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Ergonomic workstations
Cost of injury to employers As a result of the many misconceptions and/or lack of ergonomic awareness, workers continue to succumb to task-related injuries, and the associated costs to employers are staggering. Based on the most recent information from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) now account for more than one-third of all occupational illnesses and injuries, and constitute the largest job-related illness and injury problem in the U.S. today. In 2002, employers reported a total of 487,900 lost workdays due to work-related MSDs, representing nearly 50% of all lost work days. On top of these productivity costs, employers have paid approximately $20 billion annually in direct worker’s compensation costs. Indirect costs associated with these injuries increase that total by another $60 billion annually. In addition to lost days having a negative impact on the bottom line, it is becoming increasing clear that people who are working in pain are not as productive as those who are pain free. As reported in the November 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association, common pain conditions are having an adverse impact on productivity. Researchers found that lost productive time due to back pain, headache, neck pain and other musculoskeletal discomfort is costing U.S. companies an estimated $61.2 billion per year. Obviously, these costs are very real. So too are the injuries, which can be extremely painful and debilitating. The good news, however, is that most work-related, repetitive stress injuries are avoidable. Companies across all industries have seen the economic benefits of having ergonomic programs in place. Reports of success include fewer workers’ compensation claims, decreased cost per claim, and increased productivity. For guidance, The National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) has outlined a pathway for creating a successful ergonomics program, with details available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ephome2.html. Creating a Healthy Workstation by Rhonda Crenshaw, Director of Humanscale’s National Ergonomic Group |
