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The Benefits of Ergonomics for Small Businesses

May 22, 2023
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The Benefits of Ergonomics for Small Businesses

Running a small business comes with its fair share of challenges, and owners are constantly looking for any advantage. However, limited resources often mean that time and money are already allocated, which leaves companies reacting to safety issues instead of preventing them. This is where ergonomic solutions come into play.

These solutions minimize the risk of work-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders caused by repetitive tasks and awkward positions. In addition, by addressing these issues with best practices, companies can reduce the likelihood of employee injuries, improving overall business operations and saving money.

While the cost of adoption may have been a barrier to implementing ergonomics programs in the past, advancements in technology have made it much more accessible for small businesses. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by small businesses, the benefits of ergonomics, and how technology is helping many small businesses take the first step toward a safer workplace.

The Challenges Poor Ergonomics Creates for Small Businesses

Running a small business is a challenging task. With so many aspects to juggle daily, finding the time and resources to shift toward proactive safety measures can feel impossible.

Here are some of the biggest challenges faced by small businesses and how ergonomics play a role:

Resource Constraints

Most small businesses spend every hour and dollar towards managing the business, improving profitability, or simply keeping the company afloat. When operating in growth or survival mode, allocating extra time to something that doesn't seem to be an immediate need is hard. However, not addressing ergonomics issues early can put even more strain on resources.

Suppose you have a string of workplace injuries related to warehouse employees hurting their backs due to the repetitive lifting of heavy boxes. Unfortunately, your company hasn't had the time to address these issues proactively and is simply reacting on a case-by-case basis. As a result, you're never able to address the root cause of the injuries, and they continue to occur, taking more time, money, and energy away from other business goals as they do.

Because these conditions continue, even those not injured are likely overworked, dealing with discomfort or other potentially harmful long-term effects on employee well-being. In addition, over time, your organization may become known as a place where people are injured regularly. This reputation can affect the company's ability to maintain its best workers or recruit top talent. All things crucial to the success and longevity of a small business.

Workplace Injuries

Workplace musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are costly for any company. However, if you're a small business living contract to contract, they can be a death sentence. That's because, like any workplace injury, a work-related MSD has many direct and indirect costs.

For example, an employee who injures their shoulder due to a poorly designed workstation may need immediate care and long-term care, like physical therapy, for the foreseeable future. While your company may have insurance, you'll still need to pay the deductible before that kicks in, and your rates will likely increase after you use it.

MSDs can also impact a company's productivity. Many small businesses only have a handful of employees who often carry many responsibilities. When a key worker is at home laying in bed nursing an injury, they're not on the floor of your business generating money for the organization. In addition, you now need to fill that gap, which forces other workers to absorb more responsibility, which can lead to employee burnout and turnover.

It's easy to see how one injury is a slippery slope toward many adverse outcomes for a small business. However, when the health and survival of a small business teeter on one or two minor financial missteps, this can spell the end for a company.

The Benefits of Implementing Ergonomic Solutions

Companies that want to continue to grow and innovate while avoiding disruptive workplace injuries must look seriously at ergonomic solutions. Those who do will see significant benefits that far outweigh any initial investment.

Here are some of the most significant benefits small businesses can receive from implementing ergonomic solutions:

Increased Productivity

Workplace ergonomics can increase productivity by reducing the strain, weight, and discomfort employees experience while doing their jobs. More comfortable employees can perform their tasks more productively and effectively, resulting in a higher quality product and less wasted time.

Stronger Workplace Safety Culture

When companies invest in ways to make employees safer and more comfortable at work, it demonstrates that they care for the well-being of their staff. These gestures can have a dramatic impact on employee morale and retention rates.

Employees who feel taken care of will do the same for their company. In addition, these workers may now go the extra mile, become problem solvers, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. Now, instead of feeling like a number and simply collecting a paycheck, they feel like a member of a team working towards a common goal.

Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Employees who are comfortable at work are happier and more likely to stay long-term. This contentment among staff creates a positive workplace culture, further reducing turnover rates while increasing the effectiveness of recruiting new and top talent. That's because they become a place that employees want to work for, allowing them to attract top talent and giving them a competitive advantage over their competition.

Cost Savings

Ergonomic solutions reduce the risk of work-related injuries and help companies avoid the associated direct and indirect costs. What this means for a small business is less time managing injuries, paying medical bills, speaking with lawyers, or dealing with regulators and their fines.  

How Technology Can Help

Ergonomics plays a pivotal role in overcoming many of the challenges experienced by small businesses. Companies that take the first step towards implementing ergonomic solutions will see healthier employees and increased productivity while gaining a competitive advantage. Thankfully, modern technology has made implementing an ergonomics program easier and more affordable than ever before.

TuMeke's Risk Suite harnesses the power of advanced computer vision and AI to revolutionize ergonomic risk prevention. The software captures video with a smartphone, eliminating the need for additional equipment, and employs industry-standard techniques to identify challenging postures. With the ability to assess ergonomic risks 12 times faster than traditional methods, the Risk Suite delivers many advantages, including reduced injuries, heightened employee engagement, and increased productivity.

TuMeke Ergonomics, a leader in computer vision joint tracking, is dedicated to eliminating workplace musculoskeletal injuries. Their diverse team of experts is developing the next-generation ergonomic risk assessment platform. Schedule a demo today to discover how TuMeke can help prevent workplace injuries and enhance productivity.

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