Many think that the greatest risk of injury on the job occurs in the higher risk occupations. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, most reports of workplace injury are related to office designs. This type of injury can affect any worker in Missouri who is required to perform any physical activity on the job.
An estimated one-fifth of all missed days from work are related to injuries that are caused by poor ergonomic designs. It is also reported that these types of injuries require more recovery time. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and insurance companies report that work injuries caused by over-exertion cost an estimated $13.8 billion yearly.
Companies can reduce the risks of these injuries by making simple modifications to employees’ work environments. Some employers are making use of a Japanese method of improving the workplace, referred to as kaizen. This calls for making small changes such as lowering workstations to ease back and neck strain and reducing the distance that one may have to carry heavy items in a production facility. These cost-efficient changes may lead to a significant reduction in the risk of an employee suffering a work-related stress or strain injury.
Instead of investing in costly renovations, small changes may lead to positive changes in the health and well-being of employees. Of course, it’s simply not possible to prevent all workplace injuries. Missouri workers who have suffered a workplace injury or job-related illness may seek benefits from the workers’ compensation program in order to help meet expenses while one is unable to return to duty. Employees who are unsure of how to file a qualifying claim may enlist the assistance of an attorney who is experienced in filing and successfully handling these claims.
Source: ehstoday.com, “Ergonomics Saves Time and Money“, Jeffrey Smagacz, Oct. 25, 2017