Ergonomics in the Workplace

PROACTIVE VS. REACTIVE: An interview with our Ergonomic Specialist 

Ergonomics in the workplace is something that is often an after-thought. A thought AFTER an injury. The average workers' compensation injury can cost a company thousands of dollars. Why wait until an injury occurs to enact a procedure that could have prevented that injury from occurring in the first place? With Apollo's Ergonomics Program, we take your company from a REACTIVE to a PROACTIVE stance on injuries. I sat down with our in-house Ergonomic Specialist & Clinical Director, Rachel, to discuss why ergonomics is important and what it can do for a company financially while improving employee morale. 

1. What are the most common ergonomic issues that you've seen in a workplace? 

Throughout my years of working with employers, some of the most common ergonomic issues I have encountered include improper use of the pallet jack, improper lifting techniques, repetitive motion injuries, and improper ascending and descending of ladders and stairs. 

2. How can an ergonomic program reduce workers' compensation costs? 

Ergonomic programs allow for a decrease in costs by allowing employees to be educated in proper mechanics. It shows the importance of an employee's health and longevity. Implementing proper mechanics allows for decrease in OSHA recordables and workers' compensation claims all while showing the employee that you care about their health and wellbeing. 

3. What other benefits does an ergonomics program provide a company? 

It provides structure and accountability for your safety and lead teams to make sure that when they see an issue, they initiate the ergonomic evaluation to prevent injury from occurring. Once again, being proactive compared to reactive truly makes a difference in the workplace setting.

4. Why is ergonomics just as important in an office setting as it is in a manufacturing plant or in the field? 

Due to the repetitive and sedentary work environment of the office worker, you see more overuse injuries. Office workers commonly have an overuse injury or aggravate previous injuries due to the workplace lifestyle. Putting an ergo plan in place allows for optimal posture, decrease in overuse injuries, and can give better options for work environment, i.e: a standing desk versus a sitting desk.

Interested in learning more about Apollo's Ergonomics Program? Give us a call and let's discuss how we can improve your health/safety and risk programs: 770.400.9460 or 678.922.9313

Keep in mind: our brick and mortar location may be in Georgia but we travel nation-wide!