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MATT MIDDLESWORTH //  JUNE 10
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Learn how ergonomics can help you

lower costs by preventing
musculoskeletal disorders.

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BlogErgonomics addsSoftware
value to organizations in many
Services Resources
ways. One of the most commonly cited benefits Company Log in Get a demo
of ergonomics is the reduction in
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the
corresponding reduction in worker’s
compensation and other costs associated with
these injuries.

The cost of musculoskeletal

disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders are an all too
common injury in the workplace today,
representing 33% of workers compensation
costs. (See the infographic below for more on
the cost of MSDs.)

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Study: costs and benefits of

ergonomics
The Washington State Department of Labor and
Industries reviewed 250 ergonomics case
studies to reveal the impact of ergonomics on
business goals like cost savings, productivity
and product quality.

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BlogWhat did they find? That ergonomics

Software Services isResources
well
worth the investment. You can check out an Company Log in Get a demo
overview of their findings here: Examples of
Costs and Benefits of Ergonomics [PDF]
Many of the organizations in these case studies
were able to significantly reduce costs by
preventing MSDs:
American Express Financial Advisors
lowered costs by 80%
Blue Cross Blue Shield created an
insurance dividend of $1 million
3M had a 64% reduction in OSHA injury and
illness rate
Siemens VDO Automotive decreased strain
injuries from 43 percent to 0. Savings of
20,000 hours per year in time previously
lost to pain, doctor visits, and time off.

How does ergonomics lower

risk and prevent
musculoskeletal disorders?
Ergonomics is the science of designing the
workplace, keeping in mind the capabilities and
limitations of the worker. Poor workplace design
leads to fatigued, frustrated and hurting
workers.
A systematic ergonomics improvement process
removes risk factors that lead to
musculoskeletal injuries and allows for improved
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Bloghuman performance and productivity.

Services This
process reduces highly repetitive tasks,Resources
Software
reduces Company Log in Get a demo
awkward postures, and reduces high force
requirements — all primary risk factors that lead
to MSDs.

Reducing high repetition

High task repetition, when combined with other
risks factors such high force and/or awkward
postures, can contribute to the formation of
MSD. A job is considered highly repetitive if the
cycle time is 30 seconds or less.
Excessive or unnecessary motions should be
reduced if at all possible. In situations where this
is not possible, it is important to eliminate
excessive force requirements and awkward
postures.

Reducing awkward postures

Awkward postures move away from the neutral
posture toward the extremes in range of motion.
This puts more stress on the worker’s
musculoskeletal system, is a contributing risk
factor for MSDs, and should be avoided. Good
ergonomic design helps workplace athletes stay
in neutral postures.
Neutral postures are postures where the body is
aligned and balanced while either sitting or
standing, placing minimal stress on the body
and keeping joints aligned. Neutral postures
minimize the stress applied to muscles, tendons,
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Blognerves and bonesSoftware

and allowsServices
control and force production.
for maximum
Resources Company Log in Get a demo

Reducing high force

requirements
Eliminating excessive force requirements will
reduce worker fatigue and the risk of MSD
formation in most workers. Using mechanical
assists, counter balance systems, adjustable
height lift tables and workstations, powered
equipment and ergonomic tools will reduce work
effort and muscle exertions.

Lowering costs with

ergonomics
A proactive ergonomic improvement process
that lowers injury risk is a valuable and
necessary component of your safety process.
High worker’s compensation costs due to MSDs
is not an invevitable cost of doing business.
These injuries can be prevented.

Get more ergonomics and

MSD prevention tools and
training
Register for a free Prevention Pro Academy
account for immediate access to a library of
ergonomics and MSD prevention tools and
training, the latest Ergonomics Plus content, and
discounts on future training courses.
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Blog Register today atSoftware

no chargeServices Resources Company Log in Get a demo

Further reading
5 Proven Benefits of Workplace Ergonomics
Examples of Costs and Benefits of
Ergonomics
The Advantages of Ergonomics
Cost Benefit Studies that Support Tackling
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Return on Investment for Ergonomic
Interventions
How Ergonomics Impacts the Cost of Doing
Business

About Matt Middlesworth

Matt is the product manager at ErgoPlus. Get more from Matt
and ErgoPlus by signing up for the free Prevention Weekly
newsletter.

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