Only 38 per cent of the respondents consider ergonomics as a big part of their health and safety program, while more than 50 per cent say it plays a minor part.

Some respondents say it’s a question of priority and available resources.

“It is a resource issue. There are only so many resources available each year to address health and safety issues, and other more immediate risks will be addressed in priority,” says one reader.

“You should have included a third option. Again, in the office areas definitely yes, but with limiting resources and costs, the physical tasks have had less focus.”

One respondent says their company is already reaping some benefits. “The frequency of problems and their severity has decreased since we focused more attention on ergonomics.”

“We are now starting to focus the time and resources needed to better assess and address ergonomic issues,” says another survey respondent.

Ninety-five per cent of the respondents believe ergonomics is important in improving worker health and safety, while only four per cent answered it’s not important at all.

“Given that we manage the critical/acute hazards of our business very well, this is the next frontier so to speak in improving our overall OHS performance,” says one respondent.

“We have reduced our injuries by approximately 75 % and our WCB premiums savings out weighs the cost of most of our ergonomic projects.”    
While they recognize its importance, some respondents say resources and human factor can still be a limiting factor in implementation. “We are striving to improve the physical task ergonomics and educate workers in better use of body mechanics, however resources are limited.”    

“It’s very difficult to get employees to do regular stretches appropriate to the task. Employees don’t want to assume responsibility to do stretches or work with improved postures.”

“There is huge overlap into personal health and off-the-job issues on this topic. Given that health and other factors can contribute to MSDs, we need a holistic approach that includes health, off-the-job and on-the-job factors.”

More reader comments:
“For me, learning more about successful and practical workplace interventions and solutions is always helpful.”

“I’m always interested in learning more about any aspect of H & S, but particularly ergonomics, as a result of the number of injuries the lack of it causes.”

“I would like to know more than just computer workstation reviews. Also, even with workstation reviews we often bring in a consultant for specialized situations such as visually impaired.”