Are you skeptical about investing in regular ergonomic evaluation?
Here’s why you shouldn’t delay this decision.
The workforce is like the heart and soul of an organization; without their continued effort and dedication, no industry can grow and thrive with consistency. Thus, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of each and every employee in the workplace should be a top priority for company owners and management. The simplest way to monitor your workforce’s needs and keep their health in constant check is by investing in regular ergonomic evaluations.
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their work environment. It considers the person’s physical and psychological needs to create the most suitable working conditions for them. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and improved work quality. By conducting ergonomic assessments, you can identify potential problems that may lead to injuries. Through such evaluations, an organization can create a work environment that nurtures an individual’s potential, encourages efficiency and prioritizes safety. Implementing ergonomic solutions can help companies boost employee morale, satisfaction and productivity.
What Happens During An Ergonomic Assessment?
Ergonomic assessments are conducted by trained and licensed professionals who have the knowledge and skills to evaluate a workplace, identify potential sources of harm and figure out ways to resolve such issues. Ergonomists will take into account multiple factors like posture, workstation designs, lighting, equipment, workload etc., to highlight significant stressors and get a clear picture of an average employee’s everyday routine.
Review Existing Data
The first step to formulating an appropriate ergonomic plan is reviewing and analyzing the past data and history of the workplace. All documents must be thoroughly monitored and studied, including injury, illness logs, workers’ compensation reports, safety committee meeting minutes, filed insurance claims, and complaints reported by workers.
Establish a Standard Assessment Method
Depending on the dynamics of your organization, ergonomists will pick a standard assessment method, using an appropriate set of tools to correctly identify and highlight existing risk factors. As they conduct their initial and follow-up evaluations, they’ll create an assessment brief that outlines the methodology framework and tools for collecting objective and subjective data.
Collect New Data
In addition to past data, ergonomists need on-ground and current knowledge to create a successful program. To do so, they’ll hang back and distantly observe workers in their daily routines and natural habitats. They will also have one-on-one conversations and engage with employees to hear their first-hand insights regarding the shortcomings of the organization and how work-life can be improved. They’ll likely ask questions such as
- Is your job extremely strenuous?
- Do you quickly get fatigued while on your job?
- What do you think is the most significant safety concern at your job?
Assess Data
Once ergonomists have collected subjective and objective data, they must move on and take notes of insights that particularly stand out. This way, they can create a list of tasks and mitigation opportunities that should be prioritized in the short-and-long-term. The EHS team will now utilize their skills and knowledge to draft a unique strategy tailor-made to resolve the issues employees are struggling with at your workplace.
Let Ergobility look after your team for you!
If you’re searching for a reputable team of ergonomists in San Francisco, feel free to reach us at Ergobility.com. Our professionals have years of training and experience in catering to the unique needs of each workplace and developing a plan that can set the organization on the right track.
