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Ergonomics Creating a Healthy Workstation by Rhonda Crenshaw, Director of Humanscale’s National Ergonomic Group Ergonomic economic benefits Through the application of basic ergonomic principles, office workers can reduce their risk for developing a musculoskeletal disorder. As technology advances and the physical workspace shrinks, it is more imperative than ever that strategies be put in place to maximize safe and efficient space utilization. The office workstation should be viewed as a system of integrated and overlapping factors that contribute to health and comfort. Keeping in mind that our bodies follow our hands and eyes helps illustrate the notion that the chair, keyboard, mouse, monitor, documents and light must be considered together when striving to create an ergonomically correct environment. Each year, more companies are reporting substantial economic benefit from their ergonomics programs. Below are highlights from three companies that recently initiated ergonomics programs in response to increasing costs due to computer related injuries: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas: In the early 1990’s, the company realized that repetitive motion injuries were on the rise. In response, the company launched a proactive and comprehensive approach to ergonomics, including: - Purchasing ergonomically correct chairs in an attempt to reduce low back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. - Using accessories such as glare screens, articulating keyboard supports, split keyboards, different mouse varieties and document holders. - Educational ergonomic programs and training for all employees. - Since 1993, providing ergonomically designed workstations and lighting in the company’s new buildings. The results: By 2001, repetitive motion injuries claims decreased by 50%, with the total cost going from $526,000 in 1991 to $137,000 in 2001. Sun Microsystems, Inc. (California offices): In the early 1990’s, the company realized that repetitive motion injuries were increasing in incidence and cost. An ergonomics program was put in place, and included provision of equipment, workstation screenings and employee training. As a result, in a ten-year period from 1992 to 2002, the company saw a considerable reduction in costs associated with repetitive motion injuries: - Total cost reduced from $1.5 million to $100,000 - Average cost per claim decreased nearly 80% - Number of claims dropped from 300 to 50 Siemens VDO Automotive: In 1991, within an employee base of more than 3,300 the company documented musculoskeletal complaints reported by 43% of 250 office workers. Siemens responded by initiating an ergonomics program including the provision of ergonomic chairs and workstation evaluations for all 250 employees. In this process, vision issues were among the elements considered for improving ergonomic conditions. Workers were encouraged to take short exercise breaks, and were given training on posture and injury prevention strategies. Following the introduction of the office ergonomics program, the company saw fewer injuries coupled with increased productivity: - Savings of 20,000 hours per year previously lost to pain and treatment of injuries - As reported in September 2002, two previous years with 0 lost days due to repetitive motion injuries - Avoidance of surgery in at least two cases due to training and workstation improvement For more details and other success stories, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/success_stories.html
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