Over the past few decades, the landscape of employers’ liability insurance has undergone significant changes. In 2022, Statista reported that the cost of such insurance for a single office worker in the United Kingdom averaged £61.

This marked a notable shift from 25 years ago when insurers often included coverage for office workers as a free component of the overall employer’s liability premium.

Keep reading as we explain the importance of ergonomic interventions in the workplace and how they can significantly improve productivity while also addressing health and safety concerns.

The rise of musculoskeletal injuries

The widespread use of electronic devices has led to a significant increase in musculoskeletal injuries, impacting not only traditional office settings but also various other work environments driven by software and technology. Moreover, the integration of these devices into our personal lives has further exacerbated the issue. Musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 8 million lost working days annually in the UK, with a substantial portion attributed to office and homeworking environments. Globally, these disorders rank as the fourth leading cause of disability among office workers, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Legal obligations and productivity challenges

In the UK, employers have a legal duty to conduct risk assessments, provide appropriate training, and make adjustments to mitigate the risks associated with computer use. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines. However, beyond mere compliance, the productivity implications of musculoskeletal disorders often go overlooked. Research indicates that such disorders have a significant impact on productivity, contributing to absenteeism and presenteeism.

The productivity benefits of ergonomic interventions

Various studies and reports underscore the tangible benefits of ergonomic interventions in enhancing workplace productivity. Implementing ergonomic principles in workplace design and equipment can lead to substantial increases in productivity, as evidenced by a multitude of findings:

• A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reported a 62% increase in productivity among office workers following ergonomic interventions.
• Companies investing in ergonomic workplace design and equipment experience an average productivity increase of 24%, according to the Occupational Health & Safety magazine.
• Employees in ergonomically optimised environments demonstrate a 36% increase in task accuracy and a 40% boost in productivity, as per the International Ergonomics Association.
• Cornell University’s research indicates a 10% productivity increase and reduced error rates among employees with ergonomically designed workstations.
• Incorporating ergonomic principles into office design can lead to up to a 40% reduction in employee absenteeism, resulting in higher productivity levels, according to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
• Proper ergonomic adjustments, such as adjustable chairs and desks, can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by up to 71% and improve productivity, as revealed in a study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.

Go beyond compliance with Cardinus

Ergonomic interventions not only fulfill legal obligations but also offer substantial productivity gains for businesses. Investing in ergonomic solutions can lead to a healthier, more comfortable workforce and contribute to overall organisational success. So, when considering budget allocations for a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) program, the benefits extend far beyond mere compliance, offering a pathway to enhanced productivity and employee wellbeing.

Cardinus’ award-winning DSE management software (Healthy Working) supports thousands of organisations across the globe to minimise their DSE compliance risk and maintain a healthy workforce. Free trial Healthy Working for up to 5% of your workforce and gather initial risk data for your organisation.