As has been the case for decades, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common category of work-related injuries, with issues such as back pain, tendinitis, and repetitive stress injuries affecting 25% of the world’s population. MSDs are also one of the leading causes of early retirement and worker disability.
So how do employers reduce MSD rates? The answer is ergonomics.
We tackled workplace ergonomics in-depth on the DORN Injury Prevention Academy Podcast with Jeffrey Smagacz, Ergonomics Practice Leader at Marsh. Jeffrey brings over 30 years of experience in crafting and implementing ergonomics programs for major employers around the world, including 90% of Fortune 1000 companies mitigating ergonomic risks, reducing injury rates, and cutting employer costs.
Catch the podcast here: https://youtu.be/qBruW54qNeU
In this episode, we covered:
- Common mistakes made by employers when implementing ergonomics programs
- How to communicate ergonomic risks to a multi-generational workforce
- The cost, productivity, and culture benefits that come with strong ergonomics programs
- Where to start with an ergonomics program at your organization
The American workforce is more diverse than ever, especially in terms of age and physical ability. For employers, managing safety for these workers means having a robust ergonomics program in place that can identify hazards and promote safer behaviors before they become costly injuries. Effective ergonomics programs incorporate ergonomic assessments, technique training and more—but they also must go beyond addressing tangible physical hazards, because ergonomic safety is also closely linked with mental health, another issue associated with rising employer costs in 2022. The good news is that employers everywhere and of every size are renewing their dedication to ergonomic safety and health.
On June 2, 2022, the National Safety Council partnered with major employers such as Amazon and many others to create a pledge to reduce workplace injury rates by 25% over the next three years. If you’re looking to curb injury rates and improve productivity and morale at your organization, it might be time to set up an ergonomic assessment. DORN’s experienced ergonomists can perform a thorough analysis of departments, worksites, or entire facilities to identify hazards and reinforce proper mechanics.
Partnering with DORN can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on workers’ compensation and other safety-related costs, promoting a stronger bottom line while helping foster a culture of safety and wellness that extends across the entire workforce.
Contact us today to set up your free ergonomics consultation with a certified DORN specialist: info@dorncompanies.com
Watch the episode on YouTube and make sure to subscribe to the DORN Companies channel!
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About the Author
Kevin Lombardo
CEO & President at DORN CompaniesKevin is Senior Executive and widely recognized thought leader in workers’ compensation and Total Worker Wellness with a focus on workplace injury prevention and on-site innovative therapy solutions.
