Ergonomics in the workplace and increased productivity

Bearing in mind that when we talk about ergonomics in the workplace we are referring to the science of workplace design, focusing on the capabilities and limitations of the worker, we conclude that the goal is to optimize the interaction between work and workers. Keep in mind that by achieving this goal, you are also achieving increased productivity as work tasks become easier and more efficient to perform.

How do ergonomics improve productivity?

The presence of ergonomic risk factors (uncomfortable postures, excessive force, and high repetition of tasks) makes the job more frustrating and difficult to perform. This causes a variety of problems, including lost productivity.

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The ergonomic improvement process reduces ergonomic risk factors and improves the interaction between work and worker. Done right, this process removes barriers to productivity, making tasks easier and faster. To achieve this it is important:

• Reduce awkward worker postures: Working in an awkward posture is not an efficient way of working. The ergonomics process encourages working in the "comfort zone", which causes less fatigue and helps you work faster and more accurately.
• Reduce high force requirements: High force requirements cause unnecessary effort that slows down work. The use of mechanical assists, counterbalance systems, height-adjustable lift tables and workstations, power equipment, and ergonomic tools will reduce work effort and muscular strain.
• Reduce highly repetitive tasks: High repetition of tasks, especially when combined with other risk factors such as high strength and/or awkward postures, increases fatigue and slows down the work process. Excessive or unnecessary movements should be reduced if possible. In situations where this is not possible, it is important to eliminate excessive force requirements and awkward postures.

The value of ergonomics.

Ergonomics can have a far-reaching and dramatic impact on your organization, including improving productivity. In today's competitive metalworking environment, it is impossible to ignore ergonomics as a valuable and necessary process to make the best product most efficiently. Here are five of the proven benefits of a workplace ergonomics process:

1- Ergonomic workstations help reduce the risk of injuries: One of the biggest threats to productivity in the workplace is an increase in injuries, leading to an increase in the number of employees who are absent from their workplaces. Surprisingly, most accidents are not the result of heavy lifting or slips and falls, but the strain that comes from repetitive work or posture.

The reason repetitive strain injuries are not quickly noticed is that they develop over time. Along the same lines, they take time to deal with, which causes a long absence of employees. This makes the business lose a valuable workforce, as well as waste money on compensation claims. Companies can solve the problem by offering comfortable workstations that promote healthy postures and sufficient light, which, in turn, helps reduce stress and makes work easier.

2- Reducing standing hours reduces foot and back problems: Standing desks have become a trend in many workplaces. Most people believe that standing for long hours can help keep fit as part of an exercise routine. However, standing for long periods at work is often counterproductive. Most employees end up with back and heel pain.

You can optimize productivity by reducing the number of hours staff members spend on their feet. Permanent desks should be supplemented with standard workstations.

3- Employees who use ergonomic equipment make fewer mistakes: Employees who perform their duties at ergonomic workstations concentrate better on what they are doing. In contrast, uncomfortable employees tend to be distracted from their work by the discomfort and end up making mistakes that would not have happened otherwise. This is very important, especially when workers are doing physically demanding jobs or operating machinery.

Simple mistakes while operating machinery can lead to wasted raw materials or serious injury. On the other hand, errors in calculations, measurements, and other industrial activities can damage the quality of products.

4- Comfortable workers have more energy, therefore they work better: Most workers who get sick due to discomfort usually start by complaining of fatigue and muscle aches. This makes them less able to perform their tasks quickly and efficiently. The problem deteriorates over time until they cannot work at all. They are then forced to take frequent breaks to lie down and stretch to relieve aches and muscle tension.

Physical pain not only affects body expenditure but also mental energy. These people are difficult to inspire or think about the challenges in the workplace. Nor can they propose innovative ideas.

5- An ergonomically designed workplace shows that you care about the well-being of workers: Positive improvements in the design of the workplace show your employees that you care about their health and well-being. A simple thought that the employer cares about them can have a profound impact on motivation and productivity.

In conclusion, is it worth carrying out an ergonomics improvement process? Yes absolutely! Ergonomics is not only good for your company, but it's also great for your workers. Good managers consider the following when making decisions:

• Will this increase our income?
• Will this lower our costs?
• Is this right?

When considering a workplace ergonomics process, you can answer with a resounding "YES!" to the three questions.