34 HEALTH AND SANITATION
Injuries resulting from bad ergonomics are preventable The benefits of good ergonomic practices range from reducing business costs , improved productivity , quality , employee engagement , and creating a better safety culture at work .
Reduce costs Plumbers performing tasks under bodily stress can lead to ailments that can cost your business money . While the costs associated with ergonomics such as special chairs and workstations can seem like a barrier at first , the long-term results are healthier and more productive employees , which are best for business . By utilising good ergonomic practices , you can reduce your company ’ s costs associated with lost work time in the short-term , and workers ’ compensation long-term .
Improve productivity When employees are in pain , they focus on those pains , not their work . Studies have shown that the greater the pain , the more productivity plummets . Properly set-up workstations create happier employees . A comfortable workstation , allowing good posture and fewer motions can even increase work productivity . When was the last time you complained of lower-back pain , tired shoulders or painful knees ?
Improve quality Awkward working postures can be distracting and uncomfortable for plumbers . Poorly designed work areas can lead to frustration and employees who don ’ t do their best work . Having good ergonomic practices means plumbers are comfortable and productive , being able to deliver their best quality work .
Improve employee engagement When you invest time ensuring you and your employees are healthy and safe , it will be noticed . When employees feel taken care of by their company and are comfortable doing their job , this will increase morale and reduce staff turnover and absenteeism . It ’ s not about making it easy , it ’ s about making it sustainable !
Create a better safety culture Protecting your own health and having healthy employees are your most valuable assets as a business . The accumulation of the four previous points will lead your workplace towards better performance from staff and help foster a robust safety culture .
An ergonomics programme needs to ensure that the entire view of the organisation is considered . A key focus area of an ergonomics programme needs to be on the interactions of people with tools , tasks and technology within the working environment .
Any ergonomics programme must follow a participatory process where everyone needs to be involved , from the top-down and bottom-up .
An ergonomics programme is not a once-off , but a strategic continuous improvement process – and as we have seen , it makes a positive impact on the entire business .
For more information , please contact IOPSA or download a copy of the Ergonomics Regulations of 2019 . PA