Many employers make the mistake of treating ergonomics solely as a means of avoiding legal culpability. They implement just enough to avoid penalties or insurance claims and stop there. But the reality is that regulatory compliance alone often falls short of protecting employees from the silent but costly impacts of poor ergonomics.

By going beyond compliance, organizations can foster safer workplaces and reduce injuries, resulting in measurable business benefits.

This article explores why the extra mile matters when it comes to workplace ergonomics, not just to employee wellbeing, but to your business’ bottom line.

The limits of compliance: Why meeting minimum standards isn’t enough

Compliance frameworks for ergonomics, whether OSHA in the US, HSE in the UK, or other regulatory bodies globally, are designed to set minimum standards for worker safety. These often include guidelines around workstation setup, manual handling, and risk assessments.

While these regulations are essential, they often:

• Focus on preventing the most severe injuries rather than optimizing overall wellbeing
• Offer limited guidance on emerging risks, like remote working or the impact of PPE on ergonomics
• Fail to address long-term chronic conditions caused by repetitive strain or poor posture
• Are sometimes too generic, lacking tailored solutions for different industries, workstations, roles, or workers.

Consequently, many employees continue to suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) despite workplaces being technically “compliant”, particularly in high risk industries and roles.

This means that even compliant businesses are losing money due to preventable work-related MSDs, footing a portion of the staggering bills associated with these injuries:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MSDs account for nearly 30% of all worker compensation costs across the US.

What’s more, the CDC reported in 2014 that the direct costs of MSDs alone were setting American businesses back roughly $14.2 billion.

Adjusted for inflation, in 2025, that equates to just under $14.676 billion in direct costs – and that’s assuming prevalence rates have remained stable for over a decade.

But, considering the impact of COVID-19 and the transition to home and hybrid-based working, we know this isn’t true.

In fact, for the 2021–2022 period, the BLS reported 976,090 musculoskeletal disorder cases involving days away from work, job restriction, or transfer (DART), including 502,380 cases specifically involving days away from work (DAFW). This represents a significant increase compared to 2013/14 figures.

The business case for going beyond regulatory compliance

1. Reducing injury and absenteeism

Research consistently shows that proactive ergonomics programs that go beyond compliance goals significantly reduce the incidence of MSDs and related injuries. For instance, a meta-analysis by OSHA found that comprehensive ergonomic programs led to a median reduction of 64% in MSD injury rates and up to 80% in lost workday MSDs.

Cardinus’ own ergonomics software, Healthy Working, has proven to reduce WRMSD injury rates by up to 80%.

This reduction directly translates into fewer sick days, lower workers’ compensation claims, and decreased recruitment costs.

2. Boosting productivity and quality

Ergonomic workplaces reduce physical strain and fatigue, allowing employees to focus on their tasks rather than discomfort. When workers are comfortable, they maintain concentration and perform tasks more efficiently, reducing errors and improving output quality.

3. Enhancing employee engagement and retention

Investing in employee health signals that an organization values its people, which fosters loyalty and satisfaction. In today’s tight labor market, the ability to attract and retain skilled workers is critical.

Employees who feel supported with ergonomic solutions are less likely to leave due to discomfort or chronic pain. This helps reduce costly turnover and maintains institutional knowledge.

4. Building a stronger employer brand

Companies known for their commitment to employee wellbeing gain reputational benefits. This positive perception supports recruitment and can even influence customer and investor trust.

A strong health and safety culture, rooted in ergonomic excellence, differentiates businesses in competitive sectors.

How to exceed ergonomics compliance

Going beyond compliance means actively promoting health, comfort, and productivity.

Instead of simply reacting to injuries or complaints, proactive ergonomics involves anticipating risk, designing out hazards, and continuously improving conditions — even when not legally required.

Here are key strategies to move beyond the regulatory baseline:

1. Proactive risk identification using technology

Instead of waiting for complaints or injuries, use data and technology to get ahead of risk:

• Implement the use of ergonomics analysis tools, like motion capture apps or wearable sensors
• Analyze productivity data and discomfort reports to identify early warning signs
• Extend assessments to all workers — including those in hybrid or remote roles

Tools like Healthy Working enable large-scale, self-directed assessments that go well beyond static checklists or once-a-year evaluations.

2. Design workplaces for comfort and productivity, not just compliance

Compliance may suggest that a standard adjustable chair is “good enough.” Going beyond means evaluating how employees work and optimizing:

• Desk, monitor, and lighting setups
• Layouts to reduce unnecessary strain (like excessive reaching or twisting)
• Seating and movement strategies for sedentary workers
• Shift rotations and break schedules for repetitive or physically demanding roles

Ergonomic design should be part of how work is structured, not just how it’s furnished.

3. Support remote and hybrid workers as a core strategy

Post-COVID, millions of employees continue to work from home. These workers often fall outside traditional ergonomics programs — but ignoring them is a risk.

Beyond compliance means:

• Offering virtual ergonomic assessments for remote setups
• Providing stipends or resources for home office upgrades
• Including remote workers in training and reporting programs

Cardinus provides a virtual ergonomics assessment service to make reducing risk for hybrid and remote workers easier.

4. Prioritize ergonomics in high-risk roles and industries

Compliance frameworks are often generic. Going beyond means tailoring programs to industry-specific risks:

• In logistics and warehousing: focus on lift-assist devices, pallet height, and training on dynamic lifting
• In healthcare: address PPE strain, patient handling, and extended shift fatigue
• In office environments: mitigate sedentary behavior, screen fatigue, and postural strain

Even personal protective equipment (PPE)—required for compliance—can introduce ergonomic risks. A recent study highlighted how PPE can impair mobility and increase fatigue, emphasizing the need for compensatory ergonomic strategies.

5. Make ergonomics a core part of workplace culture

Beyond policy, compliance, and checklists, embed ergonomics into your organizational values:

• Train not just on “what” but “why” ergonomics matters
• Encourage employees to speak up early about discomfort
• Recognize and reward departments that improve safety and comfort
• Include ergonomics KPIs in leadership dashboards and performance reviews

Wellbeing-focused culture creates lasting change — and often surfaces insights that formal assessments miss.

6. Use data to drive continuous improvement

Compliance is often static. But ergonomics should evolve with:

• New roles, equipment, or workflows
• Trends in injury reports or productivity dips
• Employee feedback and discomfort surveys

Use your data to close the loop: assess > act > evaluate > refine.

Healthy Working: A pathway beyond compliance

One practical and scalable way for organizations to move beyond regulatory ergonomics compliance is to adopt a comprehensive management solution like Healthy Working.

Healthy Working is a globally trusted ergonomics software that helps employers support the health, safety, and productivity of their workforce — whether on-site, remote, or hybrid. It doesn’t just tick boxes for compliance; it builds an ecosystem of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Here’s how Healthy Working helps you reach further:

 Customizable for any work environment
Tailored ergonomic assessments for office, hybrid, remote, and on-the-go workers.

 Scalable, global delivery
Entirely online—no need for in-person assessments. Suitable for organizations of any size, anywhere in the world.

 Interactive eLearning
Engaging training modules that teach best practices and empower employees to take ownership of their wellbeing.

 Centralized management with PACE
Track progress, analyze data, automate reminders, and deliver targeted programs—all from one intuitive admin hub.

 Cultural impact
Helps embed ergonomics into everyday routines, driving lasting change in behavior and workplace wellbeing.

Trial Healthy Working with 5% of your workforce for free!

Compliance as a starting point — not the goal.

Employers who invest in going beyond regulatory compliance demonstrate a commitment to their workforce that pays dividends in reduced injuries, higher productivity, and stronger engagement.

Going the extra mile in ergonomics is not just a regulatory responsibility — it’s a strategic business advantage.

Learn more about Healthy Working, or Contact Cardinus today for more information on how we can transform your ergonomics risk into revenue.