Could you be overlooking a simple way to reduce absenteeism and boost productivity, asks Carol Deasy.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 is clear – employers must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of their employees. That includes providing proper ergonomic setups whether that’s office desks, seating or how equipment is used. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, not to mention the potential legal ramifications following workplace injury claims. It could also help to reduce absenteeism and even save you money when it comes to insurance.
You might ask, “Is ergonomics really that important?” The short answer is yes, both for your compliance with Irish law and the health of your employees.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is about making sure everything fits the person doing the job so that they can work comfortably and safely. It might involve making adjustments to help someone with a disability such as neurodiversity, blindness, amputation, illness, injury or making sure a pregnant worker is comfortable at work. If you don’t pay attention to ergonomics, you could be putting your employees at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like back pain, neck strain or shoulder injuries. These issues aren’t just personal problems – they’re your business’s problems too as they can lead to significant absences which can cost your business financially and increase demands on your workforce.
What is poor ergonomics really costing you?
You might think your workplace is fine, but here’s a statistic that might surprise you. According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), MSDs account for over 50% of work-related illnesses in Ireland. That’s a staggering figure and it could be costing your business much more than you realise.
Think about the last time one of your employees took time off due to a bad back or a strained wrist. Now multiply that by several employees over a year. According to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the average cost of absenteeism per employee is around €818 annually. For a small business, those numbers add up fast, draining your productivity and your profits. Worse still, presenteeism—where staff come to work while in pain or unwell—can hurt your bottom line even more by reducing efficiency and leading to further health complications down the road.
What’s the solution?
Investing in ergonomic assessments can pay off in a big way. An ergonomic assessment involves a professional coming in, evaluating your workspace and making recommendations that will help prevent injuries. Businesses that invest in ergonomic improvements often see a significant drop in absenteeism. One Dublin-based IT company reported a 30% reduction in sick days after making a few ergonomic changes.
Carol Deasy is a Chartered Physiotherapist and owner of Occupational Health Solutions
