Ergonomics
an editorial by Steve Tuttle, editor, North Carolina magazine
One of the strongest arguments used by the business
community last year against adding an ergonomics standard to OSHA
regulations was that employers didn’t need the government to order
them to do what they have every incentive to do voluntarily. NCCBI and
others pointed to steadily declining rates of on-the-job injuries as
tangible evidence that the business community already was taking steps
to make the workplace as safe as possible.
Working together, we defeated that well-intentioned but wrongheaded
attempt by government regulators to micromanage how our workers do
their jobs. And since then hundreds of NCCBI members have invested in
new equipment and training to further protect employees from accidents
and injuries, including the now-familiar musculoskeletal disorders
caused by repetitive motions and heavy lifting.
But we can and should do more to protect the health and safety of our
workers. And we’re happy to report that there is a wonderful,
low-cost service available to help you achieve that goal. As we report
in this month’s Cover Story, the North
Carolina Ergonomics Resource Center in Raleigh offers expert advice on
a confidential basis to any employer, large or small, on how you can
reduce or eliminate ergonomics problems.
The center, which is affiliated with N.C. State University, delivers
custom-tailored services, advice and practical tips on reducing
ergonomic injuries. The fees charged by the center — as low as $100
a year for participating companies — usually are more than offset by
the money clients save on lower workers’ comp bills. Even if using
the center’s services prevented your business from being hit with
just one carpal tunnel syndrome claim, at an average $14,280, you
would be well ahead of the game.
Solving ergonomics problems with help from the center not only will
prevent workplace injuries and lower your workers’ comp premiums but
also improve productivity, reduce sick leave and boost employee
morale. As center director Anita Goehringer says in our story,
addressing ergonomics issues is “a smart business decision (because)
being proactive with ergonomics can help companies achieve larger
business goals.”
Having shown that a regulatory fist wasn’t the right answer to
ergonomics problems, it is now incumbent on employers to reach out and
accept the helping hand extended by the North Carolina Ergonomics
Resource Center. Give them a call today.
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