EDL - Ergonomics Defined

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the scientific study of the interaction between the human and the workplace. It aids in increasing productivity, efficiency, and quality while reducing work-related disorders by adapting the work to fit the person instead of forcing the person to adapt to the work.

Why Use Ergonomics?

- Bad ergonomics leads to:

Decreased productivity and quality
Increased worker stress, fatigue and accidents
Average cost of $12,000 in lost wages and medical treatment for cumulative disorders
OSHA fines for disregarding working conditions

- Cost of Musculoskeletal Injuries

Workers' Comp/Claim

Carpal Tunnel = $4,764
Back = $3,700
All Cumulative Trauma Disorders(CTDs) = $3,350

Total Costs

Carpal Tunnel = $100,00(max)
All CTDs = $12,000
Currently, 33 cents out of every dollar in workers' comp costs spent on musculoskeletal injuries
By the end of 1990's, it is predicted that 50 cents out of every dollar will be spent on musculoskeletal injuries

- Ergonomics recognizes that by changing the work environment, organizations can achieve significant improvements in productivity and quality

- Harris Corporation/RF Communications indicates workers' compensation claims decreased from $150,000 - $200,000 in1992 and 1993 to approximately $60,000 in 1994 due to their ergonomics program

- Xerox corporation attributes a 55% decrease in absenteeism over the last two quarters of 1994 to aggressively attacking ergonomics problems

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