Jim Galante

Good ergonomics is not just a nice thing to do, it is a must-do, based on its economic value. Many claims are for injuries that are the result of accumulated trauma, rather than from a single event, including sprains, strains, tendonitis, and lower back pain. The injuries derive from actions that create excessive or repeated stress on backs, shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, and hands. Costs of lost-time injuries vary, but using a conservative average of $25,000 per incident, preventing a single lost-time injury can save more than enough to pay for ergonomic equipment. In addition, ergonomic improvements can eliminate wasted motion – a core lean manufacturing tenet and a precursor to increased productivity.