According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than half of United States adults suffer from a musculoskeletal pain disorder. One of the most common sources of these injuries is the workplace, where employees sit for long hours. These serious injuries, such as carpal tunnel and back pain, can cost your business time and money.
What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
MSDs are common and costly. They are conditions that affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves and can develop over time or occur immediately due to overload. MSDs are the single largest category of workplace injuries and are responsible for almost 30 percent of all worker’s compensation costs.
Ergonomic furniture to reduce injury
Ergonomic furniture is designed to offer comfort and efficiency, and according to OSHA it can help prevent work-related MSDs. Unlike standard office furniture, ergonomically designed furniture provides optimal support to keep a person’s body in an ideal posture to reduce strain on muscles, joints and the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomic office furniture is one of the best ways to invest in your employees’ well-being and productivity while avoiding issues of worker’s compensation.
The benefits of ergonomic furniture
- Improved comfort and increased productivity: With ergonomic furniture employees will be able to focus on work rather than the discomfort of sitting for long hours.
- Improved posture and reduced risk of injury: Ergonomic furniture allows employees to maintain proper posture, reducing their risk of injury from strain.
- Saves money: By providing furniture designed for comfort and reducing strain on joints and muscles, you can avoid injuries that would fall under worker’s compensation.
- Improves employee morale: Equipping offices with ergonomic furniture shows employees that the employer cares about their well-being and therefore increases morale.
Common types of ergonomic office furniture
There are many different types of ergonomic furniture and equipment. Some of the most common types include:
- Office chairs
- Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
- Standing desks
- Adjustable monitor arms
The furniture you choose directly impacts employees’ health, productivity, and overall satisfaction with their work environment. If you want happy, healthy employees, ergonomic furniture is a wise investment. It is a necessary form of prevention against injury in the workplace, especially musculoskeletal disorders that can lead to costly worker’s compensation disputes. If you are a small to medium-sized business with three or more employees or that pays wages of more than $500 in any quarter of the year, Wisconsin law requires that you carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance.
To learn more about Rural Mutual Insurance Worker’s Compensation policy or if you have questions, contact your local agent.
