Proper Ergonomics: The Secret to Preventing Workers Compensation Claims

How does ergonomics affect workers comp claims? 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) account for approximately one-third of all workers compensation claims. This makes insufficient ergonomic support the most widespread occupational health hazard in the United States.

However, your business can take care of your employees and reduce the frequency of workers compensation claims with proper management and ergonomic tools in your workplace.

This is especially important now that your workers are working from home full-time or in a hybrid situation. Many home office workers are “going it alone” with minimal or any ergonomic guidance. 

The Expense of Workers Compensation Claims

Most workers compensation cases require employers to provide long-term medical and rehabilitation care, extended time off work, and even legal services. Pair this with rising insurance premiums, and these expenses have a significant impact on your bottom line.

In addition to workers compensation payments, you may need to hire and train replacement employees. This can reduce employee productivity, which in turn can reduce your company’s profit. 

But did you know that a good portion of workers compensation claims can be prevented with proper ergonomic protection?

Check out some of the best ways you can ergonomically reduce workers compensation claims, using a COMPLETE ERGONOMIC SYSTEM which ensures equal consideration of the user, the chair and the desk. 

1. Provide Adjustable Desks That Allow Your Employees to Raise (or Lower) Their Worksurface

Ergonomics affects workers comp claims significantly. Height adjustable desks are key to establishing proper elbow height for computer keying and line of sight for monitor viewing. The preferred worksurface height for someone sitting who is 4' 9 tall may be 23'' high while someone 6' 3" may prefer a height of 30". 

The key to standing is moderation, so active users of sit/stand desks may spend 25-30% standing and 70-75% sitting. Trouble is, sitting at the computer for the vast majority of time is far from healthful or comfortable today.  

As the industry leader in user comfort and ergonomic support, our Sit-to-Stand adjustable desk is customizable to your employees’ height and standing preferences.

With the infinitely adjustable NEXposture, people can now healthfully sit, stand, move and take workplace comfort and health to a completely new level – 100% of the time. 

2. Adjust Computer Monitor Positioning

In addition to providing adjustable height desks to your employees, it’s also important to grant them the ability to position their flat screen monitors in a variety of height, tilt and horizontal configurations.

NEXposture allows the monitor (and input devices) to mimic the movement and motion of the chair and user, maintaining optimized visual acuity 100% of the time, no matter the posture. Of course inputting is impossible if the user cannot reach the monitor and mouse.   

Our single and dual monitor arms provide further height and angle adjustment to complement NEXposture in reducing eye strain (which helps prevent degenerative ocular disorders) and supports healthy sitting and standing positions.  

3. Eliminate Neck and Back Strain

A common ergonomic risk factor found in the workplace are employees maintaining awkward, stiff positions for extended periods of time. This can lead to muscle strain, herniated disks, and more.

When people use the computer, they tend to sit in “frozen” positions for hours, forgetting to move. Static postures can contribute to a number of disorders, including arthritis, chronic joint degeneration, tissue damage, and more. 

All of these issues can require intensive rehabilitation, time-off work, and even surgeries. Therefore, you need to provide your employees with adjustable desks that allow them to alternate between sitting and standing. 

Reclined postures and ongoing movement allow for nutrients to flow into the intervertebral discs and reduce the load on the lumbar spine. Reclining also transfers the upper body weight to the chair while restoring the natural s-shape curve of the spine, reducing the force on a person's lower back by as much as 25%.

Back by certified professional ergonomist Marc Turina, NEXposture delivers a highly customizable sitting experience that redefines ergonomics and comfort, while also reducing the load and pressure on a worker's neck and lumbar spine.

4. Provide Desk Soft Edges to Combat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Reduced pressure and proper wrist support when typing is paramount to preventing carpal tunnel. When the average workers comp settlement in carpal tunnel cases range upwards of $50,000, a desk soft edge is a simple, inexpensive fix. 

Implementing these in your workplace can help prevent workers' comp claims and increase employee comfort and productivity. Formed with an integral skin, our Comfort Edge provides flexible support to the wrists, forearms and hands. 

Made from soft, resilient polyurethane material, you can now enjoy a complete ergonomic experience with a NEXposture desk and Comfort Edge.

Want to Learn More About NEXposture Can Help Your Business’ Ergonomics Program? 

As you can see, it's obivious that ergonomics affects workers comp claims. To keep your employees (both remote and in-office) safe, productive, and happy, it’s time to reconsider your business’ investment into proper ergonomics today. 

NEXposture combines smart design and ease of accessibility with OSHA and ergonomics research-backed principles. Learn more about how NEXposture revolutionizes the desk and chair relationship, and contact us today for more information.