Ergonomic solutions found in the modern workplace span a vast range of use cases. Increased productivity, reduced discomfort, and creating safer workplaces are just some of the benefits of a well-fit ergonomic program.
Finding the right solution for your company can be difficult with the number and variety of solutions offered on the market today. Are you searching for a comprehensive plan, something specific, or do you even know what your problems are? If you’re struggling to find the right fit for your work environment, an ergonomic software solution could be the answer.
Ergonomic software is a comprehensive computer-assisted, employee-lead program that aims to improve overall productivity and workflow with a focus on sustainability. Allowing employees to make a self-assessment of their own workspace and behaviors but with the additional backing and information of ergonomic professionals, gives them the power to improve their work, their way.
Powerful ergonomic assessment software can streamline ergonomic workflow management while empowering employees to identify and manage their own risks, improving employee comfort and health. And with real-time reporting capabilities, ergonomic software can help ensure ergonomic program decisions align with the greatest needs of your team members, creating a safer and more comfortable workplace.
There are several steps to the process of identifying and then integrating the right ergonomic software into your workplace.
Before jumping into an ergonomic software decision, you must evaluate your needs.
If you have an existing ergonomics program, identifying what aspects of the program are meeting your needs and what areas need to be addressed is the first step in understanding how ergonomic software fits into your program.
If you are building an ergonomics program from scratch or are looking to replace your existing program, ask yourself and your employees honest questions about your needs and expectations and make sure that your choice meets the criteria you have set.
Questions to answer include:
Is there a specific area of risk that needs addressing?
Does the program properly protect the privacy of your employees? Is it GDPR and SOC Compliant?
Is the program user-friendly?
Has the program been tested and approved by ergonomic experts?
Can this software be easily implemented into existing systems?
Once you define your needs and program goals, you can begin exploring ergonomic software options that meet both. Most ergo software providers allow for software trials and program pilots, so make sure to take your time and evaluate if the system is hitting all the marks.
You can introduce ergonomic software by beginning with an emphasis on office ergonomics before your solution has even been implemented!
When launching a formal ergonomic program with the new software, a common way to roll out the ergonomic tool is by having employees complete ergonomic assessments. Whether self-guided or with a certified ergonomist, an ergonomic assessment helps identify hidden or unnoticed risk factors. OSHA data shows that properly conducted ergonomic assessments lead to reduced injury severity, enhanced treatment and recovery options, and the most effective work modifications.
Once ergonomic evaluations have been completed by employees, management should focus on increasing buy-in to ensure the successful introduction of ergonomic software. Emphasizing common ergonomic best practices and the improvements they can bring with the added functionality of ergonomic software is an effective way to increase buy-in. Additionally, allowing time for training, reviews, and other reinforcement techniques, helps your ergo software become a powerful tool in your employees' belts.
An essential step in solving ergonomic problems and eliminating many of the issues they can cause, from a lack of productivity to negatively impacting worker health, is recognizing risky behavior before it becomes a discomfort or potential injury. Self-guided assessments and the ability to independently learn how to make proper adjustments to correct those risky behaviors are two of the critical tools ergonomic software provides to employees. An employee can proactively review their ergonomic training materials in various formats at any time with cloud-based, accessible systems reducing the need for unnecessary retraining and empowering them to take ownership of their own ergonomic situation. Or, when they begin to feel discomfort, they can self-assess to identify the issue in a timely manner reducing the risk of a larger injury.
When employee risk is minimized, there is a direct correlation with productivity increases. Research highlights the increased effectiveness that results from a properly implemented ergonomic software solution. “There was a statistically significant 59% improvement in work accuracy following implementation of the EMS (Ergonomic Management System) system.“ When you boil down the data it just makes sense - if an employee feels better when completing their work, they are just more productive.
Improper training and incorrect implementation can be the bane of any ergonomic program. If employees do not “buy-in” or the system is improperly implemented, it can fail to reach its full potential. To effectively navigate these hurdles, it is important to work with your ergonomic software vendor in implementation to ensure that you are getting the best return on your investment.
Additionally, creating a process for ongoing evaluation can ensure you are identifying, analyzing, and adjusting program elements to optimize outcomes.
As you evaluate ergonomic software solutions it is important to consider what future advancements may be coming to the field. The field of ergonomics continues to advance rapidly with exciting new innovations like computer-vision, wearable sensors, and even virtual or augmented reality devices. Consider if your ergonomic software is not only aware of these advances but able to take advantage of them so your company can stay on the cutting edge of innovation. Machine learning systems and AI can potentially be integrated into systems to assist ergonomists in identifying and solving ergonomic issues. Reducing the rate of musculoskeletal disorders and increasing the comfort of employees in the workplace is an essential practice and as tools arrive to enhance those goals make sure you are working with a team that can not only understand them but implement them effectively.
If your company is interested in a comprehensive ergonomic software package consider reaching out to Briotix Health. Our experts are committed to reducing discomfort and increasing productivity using innovative and effective solutions.