Workplace Ergonomics

Ergonomics Response Paper

An organization might be tempted to ignore the data regarding the advantages conveyed to employee health through improving workplace ergonomics. But this would be, to use a cliche, 'pennywise but pound-foolish.' In other words, by saving money in the short run and skimping on the cost of improving workplace architecture and teaching employees how to avoid common repetitive strain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, the company would likely only have to pay more money later on in the future. The loss of productivity and the need to comply with likely future legislation would offset any short-term gains.

First of all, having a more comfortable working environment that is safer for the employee's long-term health increases productivity, as employees are more likely to come to work on time, takes less sick days, use less of their health insurance benefits, and to be more productive at their desks. True, the data about improving posture and positioning might not be conclusive enough to establish sweeping legislation at present, but the data seems to indicate that there are certain reasonable steps an employee can take to reduce his or her risk of repetitive strain injuries, and reasonable cost-effective measures an organization can take to create a more wholesome and comfortable environment. For a company to replace old chairs with ergonomically safe seating might even be cost-effective, for when and if legislation is passed governing such seating, then the workspace is more likely to be in compliance with such laws, and not necessitate further costly modifications.

Regarding the issue of potential legislation, even if the data is not conclusive now, this does not mean that ergonomics laws will not be passed in the near future. Nor should an organization wait for either legally or scientifically conclusive data, from its own self-interested perspective. Although it may not support increased government interference in business life, it can still use what data exists in-house for the benefits of its workers and its own bottom line.