How Growing Trends in Workplace Ergonomics Can Affect Your Business

One in two adult Americans suffers from musculoskeletal (MSD) disorders. In fact, as many as 65% of American adults reported neck and back pain to their doctors in 2016. These studies also revealed many of the victims work in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

MSD injuries in welders alone account for almost a third of lost workdays. Across all industries, more than 600,000 work-related MSD injuries and illnesses occur. And these problems make up over a third of all lost workdays.

All of these issues call for better workplace ergonomics, especially in industrial and manufacturing settings where workers face greater risks. The question is, what are the laws and trends surrounding ergonomics safety? Are all businesses required to jump on the ergonomics bandwagon?

Read on to learn more.

Workplace Ergonomics: Mandatory or Not?

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) doesn’t mandate employers to equip their workplaces with ergonomic furnishings (such as desks and chairs). However, employers have the obligation to abide by the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1). This regulation requires the removal of any recognized serious hazards from the workplace. This includes ergonomic hazards, which can result in MSD injuries and illnesses.

Now, even if OSHA doesn’t require you to get ergonomic equipment, failure to do so can lead to citations. Receiving a citation means your business will be under OSHA scrutiny for up to a year.

Taking a Page Out of Google’s Book

Many people want to work for Google. After all, its offices are some of the happiest places to work in. The fact that 86% of its team players say they’re satisfied with their work and their employer is proof of this.

It’s not all about the impressive free gourmet meals, the attractive compensation, or the paid parental leave Google offers, though. Granted, all of these perks could make anyone want to work for them. However, it’s also because the company prioritizes the health and safety of its people.

You don’t have to equip your workplace with lavish day beds or nap pods, but it’s best to follow the lead of Google’s solutions for keeping workers safe, healthy, and happy.

Reducing Injuries with Ergonomic-Centered Equipment

Many industrial and manufacturing businesses rely on standard workstations. By that, we mean some type of one-size-fits-all stations.

The thing is, for equipment or furniture to be ergonomic, it should satisfy a user’s unique needs. That includes a person’s body build, height, and weight.

If your workplace has a one-size-fits-all workstation, it won’t meet these specific requirements. That’s why you should consider investing in custom-made equipment, such as adjustable lifts. You can change their settings based on the task at hand and the operator’s needs. And since they conform better to the user, there’s a much lower risk of strains, sprains, aches, and pains.

Improved Workplace Safety Means Happier, More Productive Workers

Keep in mind that the cost to treat musculoskeletal conditions averages $7,800 per person per year. With proper workplace ergonomics, you can not only avoid those costs, but also make your employees happier and more productive.

Keep tabs on our blog for more tips on how ergonomics can make your business safer and healthier for everyone.

Ergonomics Safety in the Workplace: 4 Things You Need to Know

Are you trying to find ways to improve safety at your workplace? If so, you aren’t alone. For many businesses, workplace safety is an important part of day-to-day operations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the United States in 2016. With numbers like that, it’s no surprise businesses are so often focused on reducing workplace injuries.

One of the ways that businesses in the United States protect their employees is through ergonomic safety. This is the study of how to improve the efficiency of your employees through safer practices.

Read on to learn more about ergonomics safety in the workplace.

1. Work in The Power Zone

Workplace ergonomics focuses on working in the power zone. This is the area of your body where you are able to work while using the least amount of effort. By working in the power zone, you put the least amount of force on your muscles and skeletal structure.

2. Allow for Stretching

According to OSHA, work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for over 30 percent of non-fatal work injuries. Stretching is one of the most beneficial ways to reduce injuries in the workplace.

One way to help your employees feel more comfortable at work is by instituting a formal stretching program. For example, if you are in a labor-intensive industry, you could lead a formal stretch to start each day. On the other hand, you may work in an office setting where people tend to sit at their desks for long periods of time.

In addition to stretching in the office, you should also consider investing in a standing desk or a lifting table. This allows your employees to stand up in a more comfortable and safer position.

3. Reduce Unnecessary Stresses

Ergonomic injuries can result from putting your employees under unnecessary stresses.

Besides the mental stress inherent in a work environment, there is also the physical stress part of it too. For example, if your business operates with lots of heavy machinery, it can cause a lot of stress on an employee’s body.

You should focus your workplace ergonomics on learning the ways that daily tasks are putting stress on your employees. This includes monitoring your employees’ use of machines that vibrate or endure friction during operation.

4. Provide Enough Light

You should ensure you are giving your employees enough light to work safely and efficiently. This is important because you must be careful not to give your employees too little or too much light.

If there is not enough light, your employees will have to strain their eyes and can fatigue sooner. Too much light can also cause your employees to work harder to focus on what they are reading.

One way to help your employees receive enough light is to offer adjustable lighting sources at your office or warehouse. This allows your employees to adjust the lights to the levels they need to do their work most efficiently.

The Importance of Ergonomics Safety

Ergonomics safety helps your business operate smoother while also protecting your employees. That’s because ergonomics enables your staff to work in a more natural way and puts less stress on their bodies. In doing so, it maximizes their efficiency.

Are you interested in learning more about ergonomics and how they can help your company? Check out our blog post on the Top 5 Benefits of Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace.

Work at Height Safely With These 3 Pieces of Essential Equipment

Did you know that nearly three million work injuries occur in the United States every year? Or that the risk of injury is especially high when employees work at height?

Working from high heights on a regular basis can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be so dangerous. Here are some ways you can increase your safety while working at height.

Essential Equipment Needed to Work at Height

When it comes to working at high heights, there are a few pieces of equipment you need to do your work safely. Here are three pieces of essential equipment you should buy to protect yourself and your workers.

1. Safety Nets

A safety net is a must-have because it lowers the risk of serious injury should a fall occur.

By installing a safety below your high-level work area, you can reduce the distance a person can fall. A net can also absorb the energy of a fall, so that the person who falls is better protected from injury. They also allow workers to work at extreme heights without restricting movement.

When installing a safety net, make sure there is enough clear space below the net. If there isn’t enough clear space below, the net won’t be able to deflect the fall as well, and the person could hit the ground.

2. Proper Railings

One of the easiest ways to protect your employees is to install railings. Railings provide workers with passive protection, which means they’ll be at low risk for falling or injury as long as they stay behind the railings.

Railings are available in a variety of types for different height levels and roof types, and they can be easily adjusted to meet your needs.

3. Ladder or Scaffolding

Depending on the height from which your employees work, you should either provide them with a ladder or scaffolding.

For working heights lower than six feet, a ladder is sufficient. Using one doesn’t require training, so your employees can begin to use them immediately.

Here are some scenarios when using scaffolding is preferred:

When you need to store tools and materials as you work.
When you have more than one worker in the workspace.
When freedom of movement is required.
When you need to prevent or reduce worker’s fatigue.

If your work requires these things, then it’s best to use scaffolding. Just note that there are safety requirements and training protocols you need to follow for scaffolding usage.

Questions to Ask Before Using This Equipment

When it comes to working from high heights, it’s essential that your equipment is used and maintained properly. Here are some questions to ask before and during use:

Have my employees been properly instructed and trained on this equipment?
Do they have the proper product manual and materials to use them correctly?
Do you have confirmation that they understand these materials?

Once you’ve begun using the equipment, you’ll need to make sure it’s properly cared for. Here are some maintenance questions to keep in mind:

Is there a record of inspection?
Is the equipment maintained in a safe condition?
Have you done preventive checks?

By answering these questions, you can make sure that people are using this equipment safely and that it’s maintained properly.

High Heights Aren’t Your Only Risks

When it comes to heights, safety is essential. By gathering the proper equipment, your workers can work at height effectively and you can rest easy knowing everyone is safe. But working at high heights isn’t the only risk your workers face. Back and lifting injuries in the workplace are always concerns too.

Our line of ergonomic lifts and safe lifting equipment can reduce the risk to your workers. Contact us to see how you can work more safely and efficiently with our lifts!

5 Safety Rules You Should Follow When Using a Hydraulic Hoist

A hydraulic hoist is handy for lifting heavy loads. However, with that much power comes danger. One wrong move and you could end up losing a finger.

To make sure that your finger count remains at 10, be sure to follow these five hydraulic lift safety tips.

1. Don’t Get Complacent

Of the hundreds of cases of injuries reported in the manufacturing industry every year, a number of them could have been avoided if the operator had been following the safety protocols already in place.

Hydraulic lifts become a hazard only when operators become complacent when using them. They’re too comfortable, so they cut corners or put their hands where they shouldn’t be just to save time. Whenever operating such a machine, always keep in mind just how powerful it is and how much damage it could do if you’re not careful.

2. Use Barriers

It should be common sense, but people need to stay out of the area where a hydraulic lift is working. Unfortunately, some people will disregard that rule or not pay attention, leading them to inadvertently walk into a danger zone.

For that reason, barriers must be put in place so that nobody accidentally puts themselves at risk. This will vary depending on the location of the machine and what you use it for, but there are two basic types of barriers:

Gates

For large pieces of machinery, locked gates should be put around the machinery so that people cannot walk into a danger zone without realizing it.

Light Curtains

This safety feature can be placed around the most dangerous parts of machines. If your hand crosses them, they shut the machine down instantly, saving you from injury.

3. Keep Machines Maintained

When machines start malfunctioning, they can become dangerous. They may then require more manpower or special nudges to get the job done. However, that makes it easy to put yourself in danger.

Any time there is an unusual movement or sound, the machine should be inspected to try to find the source of the problem. Regular maintenance should also be scheduled to catch small problems before they get bigger.

4. Lock Down During Maintenance

If maintenance is being done on a hydraulic hoist, then it needs to be completely locked down. That means using a lock with a single key that you keep on your person. Lock the power supply up so that it can’t be accidentally turned on while the machine is being repaired or cleaned.

5. Monitor Hydraulic Hoist Usage

Monitoring who can use the hydraulic lift will help you make sure that only those who are properly trained and qualified are using it. Those who have not been trained should not have access.

While not every employee will need to know how to operate the hydraulic hoist, everyone who works there should receive ongoing training to be aware of the safety concerns involving this machinery.

Learn More

Now you know how to stay safe while working with a hydraulic lift. If you want to learn more about these machines and how they can help you with your business, contact us today.

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.

Precautions To Take When Operating a Manlift

In 2017, around 20 people were injured by falls from aerial lifts during the course of their duties. Some of these injuries were fatal.

Operating a manlift can be dangerous and should only ever be done by a competent person. But, no matter how qualified you are, there are still some things you must take into account when operating this kind of machinery.

1. Check the Manlift Inspection Record

Before you even consider using any lifting machinery, look at the inspection record for that particular lift.

Different kinds of lifts have unique criteria that must be met before operating them. Be sure to conduct the appropriate function test before you start work. Specifically, take a walk around the manlift and make sure the following are in good order:

emergency controls
operating controls
outriggers
guardrails
wheels and tires

Also, it’s important to remember:

There should be no air, fuel, or hydraulic fuel leaks.
Likewise, the fall protection safety gear provided with the machine should be in excellent order.
Like any heavy mechanical equipment, scissor lifts can be dangerous if not handled with the utmost care.
By law, all aerial lifts must undergo routine checks every 30 days at least. These inspections must be carried out by a competent person and signed off on the relevant forms.

2. Use the Correct Safety Gear

Don’t operate any lift without the required safety gear in place.

Every worker must wear three safety items while operating a manlift:

The full body harness is strapped to your torso. This safety item will keep you upright if you fall. It can greatly reduce the risk of head trauma.
Connectors must be attached to a safe anchorage point. This tie-off point is usually a scaffold, l-beam, column, or other firm structure.
You also need a connecting device that attaches the body harness to an anchorage point.

3. Inspect the Surroundings

It is vitally important to ensure that your safety is not at risk due to the environment. Take note of any sloped areas that could make maneuvering the lift hazardous. Other noteworthy aspects are drop-offs, bumps, debris, and power lines.

4. Refresher Courses Are Key

Operating a lift of any kind can be risky business. It’s your responsibility to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and training in your field. This includes mandatory safety training.

Knowing your limits and increasing your understanding can avoid nasty accidents in the workplace.

5. Know the Shutdown Procedure

Make sure you are familiar with the correct shutdown procedure for the machine you are operating.

Run through all the steps in your mind and practice them often. These include engaging the emergency-stop button and lowering the platform. You must also turn the key switches to the off position and remove the key.

When not in use, a manlift should be inaccessible to unauthorized personnel.

Safety First

Whenever you step up to operate heavy machinery, it pays off to do your research. Always:

Take your time to perform routine checks.
Avoid distractions and follow all safety procedures.
Refrain from operating damaged or faulty machinery.

Get in touch with us for a new custom-built lift that meets your needs and your safety requirements!