5 SIGNS YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS AN ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENT

Jeff Mignault • May 23, 2017

Ergonomics is important. Having a healthy workforce has a significant impact on organizational culture, performance, productivity and the overall health and wellbeing of your employees. However, ergonomics can be tricky because it is unique to each organization, its industry, work environment, work stations and workers. For example, an ergonomic assessment of an office would be very different from a warehouse, making it difficult for companies to know if they need an ergonomic assessment.

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SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR AN ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENT

There are a number of telltale signs that it’s time for your business to invest in an ergonomic assessment:

1. YOU’VE NEVER DONE ONE BEFORE:

If your business has never performed an ergonomic assessment, then now is always a great time to conduct one. Even if there are no complaints or issues, poor ergonomics will become an issue in time. Why not address it now before it becomes a bigger and more widespread issue?

2. NO ONE INTERNALLY HAS EXPERIENCE WITH ERGONOMICS:

If you plan to invest in an ergonomic assessment, having a competent person with experience performing the assessment is essential. Most companies do not have someone in house, so hiring an ergonomics consultant is your best option to improve your work environment.

3. THERE IS AN INCREASE IN EMPLOYEE INJURIES:

If you have noticed that an increasing number of your employees are taking time off work due to musculoskeletal issues, then it’s time to make a change before the issue becomes worse. Be on the lookout for issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative disc disease and other issues.

4. A STRESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

All types of stressors impact your employees’ ability to maintain a high performance standard, especially physical stress. If you notice an increase in overall workplace stress, it’s time for an ergonomics assessment.

5. YOU WANT TO CREATE A HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Taking a proactive approach to workplace health and wellness is important. Healthier employees perform better, morale is improved, and you will have a better overall work environment.

Ergonomic assessments are becoming more commonplace in today’s work environment. Keeping your employees healthy and creating a positive organizational culture that is based on health and wellness will improve your organization.