Is ergonomics cost-effective?

This chapter provides an overview on cost effectiveness of ergonomics. Ergonomic problems of workplace design and work organization play a significant part in the etiology of industrial back pain. There is a strong tendency for such injuries to be associated with certain occupations that are characterized by rapid repetitive movements of the hand and arm—involving extreme joint positions—particularly where pressure or dexterity are also involved. All of these influential factors are amenable to ergonomic change in relation to workspace design, tool design, and work schedules. The chapter presents studies that have been structured on whether the relationship between the health and safety problem and economic return is direct or indirect. The chapter further discusses an ergonomic evaluation in which the initial evaluation precipitated changes in manual handling methods and drivers’ workplaces on mobile plant and a new training program was introduced, emphasizing greater awareness of the actions and activities that create a back risk.