Wellness Programs address many issues including weight reduction, improved physical fitness, increased stamina, lower levels of stress as well as increased well-being, self-image and self-esteem.  As external work stresses increase, such as the plight of the current economic situation, employees are pushed to the limit and tend to be more susceptible to injury.  This is why many businesses are considering incorporating Ergonomics into existing Wellness Programs. 

According to Occupational Therapist, Lisa Harris, “A wellness program that offers 360 degree care is essential for improving productivity.”  What if you don’t believe there is a problem with your workers’ health?  “Take a look around; if you notice people rubbing their necks, backs or wrists, you may have a problem in the making.”  Ergonomics is an affordable way to prevent injuries and increase productivity with all types of workers from sedentary office workers to heavy laborers.

As noted by the Texas Department of Insurance, private industry employers in Texas reported a total of 69,320 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work in 2007, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.  The median number of days away from work for Texas in 2007 was nine, which is higher than the eight days for 2006 and higher than the nationally reported median days of seven.

All businesses large or small would feel the impact of one or more employees being out of the office for nine days.  Additionally, all businesses are concerned with lowering the number of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recordables per year and decreasing the need for worker’s compensation cases.  OSHA recordables are also known as occupational injuries or illnesses that require medical treatment more than simple first aid and which must be reported. 

One computer manufacturer’s call center rolled out an ergonomics program across its Austin facility and has seen a drastic reduction in the number of OSHA recordables. In this case, an Ergonomics team evaluated 700 requests for evaluations by agents. Of that number, the Ergonomics team identified 290 symptomatic cases and even further reduced that number to four OSHA recordables. 

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, estimates the average lifetime cost of carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical bills and lost time from work, is estimated to be about $30,000 for each injured worker. Creating and implementing a customized Ergonomics program to address pain and prevent injuries on the job is much more affordable for businesses even when factoring in equipment costs. 

Most Ergonomics programs complement existing Wellness Programs which already focus on improving employee health and well being.  Since employees are already aware of and practicing healthier lifestyles, they are more willing to implement behavior modifications which can dramatically improve productivity, health and comfort on the job.

Successful Ergonomics programs incorporate some key components, such as training, risk analysis and follow up.

Steps to Creating A Successful Ergonomics Program 

1. Training  -- employer specific training 
2. Risk Analysis – Identify the known and unknown problems and the most serious problems 
3. Training Classes -- Customized job specific training  
4. Job Site Analysis -- Conduct individual analysis at the workstations focusing on the highest risk employees first 
5. Follow-up -- Re-evaluate to ensure proper ergonomics are in place, are used properly and that any remaining symptoms are addressed 
6. Data Collection --Injury trends, equipment needs, individual employee information 
7. Program Review -- Collaborative review of effectiveness, strengths, weaknesses and goals  

Submitted by Lisa Harris, Occupational Therapist and owner of Austin HealthWorks an Austin-based Physical & Occupational Therapy Practice.