Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is recognizing National Ergonomics Month with a reminder to employers about the importance of creating work environments conducive to their employees’ health and comfort. BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene (DSH) offers a number of services to help create safe and ergonomically friendly workplaces that can reduce the risk of injury and lower workers’ compensation insurance costs.
“Ergonomic injuries are among the most preventable in the workplace and addressing factors that contribute to them is one of the most productive step an employer can take to reduce injuries and related costs,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “BWC offers employers a number of safety services at no cost, including 19 ergonomic specialists who can assist employers in designing workplaces to minimize physical strain, provide comfort and promote efficiency.”
BWC’s ergonomics experts can provide assessments of lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying tasks; repetitive hand-intensive work; sedentary work; awkward work postures, and other physical stressors. Recommendations typically focus on improving tools, equipment, fixtures, machine controls, furniture, and work methods. They can also help employers improve workstation designs or work arrangements to reduce awkward, fatiguing postures and forceful exertions that can cause ergonomic injuries.
DSH also offers courses on the ergonomics, including basic principles, identifying risk factors and developing effective processes. Courses are offered at several BWC locations across the state, and many are offered online. Employers can register for classes through the BWC Learning Center or register by phone at 1-800-OHIOBWC.
Employers can learn more about all safety services and request onsite ergonomic consultation at ohiobwc.com.
Source: Ohio BWC