We’ve talked extensively about the harms improper ergonomics can inflict on employees’ bodies, but, what’s less talked about is how failing to address ergonomic risks can cost a company money.
According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders (or MSDs) made up 34 percent of all injury and illness cases in 2012. These cases aren’t exclusive to one industry—the 388,060 MSDs comprised private, state, and local government sectors. And while awareness of the importance of considering ergonomics in the workplace has increased, this figure represents an increase in MSD injuries from previous years.
Laborer, freight, stock, and material movers are most affected by MSD injuries. From Doug.
So what is this costing the employers?
Injuries caused by repetitive movements led to workers taking a median of 23 days off of work to recuperate. This is 14 more days than workers took for all “events or exposures” in 2011. According to Sound Ergonomics,worker’s compensation and medical expenses caused by MSDs cost employers over $20 billion. Clearly, these numbers need to be improved upon.
Back injuries are the worst offenders, accounting for 41 percent of total MSD cases, while shoulder injuries were classified as the most severe, making up 14 percent of the total MSD injuries.
Although MSD absences affected all industries in 2012, the occupations hardest hit included laborer and freight, stock, and material movers, with 164 incidences per 10,000 full time workers. In the medical field, nurses were most likely to suffer from MSDs.
How can employers cut down on these numbers?
OSHA recommends that employers implement an ergonomic process to prevent such industries, including developing industry- and task-specific guidelines.
Both proper training training and improved ergonomic workspace design also go a long way towards preventing MSDs. Employers will find that the money spent on adding anti-fatigue mats, adjusting desk heights, and instituting comprehensive training programs is little compared to the costs of these all-too-common injuries.
Remember, even if MSD injuries are minor, they’re likely contributing to employees’ productivity and overall well-being. By doing everything in their power to improve ergonomics and cut down on MSD injuries, employers are not only saving money, but improving lives.
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