The Human Factor in Ergonomics and Safety
By Iolanthe “IO” Culjak, PT, CEAS is the founder of Optimum Ergo. She is an ergonomic consultant and human factor expert specializing in training and assessing remote workers.
The human factor must be at the forefront of any successful ergonomics and safety program. To prevent injury, the employee and employer must both be engaged in the injury prevention process to promote a healthy organizational culture. Ergonomic and safety programs are important to injury prevention. But, without good decision making and participation by all, injuries and accidents will occur. Three areas where the human factor can make a difference include:
Employee fitness:
The more physically fit an employee is the less likely a work-related injury will occur. Those that are physically fit also tend to have less stress, better job satisfaction and better retention. Employer sponsored fitness programs such as in-house gyms, paid gym memberships, and wellness programs increase employee fitness levels, improve attitudes towards management and decrease the risk of injury.
Unhealthy Habits:
Employees with poor general health are prone to workplace injuries. Habits such as smoking, poor eating, heavy drinking and lack of sleep effect overall health. Increased blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease are risk factors for workplace injuries. Poor sleep habits are correlated to poor decision making in and out of the workplace. Employer sponsored smoking cessation programs and smoke free campuses can promote a healthier work environment.
Employee-employer attitude:
Employees are less likely to follow safety and ergonomic protocols when management is unapproachable and there is fear of fault-finding or retribution if safety issues or injuries are reported. Overworked employees, due to lack of proper staffing, creates increased stress and fatigue that primes the employee for injuries. When companies have supportive management, proper staffing and programs that incorporate employee involvement it is a win-win regarding human factor in decision making and injury reduction.
Overall, a good ergonomics and safety program must include the human factor to be successful. Engaging management and employees in decision making, incorporating regular training to make safety and good health a habit, improving employer-employee relations, and utilizing employer supported health and wellness programs will achieve the best outcomes and ROI for your ergonomics and safety initiatives.
