Ergonomics Consulting

Ergonomics in the workplace is the study of how humans interact with man-made objects. The goal of ergonomics is to create a comfortable environment that is well suited to the employee’s needs- which will subsequently affect the morale and performance of the staff in the workplace and reduce the chances of injury or harm. The South African Department of Labour launched new ergonomics regulations in 2019 to prevent occupational diseases and injuries relating to hazards in the workplace. What this means, is that every employer in South Africa who does not have an Ergonomics Program in place is at risk of criminal and civil prosecution, and forfeits his right to COID insurance (workmen’s compensation).

Some Ergonomics risks in the workplace:

All of the above can cause Musculo–Skeletal Disorders (MSD). These disorders can affect an extremely broad range of employees, and any task that requires repetition, awkward posture, forceful motion, stationary position and direct pressure, poses a risk to employee and employer. If a staff member is injured or develops MSD on the job over a medium to long-term, the Employer faces the financial costs of treatment, downtime and even compensation for personal pain and suffering in some cases. MSDs do not only develop at work (hence constant monitoring via occupational medicals is needed) – employers need to protect themselves against exploitation by employees. The employer’s ergonomics programme will serve to achieve this.