Ergonomics

The goal of Ergo & Rehab Services’ (ERS) ergonomics consulting services is to promote occupational health, minimize the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries, and contain work-related injury costs.

What is ergonomics?
There are many definitions of ergonomics. Webster's New World Dictionary (College Edition) defines ergonomics as "the study of the problems of people in adjusting to their environment; especially the science that seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the worker.”

Ergonomics is also referred to as human factors engineering. It is the applied science of equipment and workplace design, intended to minimize operator fatigue and discomfort, improve well-being and optimize productivity. Operational to ergonomics is its concern with the “fit” between people and the things they do, whether at work or home. When a good fit is achieved, there is less stress on people and their bodies.

Why should I consider implementing ergonomics at my company or location?
We are all aware of the diversity of today’s workforce: young and old, male and female, and various ethnic groups. It would behoove the prudent employer to consider the diverse needs of its workforce. It makes good business sense to spend a company’s money on injury prevention and integrate a pro-active approach to safety management into their corporate culture. Conversely, a re-active approach involves unnecessary time, money, and often, injured workers.

ERs involves its companies, whether they are single user home-based companies, a small or mid-sized businesses, in the ergonomic process so that they can be better informed when it comes to having workers “work smarter, not harder; with less pain and strain, and greater productivity.” When ergonomics is part of the day-to-day operations, improvements in productivity, product quality, employee morale and job satisfaction are other benefits that result from addressing the human aspect of all work.

Will an ergonomics program benefit me?
In today’s world of downsizing, outsourcing and increased dependence on the computer, ergonomics can help most anyone or any company in some capacity.

Companies who employ workers on production floors, assembly lines, in warehouses, in material transport; or who work at computers for some or all of their day, can utilize ergonomics. While there is currently no government standard that compels a company to implement ergonomics, spending dollars to prevent injuries, educate their workforce, and contain costs is certainly the preferred route to paying for costly injuries. While certain industries have higher injury rates, no industry in today’s modern, mechanized and computerized world is immune to musculoskeletal injuries, particularly of the repetitive motion/cumulative trauma nature.

For telecommuters or home based businesses, comfort and productivity are paramount. The ergonomics of these computer workstations is often less than ideal and can be counterproductive.

Contact us at 973. 334.7499 or at ellen@ellenradersmith.com