Do you need an Ergonomic Assessment? Read on to find out! An ergonomic assessment is a scientific evaluation of an individual’s workstation and environment to identify the required changes for a healthier environment. This is performed so risk of injury to the individual can be reduced along with ensuring higher workplace efficiency. When Is it needed? An ergonomic evaluation can either be conducted as a routine practice to protect employees’ health or if an employee has experienced an injury and requires support and pain management. The evaluation would take an overall view of the job requirements, the employee’s capabilities, the equipment used on the job and the environment of the workplace. Temperature, lighting, noise levels, required motions on the job, the time an employee stays in one position along with the physical characteristics of the employee are taken into consideration during this evaluation. In the process, the risks are assessed, the extent of the risk is identified, and the plan of action to alleviate the risk is established. Benefits of an Ergonomic Evaluation An ergonomic evaluation is important to lower the rate of injuries, increase employee productivity as well as ensure workplace comfort. Reduced Costs If employees are under physical stress, they could experience injuries that would cause loss to your business. The initial costs for specialized chairs and workstations might feel like an unnecessary hassle at first, but they result in healthier and more productive employees over time and thus, decreases costs. Increased Productivity If an employee is in constant pain, they would not be able to focus on work. Studies have proven that the higher pain somebody is in, the lower their productivity would be. To increase productivity and have happier employees, you need comfortable workstations that allow good posture Improved Quality Workstations that are uncomfortable can be a constant distraction to the employees and they would not give their best work at the job then. To ensure high quality work, good ergonomic practices need to be followed at the workplace. Better Employee Engagement When employees feel they are being taken care of and are healthy and safe at work, they would be more motivated to work well. This would reduce staff turnover and absence along with increasing morale. A Better Safety Culture As a business, the most important asset you can have is healthy employees. Good ergonomics will lead to a healthier, safer and more productive environment which your employees would be happy and proud to be a part of. Effects of Bad Ergonomics Bad ergonomics doesn’t just have short-term effects on individuals but also longlasting ones. Here are some that you can face because of it: Short-Term

• Neck pains
• Back aches
• Shoulder and arm pains
• Constant headaches
• Strains to existing injuries

Long-Term

• Obesity
• Stroke
• Carpal tunnel
• Diabetes
• Heart conditions
• Muscle aches and pains because of poor posture
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Hire an East Bay Area Ergonomists for Ergonomic Evaluations When getting an ergonomic evaluation for your workplace, make sure you only hire a specialist who knows their job well. If you are looking for an ergonomic specialist in the East Bay Area, Ergobility is who you should opt for.