How effective are your companies’ protocols when it comes to ergonomic education? Employers are aware of the benefits of proper ergonomic movement for employee health and well-being. It is common for a company to address training on risks. This usually occurs once with new hires during orientation and onboarding. This ergonomic presentation is included with other company health and safety policy information. Without a plan for further communication, education and review surrounding proper ergonomics, this message is often lost amid the large amount of information presented to a new hire.
Implementing methods that both educate and engage employees has the potential to create lasting and sustainable outcomes surrounding the use of proper body mechanics. Using optimal ergonomic postures has a significant impact on the reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and injury. Use of proper push, pull, lift and carry techniques, employees create a positive movement pattern that reduces the opportunity for injury from strain, sprain and overexertion. A strong ergonomic plan contributes to increased productivity along with employee safety and satisfaction.
Implementation of proactive programs that ensure employees are using best practices regarding ergonomics is a strong cost savings driver. Some options to maintain the ergonomic message at the forefront are:
- Ergonomic awareness active and participatory training for new hires
- Annual reminder training for those who consistently make repetitive use motions
- Customized programming for members returning to work after injury recovery
- Use of active coaching and movement monitoring to create sustainability of proper body mechanics
Ergonomic Evaluation and Training services, when used to their maximum potential, can create significant cost savings through:
- Avoidance of recordable injury
- Engaging employees in the company health and safety goals
- Empowering employees to be both self-monitoring and team monitoring to reduce MSDs and other risks
Implementation of an ergonomic plan that partners with safety and engages employees creates a partnership that builds a team mentality and increases employee morale. The DORN ErgoAware Program:
- Provides employees with knowledge on how to identify ergonomic risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders
- Teaches employees how they can implement immediate solutions to personally help them when it comes to early aches and pains of musculoskeletal disorders
- Demonstrates how employees can implement immediate ergonomic solutions to minimize musculoskeletal disorders
Contact us today for a review of your current ergonomic plan or to schedule an ErgoAware training for your team.
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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.
