How is your lab doing with ergonomics?
Statistics that directly attribute reduced workers comp claims and days lost due to work-related injuries solely due to improved ergonomics are not readily available. Yet recent numbers released by the U.S. Department of Labor do shed some light on the downward trend in work-related injuries and illnesses.
While statistics for laboratories aren’t specifically mentioned in the Department’s number, you can probably glean some insights from the statistics for hospitals:
- The 51,380 Days Away from Work (DAFW) cases in 2017 resulted in an incidence rate of 129.8 cases per 10,000 Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) workers, down from 134.3 in 2016.
- The incidence rate for DAFW cases resulting from overexertion and bodily reaction decreased to 56.7 cases per 10,000 FTE workers in 2017, from 62.1 in 2016.
- The incidence rate for DAFW cases resulting from falls on the same level increased to 25.2 cases per 10,000 FTE workers in 2017, from 23.6 in 2016.
- Healthcare practitioners suffered 23,570 DAFW cases in 2017, down 600 cases from 2016.
These decreases are only partially attributable to ergonomics. Other factors probably include the installation of safety measures, better training, perhaps increased supervision, improved facilities, etc. Yet you have to believe ergonomics play a factor in these numbers and the trend toward fewer work-related illnesses and injuries.
Our FreeStyle flooring products offer significantly enhanced comfort-under-foot and therefore better ergonomics for lab workers on their feet. To find out how our flooring products can improve the ergonomics in your workplace, call 508-583-3200.
