Ergonomically Correct Equipment Can Reduce Workplace Injuries & Increase Employee Satisfaction
Workplace safety and employee satisfaction are critical in today’s fast-paced industrial world. The occupational lifting of heavy objects by bending over is among the most treacherous task facing warehouse personnel. Fortunately, there is ergonomic equipment such as lift tables that can optimize production, reduce workplace injuries and increase employee satisfaction while minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), common disorder workers face in warehouses.
What are MSDs?
MSDs are defined as injuries or pain in the human musculoskeletal system, including the joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that support limbs, neck, and back.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MSD cases account for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases. Among those cases include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis thoracic outlet syndrome, hernias, sprains, and tension neck syndrome just to name a few.
Repetitive movements are the leading cause of MSDs. Industrial lift tables eliminate this repetitive motion of manual lifting by allowing the worker to position tasks more comfortably. Additionally, lift tables also increase productivity, product and or service quality, and worker morale.
Strenuous Motions to Be Aware Of
According to the Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling, other risk factors to be aware of in the workplace are:
- Awkward postures (i.e. bending, reaching, twisting)
- Forceful Exertions (i.e. carrying or lifting heavy loads)
- Pressure points (i.e. grasping loads, leaning against parts or surfaces that are hard or have sharp edges)
- Static postures (i.e. maintaining fixed positions for a long time)
- Twisting/turning
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, MSDs, such as sprains or strains resulting from overexertion in lifting accounted for 31 percent (356,910 cases) of the total cases for all workers in 2015. Of those, more than 20% are back injuries.
How Can Lift Tables Help?
Lift tables are designed to assist in the lifting, repositioning, and transportation of materials. They allow workers to avoid lifting heavy objects below the knees, which is often what leads to back injuries. They can be raised and lowered during loading and unloading operations providing the ideal ergonomic height for workers.
When people are injured, they don’t come to work. However, if they do, it will only exacerbate the injury. Ergonomics lifts significantly reduce lost workdays and employee turnover, which are detrimental to a company’s’ bottom line. Additionally, lift tables could potentially decrease the amount of workers’ compensation claims.
In Conclusion
Ergonomic lift tables reduce back injuries, increase overall productivity and employee satisfaction. By reducing the amount of bending and lifting for workers, lift tables contribute to a more efficient workforce. If you are ready to invest in your employees’ health and satisfaction then ergonomic lift tables are your solution. Follow this link or call us at 1-877-355-1511 and one of our material handling experts will lead the way.