Ergonomics is Key To Decrease Workers Comp Costs in Manual Labor

Ergonomics, per the U.S. Department of Labor, is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. This is important to workers compensation because the most prevalent type of injury is musculoskeletal disorders. In occupations involving manual labor, musculoskeletal disorders often equal 50% or more of the workers comp claims that are filed. Per OSHA, improper ergonomics is the single largest cause of severe injuries.

Many of the musculoskeletal injuries involve cumulative wear and tear creating a condition known as cumulative trauma disorder (CTD). CTD encompasses various types of workers comp injuries from carpal tunnel syndrome to tendonitis to back injuries. (In some jurisdictions, the terminology of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) is used for cumulative wear and tear. In this blog we will use CTD, but if you are more familiar with RSI, feel free to read RSI wherever you see the letters CTD.) (WCxKit)

CTD is caused by ergonomic risk factors of force, repetitive motion, posture, vibration and cold. These frequently occur when there is:

1. manual labor involving frequent or heavy lifting,

2. hand tool usage,

3. pulling, pushing and carrying of heavy objects,

4. awkward postures,

5. prolonged exertion of the hands,

6. prolonged equipment operation.

Many manual labor jobs include more than one risk factor. The more risk factors the employee is exposed to, the higher the probability of the employee developing CTD. The longer the duration of the exposure, the greater the intensity of the exposure and the more frequent the exposure, the sooner the employee will develop a CTD workers comp claim.

To combat the risk of a CTD developing, the employer should develop an ergonomically correct process for each job. Or, stated another way – employer should search for ways to make the job fit the employee rather than trying to force the employee to fit the job. The proper, ergonomically correct way of doing the job should be incorporated into the employer's safety program.

It is not enough to advise employees they need to do their job in an ergonomically correct manner. Proper training is essential for the ergonomics program to work. ALL employees should be trained:

1. To recognize activities that expose them to CTD injury.

2. To understand the ways to do their job in the most ergonomically correct manner.

3. To identify the symptoms and signs of CTD.

Most manual labor jobs can be altered to reduce or eliminate risk factors. For instance, instead of the employee trying to carry a heavy load, a forklift can move the heavy item (often faster with an increase in productivity). Another example would be the worker on manual scaffolding who has to bend over frequently over materials. Adjustable scaffolding can be used to minimize the constant bending.

Employees should be provided with a full explanation as to why the way they do their job is being changed. When employees are involved in the changes and understand how they will benefit from using ergonomically correct ways of performing their job, they will be more motivated and have higher job satisfaction. (WCxKit)

The employer's management team should emphasis to the work force that the safety program includes proper ergonomics. The employer can encourage proper ergonomics by:

1. Committing the resources to bring in outside experts, if needed.

2. Training the employees in the ergonomically correct way of performing their job.

3. Issuing a policy statement reflecting the company's commitment to proper ergonomics on the job.

4. Provide work breaks or changes in work assignments when there are ergonomic concerns.

5. Obtaining the support of the labor union in protecting the employees from CTD.

6. Incorporating proper ergonomics into the department's supervisor performance evaluation.

7. Giving priority status to ergonomics when dealing with productivity, quality assurance and cost reduction issues.

Workers compensation claims by manual laborers can be significantly decreased in both the number of claims and the severity of claims by the proper use of ergonomics in lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying and tool usage. The reduction in work comp claims will far exceed the cost of training the employees to do their jobs in an ergonomically correct manner.

Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing.
Contact: [email protected] or 860-553-6604.

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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.