Workplace Injuries Hurt
Repetitive stress injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, cumulative injuries. No matter what you call them, these types of workplace injuries hurt you and they can hurt your healthcare facility’s productivity, morale, reputation, and bottom line.
Good Ergonomics is Good Economics
A good ergonomics program yields more benefits than it costs because it can help:
- Improve employee satisfaction and productivity
- Reduce employee absenteeism and turnover
- Reduce insurance premiums
- Reduce errors
- Improve patient outcomes
How much does a repetitive stress injury cost?
According to OSHA’s Estimated Costs of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Worksheet, just one strain injury costs $64,157. A sprain: $57,078. Other cumulative injuries could cost as much as $78,882.
Example: Microscope-Related Injury
Estimated cost* for strain injury: $64,157
Estimated cost for Microscope Arm Rest: <$83
Potential savings with the purchase of just 1 microscope arm rest: >$64,000
By providing staff with ergonomically adjustable equipment and supplies, you’ll have happier, healthier employees providing better care to your patients, while simultaneously saving your bottom line.
*Workplace injuries have direct and indirect costs.
Direct costs include, but are not limited to, insurance premiums and medical treatment.
Indirect costs are estimated to be 3.5 to 5 times greater than direct costs, and include, but are not limited to overtime pay due to staff coverage during absence of injured worker, accommodation for modified duty, legal and investigation costs, replacement worker costs, orientation and training costs.
Next week: Five Ergonomic Must-Haves for Your Workstation