Ergonomic indicators in the workplace

Other signs may indicate that a workstation and/or department may be problematic.

Here are a few examples:

Several reports of musculoskeletal disorders

The more a workstation exposes workers to many ergonomic risk factors, the more complaints there will be for occupational injuries.

High turnover rate or increased absenteeism

The more a workstation exposes workers to stress, the greater the number of employees who will want to avoid it.

Difficulty attracting workers to this workstation

A physically demanding workstation and/or one that exposes workers to several risk factors cannot be considered for workers with limited physical condition.

Reduced productivity

An inability to meet production targets can demonstrate operator fatigue. Improving the ergonomics of their workstation could be the solution.

Regularly necessary overtime

The drop in productivity associated with increased worker fatigue can be caused by exposure to ergonomic risk factors.

Instructions not followed

If a workstation exposes employees to an excessively high level of risk, workers may seek solutions by modifying the working methods taught.

Remember that the absence of complaints about a musculoskeletal injury does not guarantee that the workstation is adequate and risk-free for your workers. Adapting workstations to the operators will bring more benefits to the organization than just a reduction in occupational injuries.