Ergonomic Guidelines Economics Of Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a well-established applied science that is now over 50 years old. Ergonomics is about maximising human performance by preventing workplace behaviours that lead to injuries.

Ergonomic programs are not a cost for organisations; rather they are an investment that dramatically reduces cost over time.

Ergonomics programs offer basic, systematic strategies for eliminating unnecessary musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from the workplace and are simple to apply.

1. Workers are the primary cost for organisations; therefore organisations need to provide a safe work environment to ensure retention of quality staff. It is an extremely costly process to hire, train then inadvertently injure workers. Ergonomics programs help prevent this from happening.

2. Musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented. Injuries cost the economy billions of dollars and inflict misery and suffering on affected workers, their colleagues and families.

3. When ergonomics is promoted and prioritised, a safety culture is formed and hidden costs are consequently eliminated. Identifiable reductions can be anticipated soon after implementation.

4. Effective ergonomics programs focus on ways to reduce costs to organisations by minimising injuries, absenteeism and errors - thereby maximising productivity.

A basic program of educating workers in ergonomics and the prevention of MSDs is in an organisation’s best interests. Implementing an ergonomics program will result in more effective work practices, productivity, profitability and healthier, happier workers.