Ergonomics in the workplace isn’t just about comfort; it directly affects employee health, safety, performance, and productivity. By designing work systems around the abilities and limitations of employees (an approach known as human-centred design), ergonomics reduces the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like neck strain, lower back strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, etc., as well as other injuries and ill health. In addition, implementing effective ergonomics in the workplace enhances employee comfort and productivity and cuts down on financial losses linked to employee injuries and absenteeism.
When work systems are designed to fit the natural capabilities and limitations of human beings, employees aren’t required to strain their minds or bodies while doing their job. A well-designed workstation is much more comfortable for the worker than a poorly designed one.
Exposure to ergonomic risks in the workplace can result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other injuries, illnesses, and incidents. For example, providing desk workers with adjustable lumbar support office chairs encourages healthy spine alignment and reduces the likelihood of developing lower back strain. Similarly, alternating repetitive tasks (instead of requiring employees to perform the same movement over a prolonged period) can prevent overuse injuries like tendonitis.
Ergonomics in the workplace is not limited to the physical aspects of work. Cognitive ergonomics examines how the mental requirements of a job or task affect a person’s wellbeing and performance. For example, by ensuring that employees receive clear instructions, undergo adequate training, take regular breaks, and maintain reasonable work hours, cognitive ergonomics can reduce worker fatigue, mental strain, and error.
When employees are comfortable in their workstations, able to work productively, and not at risk of developing injuries or MSDs due to poor ergonomics, worker morale may improve.
Ergonomics in the workplace has two main aims: to protect workers from the adverse health effects associated with exposure to ergonomic risks and to optimise the ways in which humans interact with work systems to increase productivity. Human-centred work system design enables employees to work comfortably and efficiently, thereby increasing productivity.
Implementing an ergonomics programme in the workplace reduces the likelihood of injuries, illnesses, accidents, and ill health associated with ergonomic risks. As a result, employees take fewer sick days, which results in better overall productivity across the team.
Implementing an effective ergonomics programme in the workplace can lead to significant cost savings for employers. When injuries and adverse health effects are reduced, employers face fewer medical expenses and compensation claims, and employees take fewer sick days. In addition, well-designed work systems boost worker productivity and tools and equipment last longer when they are used correctly (as opposed to being subjected to forceful exertions or awkward, torque-producing positions).
Workplaces that implement ergonomics programmes may experience improved employee retention, due to improved employee comfort, health, and well-being.
The Ergonomics Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 are applicable to all employers and workplaces in South Africa. According to the regulations, all employers have a duty to carry out ergonomic risk assessments of the workplace, implement risk control measures to prevent employee exposure to ergonomic risks, conduct medical surveillance when needed, and ensure that all employees receive instruction, training, and information on the ergonomic risks and control measures in place in the workplace. Implementing an effective, comprehensive ergonomics programme that meets the requirements laid out by the Ergonomics Regulations is a vital element of achieving full compliance with the OHS Act.
The OHS Act and the Ergonomics Regulations are clear: all employers must take reasonable steps to prevent employee exposure to ergonomic risks in the workplace. Failing to comply with the requirements set out by the Ergonomics Regulations may result in fines – and even imprisonment of up to 12 months.
Absolute Health Services offers OHS management services, OHS training, and OHS risk assessments for South African businesses countrywide. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you in creating a working environment that protects the health and safety of your employees and is compliant with the requirements of the OHS Act and its regulations.
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