You’ve probably heard of ergonomics – likely seen the word in marketing content for desks, office chairs and other equipment – but do you know what it really means, and how paying attention can keep your employees healthy and your costs down?
According to Merriam-Webster, ergonomics is:
1: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.
In practical terms, ergonomics means designing work and the workspace in a way that allows employees to perform tasks safely, comfortably, and efficiently.
Examples
Using a desk chair that is the correct height
Using a monitor stand
Providing anti-fatigue mats at the cash
Reducing the amount of time spent using vibrating equipment
Keeping temperatures comfortable and consistent
Ergonomics also applies beyond office environments—for example, adjusting workstation height in manufacturing, using lift-assist devices in warehouses, or selecting appropriate tools in construction and trades.
MSDs (also called musculoskeletal injuries or MSIs) include sprains, strains, and inflammation of muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
Common MSDs include:
Tendonitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Repetitive Strain Injury
Arthritis
MSDs can be the result of a single incident – i.e., a fall - or they can build up over time, as with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Common causes of MSDs are:
Awkward or sustained posture
Forceful exertion (e.g., lifting)
Exposure to vibration
Extreme temperatures
Repetive movements
Watch for early warning signs that may indicate a problem:
Employees reporting soreness, numbness, or fatigue
Frequent breaks due to discomfort
Tasks involving repetitive movements for long periods
Workstations that are not adjustable
An increase in minor injury complaints
Education and training are key, but first, you need to understand where risks exist.
Take a walk through the workplace to identify potential ergonomic hazards, speak with employees about any discomfort or concerns, and review past incident reports to spot recurring issues.
Assess
Observe how tasks are performed
Speak with employees
Review incident and injury reports
Implement solutions
Once you know where the hazards are, take steps to mitigate them. This could include:
Anti-fatigue mats for employees who stand for long periods
Height-adjustable desks or workstations
Limiting time spent standing, sitting, or using vibrating tools
Training employees on safe lifting techniques
Encouraging simple stretching or movement breaks (e.g., workplace stretches and tension-release exercises)Job or task rotation to reduce repetitive strain
Before making permanent changes, trial them to evaluate their effectiveness. Be prepared to make adjustments as you find the right fit for your workplace and your employees. Continue monitoring to ensure improvements are effective and do not introduce new risks.
Employers have a general duty under occupational health and safety legislation to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers. This includes identifying and addressing ergonomic risks in the workplace.
Some of the most common workers’ compensation claims are related to soft tissue injuries, accounting for millions of dollars annually in claims costs.
For example, a single back injury can lead to weeks or even months of modified duties or time off, increasing both direct claim costs and indirect costs such as training replacements and lost productivity.
Taking steps to keep your employees safe supports your bottom line as well as morale.
For more information on ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders, please visit MSD Prevention and CCOHS. CFIB's Wellness Hub also offers a wealth of help, information, and resources.