How can Ergonomics improve Workplace Safety?

Understanding how health and safety in the workplace can be improved by applying ergonomics is essential for reducing injuries, boosting productivity, and supporting long-term employee wellbeing. Workplace ergonomics plays a crucial, yet often overlooked, part in health and safety due to the fact that injuries sustained from poor ergonomics can develop gradually and are often attributed to other causes.

In this guide, we will be exploring how to improve workplace ergonomics, looking at how and why it plays a crucial part in creating a healthy workspace for you and your team. Ready to start making your workplace safer? Reach out to start optimising your workplace with ergonomics.

Table of Contents

• What is Workplace Ergonomics?

• Why is Ergonomics in the Workplace so Important?

• How Does Ergonomics Improve Workplace Health and Safety

• How to Improve Workplace Safety with Ergonomics

• Take the Step to a Safer Workplace With Ergonomics

What is Workplace Ergonomics?

Workplace ergonomics is the science of supporting your workers by providing a space that they don’t have to uncomfortably adapt to. It aims to get rid of working stations which don’t support a healthy posture, cause unnecessary eye strain, fatigue or carpal tunnel syndrome, ultimately reducing avoidable workplace injuries. Poor ergonomics can lead to long-term health problems, so it's important to understand how health and safety in the workplace can be improved by applying ergonomics.

Why is Ergonomics in the workplace so important?

Prioritising ergonomics in the workplace is ultimately a good business decision. Not only does it provide a more comfortable environment for employees, but it is also scientifically proven to boost productivity. In a study from The Washington State University, it was proven that ergonomic workplaces see an average increase of 25% in productivity, proving that it's not just a health and safety issue, it's also good for business. So, if you’re exploring how to improve workplace ergonomics, this kind of data shows just how impactful it can be for both employees and employers. 

How does Ergonomics improve Workplace Health and Safety

There are multiple ways that ergonomics has a direct effect on workplace safety. Let's have a closer look at all the ways you can improve your workplace and your workforce by implementing ergonomics.

Injuries caused by poor Ergonomics

There are many injuries which can occur as a result of poor workplace ergonomics, ultimately resulting in more absences and a smaller work output, so it’s important to really understand how to improve workplace ergonomics. For example, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), eye strain, and chronic headaches can all form as a result of bad ergonomics. The Health and Safety Executive reported 543,000 workers were living with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2023/24, showing just how imperative it is to know how to improve workplace ergonomics.

How improving Workplace Ergonomics helps Workplace Safety

By applying ergonomics to your office or workplace, you’re immediately reducing your employees' need to work unnaturally (e.g. hunched over or under bright, harsh lights). Through the promotion of activity and movement, as well as providing a comfortable environment, the overall physical and mental health of your team will improve. If you’re still unsure about how health and safety in the workplace can be improved by applying ergonomics, get in touch with our team, who will be happy to explain workplace ergonomics in more detail.

How to improve Workplace Safety with Ergonomics

So, now you know why ergonomics is such an important aspect of workplace health and safety, it’s time to look at how to improve workplace ergonomics with four simple steps.

Conduct Workplace Ergonomic assessments

Conducting assessments in your workplace to evaluate how ergonomic it is is the first step to creating a healthier workplace. We offer DSE assessments, otherwise known as display screen equipment assessments, designed to analyse workstations with a focus on making them safer and more ergonomic. Once we have evaluated your workplace, we will then explain how health and safety in the workplace can be improved by applying ergonomics and help you come up with an improvement strategy.

Simple Ergonomic solutions

Wondering how to improve workplace ergonomics without having to invest lots of money? Creating a more ergonomic workplace doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be as simple as adjusting the equipment you already have, such as changing desk height, monitor placement or chair support. 

Provide Ergonomic equipment and tools

Investing in ergonomic equipment such as ergonomic chairs, keyboards, and wrist support can have a direct effect on the health of your employees. We offer a range of innovative ergonomic equipment for your office to promote a healthy and safe environment.

Education and training on Ergonomics

Taking the time to train your staff on how health and safety in the workplace can be improved by applying ergonomics is a great step. It will not only improve their health and reduce their risk of injury, but it also demonstrates your regard for their wellbeing, ultimately creating a more positive working environment. View our range of ergonomics online courses

Take the step to a safer Workplace with Ergonomics

Ergonomics isn’t just about comfort, it’s a scientific principle that’s proven to have a direct effect on employee health and productivity. For example, a study from the Institute for Work and Health saw a 17% boost in productivity for those who used ergonomic equipment. It’s clear that when the question of how health and safety in the workplace can be improved by applying ergonomics arises, the statistics speak for themselves. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in optimising your workplace health and safety strategy through ergonomics, reach out to our expert team to discuss our tailored services that support people, improve safety and boost productivity.