Written by Dr. Patrick Howell, CEO, HealthWorks Medical, LLC
When we hear the word ergonomics, many of us think of fancy chairs or standing desks. But, real ergonomics goes far beyond office equipment—and when done right, it can actually reduce workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims.
In today’s article, I’ll walk you through what effective ergonomics looks like and how to implement strategies that make a measurable difference.
What You’ll Learn
- Why most ergonomic programs fall short
- The core elements of an injury-reducing ergonomics strategy
- Simple, high-impact changes you can make now
Why It Matters
Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common causes of missed workdays, especially in labor-intensive or repetitive-motion environments.
Without a proactive ergonomic approach, these injuries quietly build over time—leading to higher costs, lower productivity, and increased turnover.
Where Most Ergonomics Programs Fail
Many companies:
- Rely solely on equipment upgrades
- Skip job-specific assessments
- Implement a one-size-fits-all approach
- Don’t train employees on how to use ergonomic tools
This leads to wasted investment and zero reduction in injury rates.
Our Proven Approach
At HealthWorks Medical, we’ve seen the best results when employers focus on practical, job-specific ergonomics. That includes:
- Functional Job Assessments
Understand exactly what physical demands each role requires. Don’t guess—measure. - Role-Specific Adjustments
Match the work to the worker. For example:
- Proper lifting technique for warehouse workers
- Repetition/break schedules for line operators
- Adjustable workstations for desk-based staff
- Ergonomic Coaching & Training
Even the best equipment doesn’t work if it’s not used properly. Regular training empowers employees to adjust their posture, equipment, and habits throughout the day. - Early Symptom Reporting
Encourage employees to report discomfort before it turns into injury. Pair this with early intervention from a healthcare provider trained in occupational medicine.
Quick Wins You Can Implement Today
- Rotate high-repetition tasks every 2–4 hours
- Adjust workstation heights to prevent slouching or overreaching
- Provide anti-fatigue mats for standing jobs
- Offer a 5-minute mobility/stretch break every 2 hours
- Review your highest frequency injury types and back into ergonomic solutions
The Payoff
Companies who implement job-specific ergonomic strategies often see:
- Up to 40% fewer soft tissue injuries
- Faster return-to-work timelines
- Improved employee satisfaction and retention
- Lower long-term healthcare and comp costs
Your Next Step
Want help identifying ergonomic risks and building a customized injury prevention strategy?
Email us at info@healthworksmedical.com with the subject line “Ergonomic Risk Assessment” to schedule your complimentary evaluation.
We’ll provide a tailored report with practical next steps specific to your work environment.