Office Ergonomics

what is it?

Ergonomics is the science that facilitates an employee’s maximum productivity, consistent quality, and long-term physical and mental health and safety.  The science focuses on human physical and mental capabilities and limitations in the design of work tasks, workstations, tools, equipment, human biomechanics and environment.  Our therapists are Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialists (CEES) who work with many Vermont and New York companies, the insurance industry and in the legal arena, identifying risk factors and outlining cost effective solutions that work for your company. 

what is included?

• An IHMS therapist will meet with your employee at the designated office setting and help identify risk factors related to the ergonomic design and make recommendations that will reduce the risk of injury and improve employee's comfort.  These meetings may include a medical history review and a meeting with a supervisor if requested.

• Workers will be provided with computer ergonomic education outlining best work position, posture as well as appropriate stretches for workers who perform office work. 

• The purpose of providing these ergonomic assessments will be focused on adjusting the current workstation's layout to promote comfort, improve productivity and manage risk of employees developing injuries, as well as providing education on habits and technique which could promote injury.

• In some cases, recommendations that require the purchase of additional equipment may be necessary due to the lack of adjustability of some desk heights, chairs and overall workstation layouts.  If requested, IHMS will assist with the appropriate selection of any equipment to assure that the equipment purchases are appropriate.  Equipment purchase recommendations are only made where they are absolutely needed.  We understand that there are limitations in company budgets and believe in being fiscally responsible to not recommend any unnecessary equipment.   
  
  
  

what are the options?

IHMS can provide a therapist who is a Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialist (CEES) to evaluate employees throughout your building, or in their home office space.

This is typically done in three different ways:

1. Individual Ergonomic Evaluations:  IHMS can be contracted on an as-needed basis to evaluate one or more employees who are currently reporting aches or pains or having concerns associated with their work space.  As these employees may be reporting discomfort, more time is spent discussing the history of an injury and early intervention stretches may be given in addition to the ergonomic evaluation.  Meeting with an employee’s supervisor, as well as obtaining a case history may also be included.  The employer will receive a report of employee subjective complaints, as well as ergonomic changes completed, and any additional changes that may need further attention. 

2. Preventative Ergonomic Evaluations:  IHMS can schedule a therapist to be on-site for a block of time to complete many preventative evaluations/screens throughout the office.  Typically the therapist will move from one employee to another, asking each employee about their level of comfort, any aches or pains they may be having, and will make real-time ergonomic changes or recommendations.  Typically four to five evaluations can be completed each hour depending on the complexity of each evaluation.  The employer will receive a report of individual employee subjective complaints, as well as ergonomic changes completed, and any additional changes that may need further attention. 

3. Office Ergonomics Training:  These 1.5-hour workshops will be designed to reduce the risk of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) and other musculoskeletal injuries, and will be designed specifically for those employees who work in an office setting.  The workshops will teach safe work behavior and body mechanics through actual practice of the techniques being communicated.  We will also teach appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises that can be performed on the job.  Emphasis will be placed on motivating employees to accept responsibility for the setup of their workstations and the care of their bodies.  They will be taught the misconception of “ergonomic equipment” as the primary solution for aches and pains.  Workers are encouraged to regard themselves as industrial athletes who must have a body that is fit for the job and that resists fatigue day after day and year after year.  This is a positive, dynamic, interactive, and educational experience for all participants. 

Injury & Health Management Solutions, Inc. appreciates the time you have taken to review and consider our services. Our pledge to you is consistent, quality care and consultation administered by experienced professionals specializing in the services and programs they provide. Should you have any questions or wish to request additional information, please feel free to call us at (802) 655-7575.