Ergonomic Facts
Good Ergonomics is Good for Business

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 867,766 cases of work-related strains, sprains, and back injuries in 2003. Although the number of ergonomic injuries has declined over the past 10 years, the costs associated with these injuries continue to escalate. Depending on the severity of a particular injury, it is not uncommon for those who require corrective surgery to incur workers' compensation costs—medical, lost-time benefits, disability ratings, and potential litigation—that easily total $100,000 or more per injury. Only a few such costly injuries can have a severe impact on small or medium-sized company's profitability and even affect its ability to remain in business.

In its 2000 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the BLS reported that skilled workers who suffered musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) injuries lost an average of 19 workdays. Of all injuries resulting in lost workdays, 257,900 were ergonomically related, and 44 percent were caused by bodily movements or exertion.

Preventing Repetitive Stress Injuries is a key goal of many employers -- and for good reason. The injuries, which include more than 100 different types of disorders, make up about one-third of all workplace injuries that result in lost workdays. They also account for a third of the money doled out in workers compensation claims. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), RSI affects some 1.8 million workers per year. One government study puts the cost of RSI between $17 billion and $20 billion a year.
 
"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most widespread occupational health hazard facing our nation today," says Charles N. Jeffries, the assistant secretary for occupational safety and health at the U.S . Department of Labor. "The most severe injuries can put people out of work for months and even permanently disable them."

Improving ergonomics, eliminating piecework, and rotating work activities are key way to cut down your worker compensation cost, and missed worked days.

To identify potential risk factors, employers should look for the following conditions:

• Lengthy periods of repetitive activity.

• Inadequate rest periods between lengthy, repetitive tasks.

• Awkward work positions (extended reaching and overhead work).

• Repetitive heavy lifting and forceful movement.

• Excessive vibration.

• Uncomfortable environmental conditions and a stressful work organization.

The old saying that you can pay me now or pay me later certainly applies to ergonomic injuries in the workplace. Paying to prevent them is just good for business.

Please contact Ergonomic Partners today to learn how we can help you solve ergonomic problems in your workplace.