Ergonomics is important in the workplace not only for physical safety but also for motivation, productivity and quality of work. In fact, approximately 6.9 million Australians suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and take time off work to attend appointments and recover.
If you want to protect your physical and mental health as well as that of your employees, read on to discover how ergonomics can help.
What is ergonomics?
Merriam Webster defines ergonomics as a science that deals with designing and arranging things so that people can use them easily and safely.
Ergonomics requires an understanding of the work environment to design and arrange a set-up that is optimal for human use. This includes safe work in both white and blue-collar environments.
Why ergonomics is important
Do you have an aching lower back? A niggle in your neck? Sore shoulder? Poor posture?
This is why ergonomics is important.
If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you have some (or all) of the above concerns for either yourself or your staff.
Our bodies are not intended to adopt and maintain the postures imposed by some modern-day workplaces and work tasks. Preventable musculoskeletal injuries are often the combination of a poor selection of general workplace equipment such as chairs, laptops, keyboards and mice and the way individuals interact with these devices.
Ergonomics assessment and training help you and your staff identify high-risk workplace equipment and give you strategies to assist with the human behaviours associated with their successful implementation.
How Recovery Partners can help
Our team of highly skilled consultants can undertake detailed ergonomic assessments to ensure your environment is a safe and healthy workplace.
We also provide ergonomic training has both theoretical and practical aspects to develop the knowledge of your staff. The training covers the essentials of human anatomy, posture, workstation setup and layout, bad habits and self-management techniques. We aim to share with you the “WHY” of ergonomics not just the “HOW”.
Ergonomic assessment
- Achieve the optimal set up to minimise risk and maximise productivity
Ergonomic training
- Identify high-risk workplace equipment and give you strategies to assist with the human behaviours
You might be also interested in reading our blog about the best ergonomic furniture for work from home (or the office), there’s even a discount coupon in there
Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/