Top 5 Benefits of Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace
Around 1 million people take time off work every year because of musculoskeletal injuries. Unfortunately, many of these injuries could have been avoided with the use of ergonomics in the workplace.
By providing ergonomic solutions, employers can limit the number of workplace injuries that occur. But that’s not the only reason to use ergonomic solutions in your work environment. There are many benefits of using ergonomic equipment and protocols.
Keep reading to learn the top five.
1. Reduce Workers Compensation Payouts
One of the ways an ergonomic workplace can help your business is by reducing the amount that you have to pay in workers compensation. By preventing injuries, you can avoid these unnecessary costs.
Work-related injuries have indirect costs that come with them as well. These can often be higher than the actual compensation payout.
2. Lower Insurance Costs
The more often your employees need to use their insurance to cover work-related injuries, the more everybody will end up paying for insurance. You can save your company and employees some money by switching to a more ergonomic environment where injuries don’t occur as often.
Here’s a great example of how this works:
A small manufacturing company is currently spending $75,000 annually on direct and indirect insurance costs. They invest in an ergonomic lift that costs $5,000 and reduces claims by 10%.
In the first year, the company saves around $15,000. The lift has already paid for itself and saved them an additional $10,000. Over the next five years, they’ll save an additional $75,000, which is more than enough to replace all of their equipment with more ergonomic options.
3. Increase Employee Engagement
Lower insurance costs aren’t the only way that ergonomics can help employers save money. An ergonomic environment can help employers and business owners make money in several ways.
First of all, when your employees see that you care about them, they will become more engaged in your company. Engaged employees care about your business and will work harder to help the company succeed. You may see employees arriving on time consistently, staying later without complaint, and offering ideas to help your business improve.
4. Boost Employee Morale
Being in pain makes for a miserable work experience. So, if you want to instantly improve the morale of your employees, start implementing ergonomics. As they physically feel better, their emotional state will improve as well.
This can help your business in unexpected ways. Happy employees speak positively about your company, which helps with your brand image. It can also help draw in new prospects as they hear great things about the way you treat your employees.
5. Improve Productivity
There are two ways ergonomics can improve productivity in the workplace. On a day-to-day basis, decreased pain will help employees do their jobs more quickly and efficiently. They’ll also need to take fewer breaks.
Productivity is also reduced when people need to take time off. This can also be prevented with ergonomic systems in place. When everybody is healthy and able to work, your company can continue to function like a well-oiled machine.
As you already know, the more productive your business is, the more money you’re able to make. You may be surprised at how quickly an investment in ergonomic equipment can pay for itself.
Want to Learn More About Ergonomics in the Workplace?
Now you know how ergonomics in the workplace can help you save money by lowering costs and helping your employees. To learn more, check out our blog. Or, if you’re ready to invest in ergonomic equipment for your workplace, see our many product offerings.
