees. Based on this observation, the workplace ergonomic expert makes appropriate plans to make the workplace more secure health-wise and more conducive for the workers. They analyze how the workers behave in the current work environment and the state of mind of the workers. Then they make the necessary plans.
How to Find the Right Ergonomic Expert
Seeing as the ergonomic expert is similar to a consultant, it is obvious that you would want the very best one to make your workplace safer. To pick the right ergonomic expert, you should first carry out a little survey of your own.
Find out what areas of the company are lacking in terms of safety and/or productivity. Search for ergonomic expert companies that can satisfy your needs and pick out the best five (according to your research). Then contact all of them to make final inquiries and choose the right ergonomic expert for you.
In addition to paying attention to ergonomics in the workplace, you’ll also want to ensure you maintain your overall health too by avoiding getting and passing around cold or flu viruses. To maintain health year-round, try boosting your immune system with natural supplements such as Jarrow Formulas’ Immune PF or Vibrant Health’s Immune Defense.