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The Importance of Ergonomics in Workplace Injuries

Home » The Importance of Ergonomics in Workplace Injuries
November 28, 2019
Edward Smith

Workplace Ergonomics Injuries

Ergonomics play an important role in workplace injuries and the recovery process. The health of workers and employees in the workplace has become an important focus of numerous regulatory bodies and activist groups. In the past, employees have been reluctant to speak up about problems at work due to trepidation regarding retribution from superiors, Now, ergonomics has risen to the forefront. For those who might not know, this is a field that focuses on designing the workplace to match the needs and capabilities of the individuals who work there.

The goal of ergonomics is to help people work in an efficient manner. When this science is applied in the correct manner, employees are happier, healthier, and more productive. When it is overlooked, serious health problems and productivity issues can develop.

The Consequences of Poor Workplace Ergonomics

When business leaders do not think about the health and well-being of their employees, the consequences can be serious. One of the major issues that can arise includes musculoskeletal disorders. These are injuries that impact the ligaments, joints, muscles, bones, nerves, and other parts of the body. Some of the most common locations in which employees might develop these issues include the shoulders, elbows, hands, and lower back.

Some of the reasons why people with poor ergonomics might develop these injuries include awkward postures, tremendous physical exertion, exposure to high frequencies, exposure to extreme vibration, and awkward lifting technique. It is the responsibility of companies to think about workplace ergonomics so that these injuries are avoided. If someone suffers a musculoskeletal disorder at work, the consequences can be severe.

Statistics Regarding Musculoskeletal Disorders

When businesses do not think about ergonomics in the workplace, their employees are the ones who suffer. Musculoskeletal disorders are the second highest cause of disabilities across the world. In the past twenty years, their frequency has risen by almost 50 percent. In terms of total years lived with a disability, lower back pain is the most common.

In the United States, the most common workplace injuries include upper back injuries and lower back injuries. In total, musculoskeletal disorders account for almost a third of the total number of workplace illnesses and injuries. On average, these injuries cause someone to miss more than a week of work. This represents a large percentage of total workplace injuries and results in lost productivity.

A Contributing Factor in the Opioid Epidemic

Often overlooked, poor workplace ergonomics, which lead to injuries, also contribute to the opioid epidemic. Every year, more than 47,000 die due to opioid overdoses. This means that about one person dies every 12 minutes due to the opioid crisis. When someone sustains a serious musculoskeletal disorder, these individuals are often provided with narcotic or opioid medication to manage their pain. Data from regulatory agencies is growing, showing that a significant percentage of the individuals who die from opioid overdoses have sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury in the past.

If workplace ergonomics can be used to prevent serious injuries from developing, productivity can be preserved, and lives can be spared. Furthermore, proper ergonomics may also keep opioids off the streets. This will protect everyone from serious harm and provide hope to families everywhere.

Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Workplace ergonomics can have wide-ranging consequences if they are ignored. If you have had trouble recovering following an injury in the workplace due to the negligence of another person or entity, please call me at (800) 404-5400 and/or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.

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