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Making Ergonomics work for you

Many business owners may not realize how a poorly designed workstation and/or bad work habits can result in serious health problems for them and their employees. Common symptoms associated with poor design or habits include: discomfort in the back, neck and shoulders, hands and wrists, as well as headaches and eyestrain. Fortunately, the solution can be quite simple. Proper workstation setup and work practices can eliminate discomfort and even prevent it from occurring in the first place.

If your employees experience problems with lifting, repetitive motion or overexertion, their improper work practices may cause serious and long-term disabilities. So, an understanding of ergonomics in your workplace will improve the daily work routine. It is possible to eliminate aches, pains, and stresses at work and improve job satisfaction. Ergonomic solutions can be simple and straightforward to make - even small changes such as altering the height of a chair can make a considerable difference.

Ergonomics is a science concerned with the 'fit' between people and their work. It puts people first, taking account of their capabilities and limitations. Ergonomics aims to make sure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker. Failure to observe ergonomic principles may have serious repercussions, not only for individuals, but your business as well.

There are many ways in which ergonomic problems can be identified. These can range from general observations and checklists to quantitative risk assessment tools. First, talk to your employees and seek their views. Your employees have important knowledge of the work they do, any problems they have, and their impact on health, safety, and performance.

Some questions to ask are:

• Is the person in a comfortable position?

• Does the person experience discomfort, including aches, pain, fatigue, or stress?

• Is the equipment appropriate, easy to use and well maintained?

• Is the person satisfied with their working arrangements?

• Are there frequent errors?

You can also examine circumstances surrounding frequent errors and incidents where mistakes have occurred and people have been injured. Use accident reports to identify details of incidents and their possible causes.

Applying ergonomic practices in your place of business will benefit your business by reducing the risk of workplace injuries, reducing the severity of injuries that do occur, reducing absenteeism and improving employee morale and productivity.

Simple adjustments to office equipment can work wonders, making work more comfortable and more productive. For further information on how to reduce your risk, please visit: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/websites.html or your local occupational health and safety office.

CFIB is a non-partisan political action organization that exists to promote and protect a system of free competitive enterprise, to strengthen the entrepreneurial culture in Canada, and to give independent business a greater voice in determining the laws that govern business and the nation. The Federation has been representing the interests of small- and medium-sized Canadian-owned enterprises since 1971. With over 105,000 members across the country, CFIB has grown to become the largest individual membership business organization in Canada. http://www.cfib.ca