A crash course on occupational health & safety: safer workplaces for improved productivity

Improved occupational health and safety can enhance productivity by 46% and boost employee well-being. To address these opportunities, Xsens is launching a crash course on topics like injury risk reduction, regulation compliance, and the positive influence of safer workspaces.

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28 Jun, 2024. 2 min read

A woman wearing Xsens Awinda suit sorting our fruits in the supermarket environment. The pose analytics are visualized using Scalefit

A woman wearing Xsens Awinda suit sorting our fruits in the supermarket environment. The pose analytics are visualized using Scalefit

Hidden occupational health risks impact both employees and businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, and construction. By addressing these risks early and promoting safer working conditions, companies can achieve a 46% increase in efficiency!  

To discuss the critical role of safe work environments, Xsens is hosting a crash course webinar series that consists of two chapters. The first chapter, Workplace Ergonomics: Maximize Employee Well-being and Productivity, was held on April 30, and you can now register for the second session, which takes place on July 9.  

  

Here are the topics we discussed in the first chapter:   

  1. What is workplace ergonomics, and how does it impact occupational health and safety?  

Workplace ergonomics is a critical aspect of occupational health & safety. It involves tailoring workspaces and processes in line with human physical and cognitive abilities. It aims to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and enhance a facility's safety and productivity. Poor ergonomics can lead to significant financial impacts, including high injury costs and operational disruptions. On average, workplace injuries cost businesses over $20,000 per incident and result in about 20 days (about 3 weeks) of lost work time.  

  1. Why is workplace ergonomics so important for organizations?   

Poor ergonomics in workplaces can result in high injury costs and challenges in maintaining operational continuity. Furthermore, companies need to abide by international standards, such as ISO, OSHA, and EN norms, that serve as objective tools for ergonomic assessments and imply legal consequences for non-compliant facilities.  

  1. What are some of the different ergonomic assessment methods and tools often used by organizations?  

There are several options for conducting ergonomic assessment today: 

  • Traditional ergonomic assessments rely on manual methods such as checklists and video recordings to observe worker postures and movements based on international standards such as ISO and OSHA.  

  • Advanced software tools, including Siemens Process Simulate and CATIA, offer digital workspace design and ergonomic assessment capabilities.  

  • AI-powered video analysis tools automate assessments by tracking joint angles and movements but may not fully capture dynamic work environments.  

  • Motion capture, allowing for rapid data collection and objective analysis, offers a quick return on investment by reducing injury rates and associated costs.  

Prioritizing improved ergonomics can profoundly impact worker well-being and satisfaction. Businesses can lower costs and boost productivity by reducing injuries and creating safer work environments.    

Do not miss the second chapter of our webinar series, where we will talk about the role of motion capture in promoting occupational health & safety, real-life use cases, and ROI! Register today: https://bit.ly/3W7ePEn