Ergonomics - Atlas Copco

Good ergonomics
is good economics
When planning a production unit, it pays
dividends in the long term to consult
people qualified in ergonomics. They help
to ensure that both the workplace and the
task are compatible with the majority of
operators who will work there. Thus, future
costs arising from work-related health
disorders among operators will be reduced,
along with costs arising from poor product
quality. Moreover, the need to redesign the
production system later may be avoided.
When planning a production unit, involving ergonomists
from the start avoids problems later.
Costs related to bad ergonomics
The driving force for all ergonomists is to
reduce the number of people suffering from
work-related disorders. However, the acces-
sibility of funding for the required improve-
ments in the workplace depends heavily on
economic factors such as payback time and
return on investments.
Today, the direct and indirect costs of
work-related disorders are an increasingly
frequent topic for discussion.
Obtaining figures for these costs from
companies is difficult. This is partly because
many companies have not made such calcu-
lations, and partly because those who have
are reluctant to release the information to
the public.
Some general figures can be given.
Large companies spend 10-100 million USD
on work-related disorders every year. The
cost of taking care of one case of carpal tun-
nel syndrome is 10–30 000 USD.