Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the cause of illness in most working populations. In addition to having a negative impact on productivity and quality of life, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are identified as a popular reason for short-term work disability.
Recently, even workplaces with low injury risk have started conducting a thorough ergonomic assessment. This is because musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive stress are increasing, whilst impact injuries and other serious workplace injuries are decreasing.
But what is an ergonomic assessment? How can it help improve workplace health and safety? Let’s find out.
What Is An Ergonomic Assessment?
An ergonomic assessment is an evaluation of the workplace or work environment to ensure that it is designed to meet the needs of employees and optimise their health and productivity. The purpose of an ergonomic assessment is to identify potential ergonomic risks and make changes to the work environment, equipment or processes to minimise or eliminate those risks.
Ergonomic assessments typically involve an evaluation of the physical layout of the workplace, the equipment used by employees and the specific tasks they perform. An ergonomist or other qualified professional will observe and analyse an employee’s work environment. This is to identify any factors that could contribute to discomfort, injury or decreased productivity.
Based on the findings of the assessment, the ergonomist will recommend modifications or adjustments to the work environment, equipment or processes to reduce the risk of injury and improve the overall comfort and efficiency of the workplace. These modifications may include adjusting the height of workstations or chairs, providing ergonomic equipment or changing the way certain tasks are performed.
Conducting an Ergonomic Assessment at Your Workplace
The workforce is a crucial backbone of any business, and its well-being is of utmost importance for the success of any organisation. A workplace ergonomic risk assessment is one of the effective ways to protect their long-term well-being and improve employee morale.
The essential components for a successful ergonomic assessment include examining the interactions between the workforce and the work environment. The type of ergonomic assessment carried out differs from one workplace to another. The assessments can also be tailored according to your workplace needs.
By knowing what is an ergonomic assessment, it can help you decide if you need one for your workplace. If you’re looking for qualified professionals to do it, FlexiFit Physiotherapy is one of the best physiotherapy clinics and is well-known for conducting ergonomic assessments efficiently in all kinds of workplaces. We are certified and provide top-notch quality services at affordable prices.
Here’s what you can expect from an ergonomic assessment conducted by our evaluators.
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Existing Data Review
The investigating team will first look at the ergonomic records of your organisation. Evaluating reports of worker’s compensation and first aid logs will provide detailed information regarding the most common types of workplace injuries taking place in the organisation. Being honest with your investigator is essential because they will assist you in avoiding future issues.
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Observation
The next stage in ergonomic risk assessment is observing the interaction between the workforce and the environment. Before proceeding with the observation stage, ensure that your workforce is informed about the assessment and encourage them to be transparent about their concerns. This phase of ergonomic assessment will help the investigator discover the common causes of injuries, such as vibration, repetitive motion, force and awkward sitting positions.
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Survey or Interview
During an ergonomic assessment, the investigator will survey workers regarding ergonomic concerns they regularly face at the workplace. The evaluator may also ask employees to demonstrate the most common body movements they see in their work, like handling equipment. Larger organisations may prefer a self-reporting qualitative survey to gather similar information from employees. On the other hand, small organisations collect similar information from their employees directly.
The surveying phase also includes gathering quantitative data, such as the number of workplace injuries recorded, absenteeism due to injuries or WMSDs, lost time metrics, etc. Evaluators will use suitable assessment tools to collect quantitative data from the workforce.
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Analysis of findings and recommendations
After completing the survey, the evaluator will analyse results and create a report highlighting the most severe and probable risk areas. We can identify departments, tasks or zones with high risks based on these findings. Finally, the evaluator will recommend measures to mitigate the risks observed.
Why Choose FlexiFit Physiotherapy for Your Workplace Ergonomic Assessment
Choosing the right service provider is crucial to ensure that the assessment is accurate and the solutions implemented address specific needs and risks. FlexiFit Physiotherapy is a certified service provider known for providing top-notch services. Here’s why we are the best choice for your workplace ergonomic assessment needs.
- Affordable
- Quality services
- Flexible services
- Tailored solutions
- Workforce training
- Trained professionals
- All-inclusive assessment
Be at Your Best With FlexiFit Physiotherapy
Ergonomic assessment is critical for improving workplace health and safety. It helps identify and mitigate potential ergonomic risks, thereby reducing injuries, improving productivity and creating a safer and healthier work environment.
At FlexiFit Physiotherapy, we offer top-notch services and tailored solutions at affordable prices. We can help you create a healthy and safe working environment. For more details about our services, contact us today.