Industrial ergonomics has gained interest in various sectors, institutions, and academia due to its significant impacts on people’s health and productivity. Research shows that some of the most severe back and neck problems and musculoskeletal issues arise from poor workplace ergonomics (Hoe et al., 2021). Various work environment elements deserve careful evaluation and measurement to ensure that people work in a suitable environment observing work ergonomics. These include the desk, chair, keyboard, lighting, and room aeration. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), organizations should undertake routine evaluations and adjust the working conditions for workers’ health and safety (Hoe et al., 2021). This paper evaluates a worker’s ergonomic behavior, with a particular focus on the chair, and explains how the organization can contribute to an ergonomic environment through employee training and proper office design.
The Importance of Devising a Training System for Employees
Devising a training system for staff is critical for increasing organizational productivity. An efficient and successful training system should be measured against a set of criteria to achieve its goals. A training method is integral to helping employees grow and learn new things. It helps workers improve their jobs and careers, increasing their efficiency and output (Strasser, 2022). The program aids workers in acquiring the necessary information and abilities. An effective training program can also guarantee the long-term success of a company’s operations. Strasser (2022) argues that a training system is crucial for workers since it helps them learn the process, organize their actions, and solve difficulties. Training systems can also boost employee output by guiding how to act ethically in specific contexts (like dealing with customers). If employees do not receive adequate training, they will be disadvantaged since they cannot perform their duties in the best way possible. This can also cause problems because it prevents them from ascending through the competitive environment. Therefore, an organization must have a solid training program to ensure the success of its personnel (Strasser, 2022).
Benefits Associated with this Training Process
There are numerous advantages associated with the process of designing an ergonomics training system for staff. Having a firm grasp of these advantages is critical to developing and implementing an effective training system for a business. Investing in a training program for staff members can pay off significantly. Training programs offer a variety of benefits, including increased knowledge, productivity, and cost-effectiveness (Strasser, 2022). Training for employees is one of the most evident signs that a firm is dedicated to its growth and prosperity. A system for employee training helps the business to upskill and train its staff.
In addition, this process guarantees that the corporation can explain to each worker how their position will be utilized and how they will fit into preexisting processes and procedures (Strasser, 2022). Employees with access to ongoing training and development opportunities are more likely to feel invested in the firm and its success. Training can also create a secure and confidential environment for employees to share personal problems and worries with the organization. This can help boost morale and overall satisfaction among employees. Employers can also profit from a training system since it enables them to specify what skills are necessary for each person to perform their function. This makes hiring new workers simpler for both employers and employees.
Strategies that Can be Used to Educate Employees on Ergonomics
While it is true that training is crucial, it is also true that it cannot give or avoid everything on its own. Talking about ergonomics with managers and coworkers regularly is an effective way to keep everyone on the same page (Terzian, 2019). There also needs to be some administrative control directly related to the instruction and work. These preventative steps include limiting the number of shifts, offering a work-rest period, and offering personal protection equipment or office supplies to reduce ergonomic injuries (Stack et al., 2016). It takes time to build a successful ergonomics training program. Every business is unique, so every program has to be tailored to address the hazards most likely affecting the workforce. Therefore, when designing a training program, selecting the appropriate themes and assigning the proper roles and duties are essential to providing an efficient program that enables daily operations in an office setting (Terzian, 2019).
The training can be delivered in various formats, including in-house, via remote access, or through seminars (Terzian, 2019). This training should also be given to all workers, including support staff. This comprises business owners and supervisors, employees, people responsible for maintenance, and those administering insurance policies. Managers and employees alike need to be educated and trained to recognize the signs of potential injuries and take the necessary precautions to avoid or mitigate any adverse health effects. The more employees become conscious of the musculoskeletal risks in their jobs, the more probable they will take steps to lessen injuries (Terzian, 2019). Supervisors should also receive training in ergonomics to guarantee that their personnel follow safe and effective procedures on the job.
Conclusion
Overall, creating an ergonomics awareness training program enables everyone to adopt a proactive rather than a reactive strategy. Preventing harm before it occurs is a fundamental principle of safety. In ergonomics, this is making sure that workers have access to suitable machinery, tools, procedures, workstation arrangements, and materials for performing their jobs. Once the root cause of MSDs is identified and addressed, their prevalence and severity can drastically decrease if not eradicated.
References
Stack, T., Ostrom, L. T., & Wilhelmsen, C. A. (2016). Occupational ergonomics: A practical approach. John Wiley & Sons. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781118814291
Strasser, H. (2022). Compatibility as guiding principle for ergonomics work design and preventive occupational health and safety. Zeitschrift für Arbeitswissenschaft, 76(3), 243–277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41449-021-00243-0
Terzian, R. (2019). Five strategies to improve workplace ergonomics. IndustryWeek. https://www.industryweek.com/talent/article/22028099/five-strategies-to-improve-workplace-ergonomics
Hoe, V. C., Urquhart, D. M., Kelsall, H. L., Zamri, E. N., & Sim, M. R. (2021). Ergonomic interventions for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck among office workers. The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews, 10(10), CD008570. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub3
write