Ergonomic Assessment
What is an Ergonomic Assessment?
An ergonomic assessment is an assessment of a person’s working environment, ensuring it is fit for use. Ergonomic assessments are done by qualified professionals. Physiotherapists are ideal professionals to conduct an ergonomic assessment, as they have the knowledge of the biomechanical functions of the body and the effect different stresses can have on it.
What are the Benefits of an Ergonomic Assessment?
Ergonomic assessments are aimed at reducing the risk of injury within the workplace as illumination can be impossible. All workplaces will benefit from an ergonomic workplace assessment. There are many benefits to having an ergonomic assessment done by a physiotherapist. Some of the main benefits are:
- Reduction in sick leave
- Staff morale will improve as the correct appropriate equipment has been provided for the job
- Staff will suffer less musculoskeletal injuries
- Work efficiency can improve with the correct tools for the job
- Cost effective – less sick pay and temporary staff cover needed
These are just a few of the benefits of ergonomic workplace assessments. If the recommendations of the ergonomic assessment are taken, the company can benefit financially in the long term.
What does an Ergonomic Assessment include?
An ergonomic assessment will include the physiotherapist assessing the environment the staff work in and the staff themselves. This can include:
- Desk areas – enough room to work.
- Chairs are adjustable and appropriate for the user.
- If the staff are aware of how to adjust a workstation.
- Analysis of working duties e.g. bending, lifting, repetitive movements, etc.
- Assessment of the tools provided for the job and the appropriateness e.g. kneeling pads, machinery, gloves, uniform, shoes, headset telephones, etc.
- Are the staff trained to do their job e.g. manual handling?
- Staff postures
Further Information
What is the Outcome of an Ergonomic Assessment?
The outcome of an ergonomic assessment will include a report listing the recommendations the physiotherapist feels is appropriate. The report may also include:
- List of any replacement, additional or repairs to equipment that is necessary to improve the ergonomics.
- Advising on any training the staff would benefit from e.g. machinery.
- Recommendations to reduce the strain of repetitive tasks.
- Recommendations to the staff on ways to improve their working postures.
- Provide manual handling courses for the staff.
- Positives which have been found in the workplace will also be documented
Summary
Ergonomic workplace assessments are assessments of a person’s working environment. The aim of these assessments is to reduce the risk of injury and harm coming to the staff working there. There are many benefits to both the employer (financial savings and improved staff morale) and the employee (reduced risk of injury).
