Ergonomics: Related risks & benefits of effective management

Risks Managed

1. Workers' compensation risk
2. Employee productivity risks
3. Legal risks related to the need to provide a safe and healthy work environment
4. Reputational risk
5. Financial risk

The importance of ergonomics is often underestimated and many people do not understand how significant the consequences of having ineffective ergonomics arrangements can be. The significance of ergonomics is highlighted by the following information:

1. It is estimated that 65-80% of all Staff working with computers will report pain as a result of their work if asked
2. 13.2% of all Occupational Disease claims reported to WorkCover New South Wales are disorders of the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues
3. Total lost time for these injuries was 7,825 weeks, with an average of 11 weeks per occupational overuse injury claim, an average cost of $26,212 and a total scheme cost of $29.7 million

(Source: WorkCover Statistical Bulletin 2004/2005. Available from www.workcover.nsw.gov.au)

Benefits

1. Minimises direct & indirect cost to a business
2. Minimises equipment costs related to inadequate and incorrect equipment purchases that require replacement
3. Provides opportunities to identify and manage Employee discomfort & dissatisfaction before a workers' compensation claim arises
4. Prevents injury at work and aggravations of existing physical conditions and injuries and related claim costs
5. Facilitates fatigue and injury prevention
6. Ensures Employee comfort and safety
7. Enhances Employee efficiency and job satisfaction
8. Helps meet legal requirements to ensure health, safety and welfare