The secret to a successful business is not just keeping your customers happy or making money but rather ensuring that your employees are happy. Why? Because a happy employee is a more productive, energetic and creative employee. This will naturally translate into happier customers.

This is why it is so essential to create an environment that optimises the workplace and satisfies the needs of your workforce. This is where ergonomics evaluations come in.

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics studies people in their working environments. It involves adapting the environment to fit the requirements of the employees instead of expecting them to adapt to an environment that may not be suitable for their physical requirements and limitations.

What is an ergonomic evaluation?

Ergonomic evaluations ensure the optimal set-up of your workspace to minimise physical discomfort and optimise productivity at work.

An effective ergonomic assessment is done to reduce a worker’s exposure to physical hazards such as:

  • Uncomfortable postures
  • Repetitive tasks
  • Straining of the body

The assessment also includes an evaluation of your desk, chair and computer set-up and an evaluation of other environmental factors like noise levels and lighting.

We can then suggest ways to adapt your workspace to ensure optimal productivity. Employers can request ergonomic evaluations for their staff or by individuals who would like to ensure that their work set-up allows for optimal productivity at work.

At the end of the assessment, the employer provides a report, which outlines our findings and recommendations.

What are the benefits of an ergonomic evaluation?

Improves productivity

When employees are in pain, they focus more on the pain than their work. A correct set-up workstation creates happier employees. A comfortable workstation designed to promote better posture and fewer motions can increase work productivity.

Improves quality of work

Awkward postures can be distracting, uncomfortable and frustrating for workers leading to poor quality work. Good ergonomic practises will make your workers more comfortable and productive, allowing them to deliver their best.

Improves employee engagement

It will not go unnoticed when you invest time ensuring your employees are healthy and safe. When employees feel that their employer is looking after their well-being and comfort on the job, it will increase morale and reduce staff turnover and absenteeism.

What are the effects of poor ergonomics?

Having poor ergonomic practices could potentially lead to short-term and long-term health effects, such as:

Short-term:

  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Shoulder and arm pain
  • Headaches
  • Repetitive injury strains

Long-term:

  • Carpal tunnel
  • Diabetes
  • Heart conditions
  • Obesity
  • Stroke
  • Postural muscle aches and pains
  • Musculoskeletal disorders