Strategies for Improving Job Site Ergonomics

It is important for employers to take workplace safety seriously and provide employees with an environment that helps reduce the risks of short-term and long-term injuries. Importance should be given on ways to increase productivity and ensure there is ample investment – not only in skills of your employees, but also their mental well-being.

The Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Act provides guidelines on how to make workplaces safe and provide employees with both training and resources to perform their jobs effectively with little or no harm. One such consideration is improving job site ergonomics and ensuring no activity puts a serious strain on the health of an employee, which may lead to long-term disabilities and pain. Employees working in the manufacturing industry and who lift heavy objects can suffer musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDS affects blood vessels, muscles, and nerves due to heavy lifting, pulling or pushing objects, reaching overhead, and inappropriate body posture.

Business risk management professionals can suggest companies on best practice ergonomics policies and how to reduce employee compensation claims and loss in productivity.

Reduce Repetitive Work

MSD can be caused by doing the same body motion over and over, like constantly sitting at a chair for desk workers. Either the use of tools should be improved, or employees should be allowed to work on high adjustable workstations to help rotate between sitting and standing positions. Employers can also use ergonomic chairs, specialized tools, and employee job rotation to reduce the risk of sustainable injuries and long-term fatigue.

Communication and Training

Communication and training can increase productivity. All employers are required to provide employees with safety training and how to correctly operate equipment. Taking breaks, avoiding hazards and using the right safety tools can also reduce injury-related incidents. For manufacturing environment, the radius of work should be reduced and height adjusted stools, chairs and stairs should be provided to increase reach and mobility. Robots, handles, or lifting equipment should be used to reduce human impact and store items at ground or shoulder level.

Increase Preassembly

Preassembly can also help reduce risks of MSDs by completing tasks at a suitable work environment. Pre-assembly also reduces the amount of work needed to lift, carry, twist, and reach objects. Also, it can help reduce overall on-site work budgets and reduce time to complete tasks.

If you want to learn more about safety for workers and customers or wish to find more information about workplace safety, contact SIA Insurance Group by calling at (630) 325-4000.