How to Reduce Workers’ Comp Claims by Improving Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of optimizing an environment for maximum safety and efficiency. In the workplace, emphasizing ergonomics will not only improve your bottom line and boost employee satisfaction, but it will also reduce the number of workers’ compensation insurance claims made as a result of improving safety. Below, we outline several key tips for improving your workplace’s ergonomics.
Tips for Improving Workplace Ergonomics
1. Identify the challenges you face.
Start by narrowing your scope. While numerous ergonomic improvements may be beneficial, you want to focus on the major problem areas first. How do most of your workers’ comp claims occur? How do most injuries occur in general? Are back injuries common? What about slips and falls? Are you at risk of exposure to harmful environments or substances? It’s best to isolate the biggest problems first.
2. Conduct risk assessment.
Starting with the most severe risks and working your way down the list, conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine what solutions could amend (or at least improve) each situation. 
One great way to do this is to ask your employees directly: What ergonomic changes could benefit you and make the work environment safer and more efficient? You can request this information in person, in a formal meeting, or with a survey that employees can fill out at their leisure.
3. Implement changes.
It’s possible not all of the improvements you note will be possible right away. That’s okay. Start with the most glaring changes that can be implemented the most rapidly. As soon as you start making improvements to ergonomics, you should start to see a reduction in absences, workplace injuries, and workers’ comp claims.
4. Cultivate a strong safety culture within your workplace.
It’s important that your workplace cultivate a proactive safety culture. This means making your employees aware that you care about their safety and the related ergonomics of how your business operates.
Start by holding regular safety seminars. Incentivize attendance any way you can. Additionally, post safety information on the walls, in break rooms, in bathrooms, and elsewhere. Hand out safety flyers, and send memos if you need to. Finally, create an easy way for employees to make comments or suggestions to you about workplace safety and efficiency. Take these comments and suggestions seriously.
Although improving ergonomics may not have been at the top of your list in terms of reducing workers’ compensation insurance claims, as you can see, it can certainly make an impactful difference to employee satisfaction, workplace safety, and overall insurance costs.
OTHER POSTS
At Wilber-Price Insurance, we're committed to supporting local nonprofits like the Northeast Emergency Services Team (NEST), an organization dedicated to providing essential assistance to those in need within our community. NEST offers various services, including emergency food assistance, utility bill support, and access to resources for families facing financial hardship. Our mission is clear: we aim to uplift our community by lending a helping hand to NEST so they can continue their impactful work. But we need your help to make a difference. Our mission is inclusive and accessible; you can contribute without spending a dime. Simply refer a friend or family member to our agency for a no-obligation insurance quote, and you'll be supporting our cause. For every referral you provide, we will donate $10 to NEST, amplifying the impact of your generosity. Your involvement is important in realizing our goal of building a stronger, more compassionate community. Together, let's sow the seeds of assistance and hope where they are most needed, enriching lives and spreading positivity!
Renters insurance isn’t always something people seek out. It seems like an expense you may not want to have. However, there are some key benefits to having this type of insurance in place. The most obvious reason is that your landlord’s insurance isn’t going to cover your own property in the event of a fire […]
One never wishes for a car accident, but even the best driver can get distracted or find themselves unable to avoid another person’s poor decision. Note some of the most common accident scenarios so if you are ever in a similar situation, you can remind yourself to stay alert and watch out for other drivers. […]
There is nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing the resilience of young souls battling against the cruel grip of cancer. Even in the midst of this heartache, there's a beacon of light. In the face of childhood cancer, hope finds a home in the remarkable efforts of CancerFree Kids. At Wilber-Price Insurance, we're deeply inspired by their incredible effort as they strive to eradicate this devastating disease. Through groundbreaking research, compassionate support, and resources, they offer hope to the smallest fighters and their families, reminding us of the power of collective compassion and determination. We invite you to stand with us and support CancerFree Kids. For every friend or family member you refer to us for an insurance quote, we will donate $10 in your name to this extraordinary organization. Your referral not only secures the future for your loved ones but also contributes to CancerFree Kids' tireless mission, helping create a world where every child can dream, play, and grow without the shadow of cancer. Let's be the light that guides these young souls toward a brighter, cancer-free tomorrow.
Your family has finally arrived at the time in your lives where you have a teenage driver in the home. Your teen has passed the tests, logged their practice hours and is now ready to drive solo. While you may be ready to panic at the thought, comprehensive auto insurance coverage can set your mind […]
Homeownership comes with various responsibilities, and one of the most critical aspects is protecting your investment through insurance. Home insurance is designed to provide financial security in case of unforeseen events, but understanding the extent of your coverage is crucial. One common issue that homeowners may encounter is sewage backup. What Is Sewage Backup? Before […]
You might have heard that the best way to insure your household’s vehicles is to buy a multi-vehicle policy. This allows you the convenience of being able to insure every vehicle you own within a single plan, which does have its cost benefits. However, is this really the best choice for you? Some vehicles are […]
With rapid medical advancements, people are living longer than ever before—often well into their 80s or 90s. However, as people age, some will need more care than others. About 40 percent of retired adults are likely to spend time in a nursing home, or make use of another form of assisted living. It’s wonderful that […]
Buying a home for the first time is a very exciting step, but it can also be a confusing process. We’ve put together some information to help you plan each piece of the home-buying experience. To-Do List before Home Hunting Plan your budget: When figuring out how much you can feasibly spend on a house, […]
Agriculture provides a huge source of opportunity to farmers and their employees. If you plan on starting an enterprise, you will need the right resources and a lot of hard work. One important resource is insurance. Insurance can help protect your investment in case of an accident or natural disaster, but not all farm insurance […]