Ergonomics is a science that champions the well-being and efficiency of individuals in their daily activities by designing and arranging environments, products, and systems to fit the needs of the individuals using them.. From the layout of our workspaces to the design of tools we use, ergonomics offers a blueprint for creating environments that prioritize comfort, health, and productivity. From our workplaces to our homes, understanding and implementing ergonomic principles can significantly benefit your life. In this blog article, we discuss what ergonomics is, settings where it is critical and risk factors of not implementing it, common injuries, equipment, habits to help individuals stay healthy.
At Somersault Wellness, we take it a step further and consider the people operating in their environment and incorporate education in sound biomechanics principles and healthy habits to improve their overall well-being. The goal is a harmonious relationship between people and their surroundings where comfort, efficiency, and well-being are optimized.
There are three main areas of ergonomics:
Physical ergonomics: this area addresses the physical aspects of human performance, such as workspace design, equipment layout and tool selection to prevent injuries.
Cognitive Ergonomics: this area explores mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, reasoning, decision-making, learning and motor response as they relate to tasks and activities.
Organizational Ergonomics: this area focuses on the organizational structure and policies and processes, such as work design and flow, communication and teamwork to enhance efficiency and well-being.
The focus of Somersault Wellness is mainly in the area of physical ergonomics, although our holistic approach touches on all three areas.
When is the best time to implement ergonomics?
Unfortunately, most often, ergonomic intervention is only addressed after an injury has occurred or someone has physical complaints. The most effective use of ergonomics is before injury occurs. It is much easier to prevent an injury from happening, and education in sound ergonomic principles and healthy habits arms people with knowledge and action to take an active role in their health.
Why is ergonomics important?
Prevention of Injuries: Ergonomic improvements can reduce the primary risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and strain injuries, and ultimately reduce long-term health issues.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity: By aligning workspaces and tools with the natural capabilities of individuals, ergonomics can increase efficiency and productivity. Comfortable environments foster better concentration and focus.
Comfort: Ergonomics focuses on creating environments that are comfortable and supportive, reducing the risk of discomfort and pain associated with prolonged activities, such as sitting at a desk or standing in one place doing a repetitive activity.
Improved Quality of Work: Ergonomic principles contribute to the creation of work environments that support quality outputs. By minimizing physical and mental stress, fewer mistakes are made and people can produce higher-quality work with greater consistency.
Employee Satisfaction: Organizations that prioritize ergonomics and employee well-being demonstrate their commitment to their employees and create a positive workplace culture and have better employee retention, and increased job satisfaction.
Adaptation to Diverse Needs: Ergonomics attends to the diverse needs of individuals, taking into account variations in physical abilities, cognitive capacities, and preferences. This inclusivity ensures that everyone is set up to perform optimally.
Reduction of Health Care Costs: By preventing injuries and promoting overall health, ergonomics contributes to a reduction in healthcare costs for both individuals and organizations. Fewer work-related injuries translates into lower medical expenses, insurance costs and less absenteeism and presenteeism.
What settings are best for ergonomics?
Ergonomics can be applied to virtually any setting, and at Somersault Wellness, we have 20 years of experience working in a diverse variety of settings. Some common settings include:
Office Workstations: Work from home workstations or in offices. Ergonomics in office settings is vital to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, such as back, neck and upper extremity pain and ensure proper desk and chair setups, keyboard and mouse placements, and monitor heights.
Potential risk of not using ergonomics: Pain and decreased function and productivity for the worker. For employers, increased absenteeism and presenteeism, and higher healthcare and compensation costs.
Manufacturing and Industrial Workplaces: In manufacturing, proper ergonomics is critical to reduce physical strain, prevent injuries, and optimize workflow. Adjustable workstations, education in proper lifting techniques, and smart equipment design contribute to a safer and more efficient work environment.
Potential Risk: Injuries, reduced productivity, decreased morale, retention issues and can result in worker compensation claims and increased healthcare costs.
Healthcare Facilities: Ergonomics is crucial to the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals who care for them. Properly designed patient beds and lifting equipment—and the use of it, adjustable workstations, and ergonomic tools can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers.
Potential Risk: Inadequate ergonomics in healthcare settings can lead to injuries, mistakes, burnout, increased absenteeism, and a decrease in the quality of patient care. This increases medical costs for the institution and can have additional repercussions if injuries are sustained by patients.
Retail Environments: Retail workers often perform repetitive tasks, such as scanning items and lifting boxes. Ergonomic is important in retail settings such as education in proper lifting techniques and biomechanics and creating comfortable checkout stations, contribute to employee well-being and the quality of customer service they extend.
Potential Risk: Injuries and discomfort among retail workers may lead to problems with employee retention, increased healthcare costs, and a possible decline in customer satisfaction.
Educational Institutions: Properly designed desks, chairs, and interactive teaching tools are important for a positive learning environment. As we found out in the pandemic, ergonomics is important for all ages is important for students' focus, concentration, and overall well-being.
Potential Risk: Inadequate ergonomics in schools can lead to student discomfort, distraction, and potential health issues, impacting academic performance and overall educational outcomes.
Risk Factors of Poor Ergonomics
Poor ergonomics can lead to a range of injuries and health issues, affecting physical, mental and emotional well-being, function and overall productivity. Stress increases the risk of developing injuries, and studies show that 87% of workers in America are stressed. Below are some common injuries associated with poor ergonomics and risk factors contributing to these issues.
Repetitive Strain Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist, finger and elbow tendonitis from performing repetitive tasks like typing and mousing, working on an assembly line, or using an ultrasound wand.
Back pain from lifting, prolonged sitting or perching in a poorly fitting chair.
Neck and shoulder pain from awkward head positions, such as looking at screens set at suboptimal heights.
Eye Strain and Fatigue from monitor placement and improper lighting. This can also result in headaches, vision problems, dry eyes, and decreased overall visual comfort.
In a competitive landscape, companies that prioritize the health and happiness of their employees are positioning themselves for growth, particularly when it comes to employee retention, revenue, and productivity.
Ergonomics is a commitment to improving health, safety, and quality of life and Somersault Wellness can help you!
We are happy to discuss your needs and put together a plan to help you and your employees feel better!
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