Seattle, WA: 206-521-5676 Olympia, WA: 360-236-8748 Portland/Salem, OR: 503-768-9742 Info@SolutionsNW.com
How To Prevent These 3 Common Office Injuries

How To Prevent These 3 Common Office Injuries

How To Prevent These 3 Common Office Injuries

Returning to the Office – Tips to Prevent 3 Common Office Injuries from Ergonomics Consultants.Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Whether you are recently returning to the office after working remotely or have worked in the office for years, it is easy to forget that there are still work hazards in such a seemingly benign environment.  

Below, our ergonomics consultants will review 3 of the most common workplace injuries and how to avoid them.

1. Slip and Fall Injury

While 1 in 4 accidents in the warehousing and storage industry occur when employees fall, that doesn’t mean the office is immune from slip and fall injury. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, “research finds that ‘fall from the same level injury is one of the highest injury causes” in the workplace. These “same level” falls generally occur when one spills in the office and does not properly clean the spill.

Prevent workplace injury with a policy to always clean up spills in the office (even if the mess was caused by someone else) and post proper hazard signs on wet surfaces that are being cleaned.

Also, be mindful that not all slips will come from spilt beverages. Prevent injury by being cleaning up after wet floors from rain, exposed cords, unstable work surfaces, uneven floors, loose rugs, cluttered areas, or even dusty areas that may cause employees to slip and injure themselves.

2. Repetitive Injury Due to Improper Office Ergonomics

While most offices don’t require workers to engage in strenuous activity like lifting heavy objects, most offices do require employees to use a computer.

Working for extended hours on the computer can contribute to repetitive stress in the wrist, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

To prevent injury at work, it is important to design an employee’s desk with ergonomics in mind. We recommend having an ergonomic assessment done by an ergonomics expert to setup a workstation designed for comfort, efficiency, and worker safety.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.Consider investing in an ergonomic keyboard and mouse as well as learning wrist exercises and hand stretches.

3. Fire Safety

Fire safety should never be ignored. Whether from a kitchen accident or faulty wiring, if a fire breaks out your office should be equipped to handle it.

Fire extinguishers in the appropriate places and exits that are clear of obstacles and properly marked are very important in making sure that employees can evacuate safely and in a timely fashion.

Always Have an Office Safety Plan

Make sure your Human Resources department has developed an office safety plan. If you already have one, be sure to review it annually and update it whenever changes in procedures or the office environment could create new hazards or impact existing ones.

Need help developing an office safety plan or assessing your office safety needs? At Solutions Northwest Inc., our mission is to prevent workplace conditions and injuries from developing and to intervene when prevention has stumbled.

Solutions Northwest Inc. offers the resources of highly skilled and experienced Ergonomics Consultants who are exceedingly accomplished in their field. For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Learn What an Ergonomics Consultant Can Do for Your Business

Learn What an Ergonomics Consultant Can Do for Your Business

Learn What an Ergonomics Consultant Do for Your Business

What can an Ergonomics Consultant do for your Business?Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Over a million Americans miss at least one day’s work due to work-related injuries every year.

There are many different contributors to workplace injuries. Many of them are due to repetitive strain and muscular handling issues. An ergonomics consultant can help reduce injuries and improve working conditions.

An ergonomics consultant will find ways to enhance the well-being, performance, and safety of your employees. Read this overview to find out how they can help.

5 Ways an Ergonomics Consultant Can Improve Your Business

An ergonomics consultant makes workplaces safer and more efficient. They do this by observing and correcting human movement as it relates to various jobs. Adjustments to employees’ movements, posture, and comfort are made to improve working conditions.

Ergonomics consultants often work with each employee, making adjustments specific to their work and needs. Read on to learn 5 ways an ergonomics consultant can improve your business

1. Ergonomic Design Helps Prevent Workplace Injuries

Most on-the-job accidents or chronic pain caused by repetitive movements at work can be prevented. Every time an employee suffers an injury on the job, time and money are lost.

This is why many companies decide that it is more affordable to hire an ergonomic consultant than to pay the costs of not doing so. Ergonomics consulting offers better conditions for employees and a cost-effective measure for businesses. It’s a win-win.

2. Risk Assessment

Ergonomics consultants study workplaces to identify potential risks in your place of business. They determine the risks or challenges that lead to employees sustaining injuries or accidents. It’s always better to prevent injuries at work rather than respond after the incidents occur.

3. Boost Worker Productivity

The comfort of your employees directly contributes to their health, comfort, and well-being. It also has a significant impact on productivity. Being able to work comfortably allows workers to focus on the job at hand without worries or pain.

Furthermore, with a reduction in sick days or injuries, productivity remains high. This means a cost-benefit for your business. It also optimizes the workplace, reduces workplace risks, and increases the well-being of your employees.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.4. Increase Employee Satisfaction

Employees should do their job without worries about their safety and risks of workplace injury or pain. By hiring an ergonomics consultant, an employer is making a commitment to the safety and comfort of their employees. This increases their morale and strengthens the employee-employer relationship.

A business that put employee well-being first, is a business that inspires loyalty and trust. It means a better business reputation and higher employee retention rates.

5. Return-To-Work Transitions

An ergonomics consultant can help with smooth back-to-work transitions.

When someone returns to work following leave for an injury or illness, they will need some adjustments to their work environment. An ergonomics consultant can help make work conditions more comfortable for them. This preventative measure can also prevent an injury from recurring.

Hiring an Ergonomics Consultant  is Crucial for Every Business

An ergonomics consultant will help you optimize your business. This comes from injury prevention, increased morale, and improved productivity.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., we are vocational and ergonomics experts. We offer guidance to businesses on how to make their workplaces safe and productive. Contact us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or assessment for your business today.

Using remote workers?  We offer an affordable virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

3 Benefits of Conducting an In-Person Ergonomics Assessment

3 Benefits of Conducting an In-Person Ergonomics Assessment

3 Benefits of Conducting an In-Person Ergonomics Assessment

3 Benefits of Conducting an In-Person Ergonomics AssessmentErgonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

“Ergonomics injuries” account for 30 percent of all workplace injuries. These injuries happen more often when workstations have not been properly designed. This is why most businesses will hire an ergonomics assessment company that can help by observing, analyzing, and recommending how to design a workstation that is tailored to a worker’s needs. 

There are several more reasons why ergonomics assessments are a good idea, including increased productivity and reduced sick days for workers.

Once you accomplish an overview, thanks to an ergonomics consulting company, you’ll have a system to help your employees.

Here is more on the three benefits of hiring an ergonomics consultant company to perform an ergonomic assessment

1. Increased Employee Productivity 

A workplace designed by ergonomics consulting companies will boost worker productivity and make your workplace more efficient. When employees work in a comfortable space put together by an ergonomics consultant, they will stay focused and get more work done. 

In many jobs, employees do repetitive tasks, meaning each motion is the same throughout the day. Ergonomics consulting companies understand how to create an environment that avoids or prevents injuries that can be caused by repetitive motion.

When employees are active and alert, thanks proper ergonomics, they put in a full day and even feel more appreciated and valued as workesr.

2. Reduced Sick Days

About 76 percent of Americans have access to paid sick leave. With back, neck, hip, and shoulder pain, some employees will take multiple sick days for doctor visits or to sit home and rest. 

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.Ergonomics assessments can reduce overall sick days. With fewer musculoskeletal problems, employees will consistently be present for work. 

Sick days also cost money over time due to lost productivity. And in some cases, those employees must be replaced, or you must pay others overtime to get the work finished.

3. Improved Employee Morale

Ergonomics assessments can improve morale by not only decreasing the pain a worker may experience, but also by showing them that you value their health and safety.

People’s moods and attitudes will be much more pleasurable throughout the day, leading to a positive workplace culture.

When people are happier on the job, they tend to work for a company longer, which means less turnover. Furthermore, having an experienced staff means they can take on more complicated projects and help the company earn more money over the long term. 

Higher morale means better job satisfaction and better on-the-job engagement. 

Three Benefits of a Workplace Ergonomics Assessments 

The three benefits of a workplace ergonomic assessment we discussed are better productivity, fewer sick days, and improved morale. These are just some benefits of hiring an ergonomics consulting company for your workplace! 

The ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. are here to help you create an ergonomic workplace. Contact us today if you are ready to hire an ergonomics consultant for your business. We can help you set up a plan to examine and analyze your space.

We can even help you if you have a lot of remote workers by setting up their workspaces with an affordable, virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Ergonomics Assessments for your Workplace

Ergonomics Assessments for your Workplace

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

Ergonomics Assessments for your Workplace

What is an ergonomics assessment for?

An ergonomics assessment (sometimes referred to as workstation assessments) is designed to lower risk of injury and improve employee productivity by ensuring that a worker’s workspace is ergonomically sound. This assessment can be done at multiple locations, from offices to industrial warehouses to in-home work stations.

Whether you are an employer, administrator, or employee, it is vital to ensure that your environment is ergonomically friendly and meets certain standards (for example, standards set by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)).

Below are a few effective assessment models that may benefit your workstation.

Office Ergonomics Onsite Evaluations

Individual office workstation evaluations are completed using an effective ergonomics assessment model and a structured interview process to gather information.

A well-tailored office evaluation model should include:

·         Basic ergonomics education and educational materials to look over

·         Measurements of the space

·         A report with all findings and recommendations should be generated

·         An objective risk factor assessment should be completed

·         A discomfort survey should be administered

·         An option to follow ups when requested

Virtual Ergonomics Evaluations

Evaluations are typically completed onsite, but virtual ergonomics evaluations are also an option. Virtual evaluations can save you money on travel, out-of-pocket costs, and time.

What you should expect from the virtual ergonomics evaluation process:

·         Digital instructions (either e-mailed or made available online)

·         Assessment via telephone for real-time communication

·         E-mailing photos and measurements to your consultant

·         Employee contact by telephone for the assessment

·         A generated report that is no different than an onsite report

·         Options for follow up discussion when requested

Office Ergonomics Mini Assessments

Mini assessments are short assessments that generally take about 20-30 minutes each. They are conducted at the person’s work area. This is a good option if you do not need a formal report and need to save time and money. It is recommended employees take the one hour ergonomics training course prior to the mini assessments.

Benefits of Office Ergonomics Mini Assessments:

·         You save money, as 2-3 can be done in an hour

·         You can get workable solutions quicker for your staff

·         There is less disruption in the workplace

·         It takes less time, so there is less impact on productivity

Industrial Evaluations

Evaluations for industrial, manufacturing and other non-office type jobs are designed to determine the frequency, duration and intensity of jobs/tasks that may contribute to, or create, ergonomics risk factors.

Your ergonomics consultant should make use of published and commonly used tools and, where applicable, your consultant must follow state standards and guidelines, to minimize existing ergonomics risk factors.

An ergonomics assessment specialist should use a structured process to identify practical and realistic interventions to solve problems and eliminate ergonomics risks factors through engineering, administrative and/or work practice controls.

The following work spaces would benefit from an industrial evaluation: libraries, fishing and transportation vessels, transportation vehicles (bus, car, truck, rail), educational facilities, municipalities, nursing homes, retail, hotels, school districts, restaurants, semi-conductor industries, manufacturers, hospitals/clinics, logging operations, and more.

In Conclusion

As with any work place systems, it is important to do due diligence in finding an ergonomics consultant that best fits your workstation needs. Be sure to consult the proper experts for assistance and remain proactive about learning and establishing best practices.

For an ergonomics consultation, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more detailed information.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

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