Ergonomics is the practice of adapting a job to the person so work can be performed without harmful strain or injury. Effective ergonomics reduces discomfort and injuries and increases job satisfaction and productivity.

Companies with effective ergonomics programs tend to manage ergonomics as a process that is aligned with, or integrated into, existing improvement processes. These improvement processes may include Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S and Safety Management Systems.

Business, Quality, and EHS leaders have adopted the principles of continuous improvement to move from a program to a process approach.

Ergonomic screening allows for early identification of problem areas. We conduct a general assessment of the whole entity to assess the need for intervention and adaptation to maximise workstations. This can be followed up with individual assessments and training if needed. Full reports of the identified problem areas as well as recommendations are given.

When a more detailed analysis is required on an individual basis, we will conduct assessments of each workstation investigating the source of discomfort and advise regarding optimising the workstation accordingly. This can be done for an individual working from home as well as for a large company requiring multiple assessments. Easy to understand reports of the identified problem areas as well as recommendations are given.

Obviously office ergonomics is related to office or computer workstations (sometimes called white collar ergonomics), while industrial ergonomics relates to any other type of work tasks such as manufacturing facilities,  foundries, assembly plants, construction sites and equipment operators to name a few (also sometimes called blue collar or craft ergonomics).

There are two main differences. The first is that for a computer workstation, there are only six main workstation elements to be concerned with. Chair, Input Devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner), Monitor set up, Desk Set up, Supportive Documents and Environment (Space/Lay-out, noise, light, climate).

Whereas in the industrial area there are different work elements to be concerned with depending on the task.

We provide on-site services that reduce the risk of developing the risk of musculoskeletal (soft tissue) disorders and enhance human performance for our clients. Our service offering is built on providing services on-site. We deploy and maintain our processes through our injury prevention services. We engage in deep partnerships with our clients ensuring the success of the prevention process and thereby building a long-lasting culture of safety and wellness.

Many sources of information can indicate that your workplace can benefit from a good ergonomics program. Some 'triggers' that suggest that you have ergonomics related problems include the following:

1. Employees in your workplace, or in certain specific work areas, are experiencing soft-tissue injuries (WMSDs) such as tendonitis, back injuries, sore muscles, etc. These are all indicators that the job demands are excessive due to one or a combination of risk factors (i.e. force levels, work postures, repetitive actions, long durations, and/or psychosocial stressors).
2. High rates of general absenteeism and/or worker turn-over. These can be indicators of high levels of physical or mental demand, poor workplace design, and/or poor organizational design.
3. High number of mistakes, or requirement for rework on products due to poor quality. These are often the result of difficult work processes, high workloads and fatigue, inadequate communication/information, poor visibility, etc.
4. Poor, or declining, productivity over the course of a shift or over a series of shifts can also mean that the work is not well designed for workers.

Aside from detecting these triggers, you should consider the benefits to be gained from applying ergonomics proactively in order to prevent problems before they occur. This is the most effective and resource-efficient way to incorporate ergonomics into your workplace! Address ergonomics:

1. whenever you are building or buying something new for the workplace, including premises, workstations, equipment, tools, etc.
2. whenever you are planning to modify existing premises, workspaces, jobs or equipment.
3. whenever you are deciding how to organise job tasks and duties.
4. whenever you are planning on making changes to the rate of production, the products being produced, or the work methods used.