The Tribune

By P Erica Rolle

What is ergonomics?

Simply stated, ergonomics is the study of work – fitting the job to the worker and reducing stress by eliminating potential disorders or injuries.

It focuses on the work environment, tasks and products by re-designing and/or re-structuring the environment to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

How does ergonomics affect health?

Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries that affect your muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Workers can be exposed to risk factors at work, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body positions and performing the same tasks over and over, which can in turn, lead to injuries.

An ergonomic specialist’s three main goals are:

• Allowing a worker to work not only smarter but also harder.

• Allowing a worker to work not only harder but also safer.

• Allowing a worker to work not only safer, but also be more comfortable and efficient while performing their allotted tasks.

If a worker feels comfortable doing a job they will do it more often. Doing a job more often increases the likelihood of liking the job the worker is assigned to. If the worker likes the job he/she is assigned to, it results in the worker taking more ownership of the work environment, and this results in a less likelihood of injuries in the workplace.

How does ergonomics work?

Ergonomic specialists help people in the workplace prevent injuries. They also help companies reduce sick days and increase productivity.

This is done through on-site visits, to assess the work environment and to make recommendations that will ensure not only a safer workplace, but also a more comfortable and efficient work place.

In the Bahamas, the most common workplace injuries involve the back, the shoulders and the knees. Surprisingly, these injuries are common among all jobs, ranging from an executive office worker to a construction worker.

After evaluating the work environment and job tasks, the ergonomic specialist can make recommendations regarding correct office set up, correct lifting techniques, how to avoid awkward positions and the use of the correct tools to make the work environment a safer and more efficient place.

If a person is off work due to on the job injuries, the bottom line of the business can be seriously affected. Not only in productivity but also causes extra workload on the other workers, which can then lead to further injuries and more persons off.

“Safety doesn’t happen by accident” – Author unknown

• P Erica Rolle is a registered physiotherapist, certified ergonomic evaluation and assessment specialist.