Progressive Occupational Therapy provides clients with ergonomic assessments which are conducted in their workplace, school or home to facilitate improved rehabilitative outcomes following traumatic or work-related injuries. Often, ergonomic assessments are completed by employers to prevent future worker injuries. At Progressive OT our goal is to recommend sensible and cost-effective ergonomic solutions for our clients.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the study of how workspace and job design affect worker health and wellbeing. It includes factors such as physical workspace design, adjustability, job design (time and length of breaks, variety of tasks, and pace of work), as well as individual work style.
Why is Practising Good Ergonomics Important?
The way you work affects your well-being. Many aches and pains associated with work are avoidable with a few simple adjustments. The goal of an ergonomic assessment is to provide education and resources to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and to maintain a healthy workforce.
Benefits of Ergonomic Assessments for Employers:
- Reduced worker absenteeism
- Reduced worker turnover rate
- Increased worker productivity
- Reduced number of worker accidents
Benefits of Ergonomic Assessments for Employees:
- Improved comfort at work
- Increased energy levels
- Faster recovery from accident or disease
- Improved job and life satisfaction
- Improved overall health
What Does an Ergonomic Assessment Consist of?
- Client interview
- Assessment of the client, his or her tasks and the work area
- Instruction of how to properly set up and operate current workstation equipment
- Provision of an ergonomic assessment report outlining identified ergonomic risk factors and recommendations including specific equipment
- Follow-up visit to assist in equipment set up to ensure new equipment is achieving desired ergonomic goals
