Ergonomics Training Computer Software Web Tips Guide
Ergonomics Training For A Safer Workplace
By Joel Wannamaker
As a manager or executive, you may be wondering if ergonomics
training is worth your while. Perhaps you’ve heard that some of
your colleagues are using occupational health training workshops
or software to minimize repetitive strain injuries and productivity.
Yet, you may be skeptical that this will really be worth the
time and money because you believe the workers will hardly take
this seriously. Or you may not be considering training per say,
but wonder if you could benefit from an ergonomic specialist’s
advice on the purchase of chairs, mice, keyboards and workstations
that can keep your office busy, satisfied and productive all year
round.
Doubts About Workplace Illnesses Are Work Related
There is some controversy over learning about ergonomics in the
workplace. Critics argue that occupational interventions are unnecessary
because most workplace illnesses are not, in fact, work-related
or are more psychological than physical.
Even though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
issued ergonomic related guidelines in 2000 following ten years
of study, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association
of Manufacturers weren’t convinced that government regulation
was the way to address musculoskeletal and injuries from repetitive
movements.
Ergonomic Standards Were Repealed
In 2001, President Bush repealed OSHA’s ergonomic standards,
which some see as a major blow to the movement. Business critics
remain skeptical that the cost of implementing ergonomic computer
workstations and providing training will be less than the amount
it costs them in lost productivity, insurance premiums or worker
comp claims.
Even though the debate continues as to whether ergonomics training
in the workplace can boost productivity, there is an undeniable
reality that a number of US workers do suffer from repetitive
injuries or overexertion from heavy lifting. In 2002, the US Department
of Labor Bureau reported 58,576 cases of repetitive motion injuries.
Alarming Growth Of Repetitive Strain Injuries
In 2004, two-thirds of workplace injuries included repetitive
strains like carpal tunnel. OSHA Administrator Joseph Dear says
he is "gravely concerned about the alarming growth"
of repetitive strain injury disorders, which account for $1 out
of every $3 spent on workers’ compensation.
New York state attorney Steven Philips represents some of the
3,000 repetitive strain cases pending in courts. "It’s perfectly
plain," he says. "Until manufacturers begin to put out
warnings and redesign computer keyboards to prevent RSI, it will
continue to be a huge problem and cause a tragic number of injuries
to working Americans."
A typical ergonomics training course covers many different areas,
depending on the industry. For instance, employees of machine
shops or factories will learn about proper lifting and carrying
techniques.
Training Computer Workers Better Techniques
With regard to PC ergonomics, computer workers may learn about
hand and wrist positioning or tools, how to control ergonomic
stressors, problem positions for arms and shoulders, how to maintain
neutral body positioning, exercises to do around the office, potential
problem areas for the neck and back, as well as how to align oneself
in the proper way to avoid these pains.
Successful completion of the course will ensure that all workers
understand what causes ergonomic problems and how to avoid them.
They will learn about the areas that are most commonly affected
by injuries from repetitive movements and will learn how to do
all they can to remain healthy on-the-job.
About the Author:
Joel Wannamaker has written a number of articles on computers
and software including
Internet Traffic,
PC Computers,
Internet Connection Speed,
In Education Online,
Start A Website,
Affiliate Programs,
Search Engine Optimisation
Free Search Engine,
SEO Search Engine,
Search Marketing,
Search Engine Optimization Google.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Give Me Just The Ergonomic Facts.....
Can I hire a specialist to come in and assess my business?
If you are unsure of how ergonomics work
and how you can make sure your employees are protected, you can
certainly hire someone to come in and do an assessment of your
office.
The person will come in and watch people
while they work and take notes. They will then discuss these findings
with you so that you can plan a strategy to make your workplace
more ergonomically correct.
It may cost you initially but the savings
in the long run will far outweigh the cost of the specialist and
any necessary changes.
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