A powerful solution for reducing OSHA-recordable injuries and worker’s compensation costs!
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a set of regulations that all industries must follow to ensure workplace safety and minimize the risk of preventable injuries.
A recordable injury, by OSHA’s definition, is any work-related injury that leads to restricted work and requires medical attention beyond a first-aid kit. The best way to follow workplace safety regulations set by OSHA and reduce OSHA’s recordable injuries is by implementing a comprehensive, science-based safety program developed by professional ergonomists at BIOKINETIX.
Reduce the Risks of Work-related Injuries With Industrial Ergonomics Programs
Employers are obligated to provide a safe working environment for their employees where they can thrive and not have to worry about their safety. They can meet this obligation through a participatory ergonomics program. With an effective program in place and the support of trained medical ergonomists, companies can strategically prevent injury and reduce the number of compensation claims. Every dollar employers spend on preventative ergonomic programs to meet OSHA’s workplace safety requirements is a wise investment that pays off in the long run.
Mitigating Risky Movement Patterns in the Workplace
The objective of an industrial ergonomics program is to identify and correct at-risk behaviors and workplace risk factors that make employees susceptible to preventable injuries and physical discomfort.
Under this program, industrial ergonomists will assess the employees’ working conditions. Meanwhile, medical ergonomists will take this even one step further. They combine their medical expertise with traditional ergonomics to provide efficient industry solutions. They can also advise employees and the aging workforce on actionable steps they can take to relieve the pain of their physical injuries, such as their lower back pain or other musculoskeletal disorders.
The basic ergonomic principles they recommend for meeting workplace safety regulations of OSHA include:
- Working in Neutral Body Postures: Maintaining the spine’s natural S-curve while working and avoiding awkward body postures for prolonged times to minimize the risk of back injuries.
- Reducing Excessive Force: Limiting exposure to excessive force to reduce the risk of fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries
- Keeping Objects Within Reach: Keeping frequently used objects within the reach envelope (the semi-circle their arms make when reaching out to grab something) to prevent injuries.
- Working at Proper Heights: Working with safe and adjustable height surfaces based on their height to avoid falling and getting injured.
- Reducing Repetitive Motions: Minimizing repetitive movements as much as possible to lower wear and tear on the body.
- Providing Adequate Clearance: Avoid forcing workers to adopt unnatural bodily postures and reach too far to access necessary tools and equipment.
Industrial ergonomics programs for workplace safety regulations of OSHA focus on the way workers and their activities fit together. They put employees first by taking their physical capabilities and limitations into consideration. They ensure that each employee’s tasks match their abilities and they have the right tools and a safe working environment. In practice, our ergonomists use the 3E process to teach workers the correct postures and body mechanics without resorting to awkward and forceful movements. Not only will this keep employees safe and meet OSHA’s standards, but it will lead to more productivity and personal growth.
Contact us now if you are interested to learn more about how the industrial ergonomics services of BIOKINETIX can help you meet OSHA’s workplace safety regulations and lower your worker’s compensation costs.