What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomic design seeks to fit the job to the worker by creating an environment that minimizes the potential for MSI injury or illness. This assists the worker in adopting a work process that optimizes their abilities in the job tasks.
What does an Ergonomic Assessment involve?
Healthserv's Occupational Kinesiologist will conduct an onsite evaluation of the employee's workstation. The workstation is then compared with recognised ergonomic guidelines and applications. Goals of ergonomic design include:
The provision of adequate postural support.
The promotion of proper body and limb weight distribution.
To promote natural limb positions.
To minimise extended reaches, force or repetition in the performance of the job.
To maximise efficiency when performing job tasks.
The work environment should optimise the worker's strengths and minimise their weaknesses. Benefits include an increase in productivity and employee satisfaction. Costs associated with absenteeism, worker's compensation and short and long term disability can be reduced.
“MSI Injury: A musculoskeletal injury (MSI) is defined as an injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissue that may be caused or aggravated by work. It includes sprains, strains, and inflammation.”