Ergonomic Assessments Calgary & Edmonton
How Calgary & Edmonton Employees Benefit from Workplace Ergonomics Assessments
Injury Prevention: Ergonomic Workplace Evaluations help identify potential hazards and reduce the likelihood of work-related injuries such as the development of musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive strain injuries among employees.
Increased Productivity: Ergonomic assessments make workstations, tools, and equipment correctly fitted to employees, increasing their comfort, ability to focus, and thus efficiency and productivity.
Cost Savings: Identifying and correcting ergonomic issues early on saves employers money by preventing worker injuries, workers’ compensation claims, and reducing absenteeism caused by pain, fatigue and attending healthcare appointments to deal with the discomfort that’s exacerbated by their workplace setup.Companies are able to draw more qualified candidates in with their commitment to providing employees with a safe and healthy work environment.
Boosts Morale: Employees feel that their employers actually & demonstably care about their safety and well being.
Calgary & Edmonton In-Office Group Ergonomic Assessments
Group ergonomic assessments are ideal for Calgary companies who have recently moved into a new office space or have a number of employees who have not previously had an ergonomic assessment.
An estimated 2.3 million Canadians experienced preventable Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) in just one year. Aches, pains, muscle tightness and headaches, are also common complaints from office workers and ergonomic changes can help to alleviate or greatly reduce discomfort in the areas.When left unchecked, problems can get worse, which is why sooner is always better when it comes to booking an ergonomic assessment.
Taking a proactive approach creates a healthier and safer work environment, benefiting both you and your company. Book a Group Ergonomic Assessment
Lunch n' Learn Webinar Ergonomic Training for Employees
This engaging 30-minute presentation is a great way to introduce employees to ergonomic principles and provide employees with practical solutions for common problems. The presentation explores correct desk ergonomics, equipment that can minimize employee’s risk of repetitive strain injuries and promote neutral working postures, and how incorporating stretches and movement breaks into one’s day helps to minimize workplace aches and pains.
The Ergonomics 101 presentation is followed by a 15-minute question and answer period.The Lunch n’ Learn can be delivered online or in-person. Book a Lunch n’ Learn Seminar
Note: If booking the in-person presentation, participants can choose to “Test Their Knowledge” by visiting a co-worker’s space alongside the presenter, to complete a quick assessment of the worker’s ergonomic setup. This works best for small groups and is only done with the consent of an employee who would like to volunteer for the assessment to take place. This component of the presentation is optional. Here are 5 Quick Ways to Reduce Your Discomfort at Your Desk
Advanced Ergonomic Assessments Calgary & Edmonton
Booking an advanced ergonomic assessment is ideal for employees with pre-existing concerns such as neck and shoulder pain, low back pain, wrist strain or headaches, that are exacerbated by their workplace set up.
Perhaps you or the employee notice that discomfort increases from sitting at one’s desk for prolonged periods or that as the work day goes on, tension builds.
An occupational therapist can visit your workplace to address discomfort and make immediate changes to improve employee comfort. They provide a report with before-and-after photos, workplace measurements, equipment recommendations, and suggested stretches or referrals.
Employers and adjusters often prefer this option for a deeper understanding of how ergonomics affect employee well-being and productivity. Advanced assessments are available individually or as part of a group booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does our ergonomic assessment cost here in Calgary?
Basic ergonomic assessments with OT2U Ltd. are $125.00 per person when booked for a minimum of 3 employees at a time.
Advanced ergonomic assessments with OT2U Ltd. are $350.00 per person when booked for a minimum of 3 employees at a time or these can be booked by individuals for $300.00.
What is involved in the assessment?
An ergonomic assessment involves the systematic evaluation of various factors in the workplace to ensure that the environment, equipment, and tasks are designed to fit the needs of the workers and minimize their risk of injury or discomfort. Here’s what typically happens during an ergonomic assessment:
Observation: The assessor observes the workers in their natural work environment, paying attention to their postures, movements, and work habits. This helps identify any potential ergonomic risks or issues.
Interview: The assessor will gather information from the employee about their work routines, any discomfort they may experience, and any specific challenges they face related to their tasks or workstations.
Workstation Evaluation: The assessor examines the design and layout of workstations, including the arrangement of furniture, tools, and equipment. They assess factors such as desk height, chair ergonomics, monitor placement, and lighting conditions to ensure they support good posture and minimize strain.
Task Analysis: The assessor analyzes the tasks performed by workers to understand the physical demands involved. This includes examining repetitive motions, force exertion, and awkward postures that may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Documentation and Measurement: The assessor may use various tools and techniques to document their findings, such as checklists and photographs. They may also use measurement devices to quantify factors like reach distances and the height of equipment.
Recommendations: Based on their assessment, the assessor provides recommendations for ergonomic improvements. These may include ergonomic workstation setup guidelines, modifications to equipment or tools, changes to work processes, or recommendations for training on proper ergonomic techniques.
Follow-Up: In some cases, the assessor may conduct follow-up evaluations to assess the effectiveness of implemented ergonomic interventions and make further adjustments as needed.
Overall, an ergonomic assessment aims to create a safer, more comfortable, and efficient work environment by addressing ergonomic risk factors and promoting the well-being of employees.
How much time does the occupational therapist take to do an assessment?
In a basic ergonomic assessment, an occupational therapist will perform a 20-30 minute evaluation of the individual’s workstation, making adjustments as necessary to improve the employee’s overall comfort and well-being. At the end of the assessment, the individual and employer will be provided with a checklist of changes made and equipment recommendations.
In an advanced ergonomic assessment, an occupational therapist will perform a 45-60-minute evaluation of the individual’s workstation and go more in-depth with the individual about their pre-existing concerns. At the end of the assessment, the individual and employer will be provided with a full-report, detailing the history of the worker’s concerns, interventions trialed to date, before and after photographs of the workplace setup, measurements of current equipment in place, and recommended equipment, stretches and community referrals that will help to improve the employee’s overall comfort and well-being.
Why would someone choose an Advanced Ergonomic Assessment over a Basic Ergonomic Assessment?
Advanced ergonomic assessments are recommended for any workers with a pre-existing health concern such as neck, back or wrist pain that they notice worsens during their workday. Employers and employees appreciate the detailed reporting and suggestions that are included with an advanced assessment.
Basic ergonomic assessments are recommended for those without pre-existing health concerns. A basic assessment is ideal for those looking to prevent repetitive strain injuries and discomfort from developing.
What’s an indication an ergonomic assessment is needed?
Advanced ergonomic assessments are recommended for any workers with a pre-existing health concern such as neck, back or wrist pain that they notice worsens during their workday. Employers and employees appreciate the detailed reporting and suggestions that are included with an advanced assessment.
Basic ergonomic assessments are recommended for those without pre-existing health concerns. A basic assessment is ideal for those looking to prevent repetitive strain injuries and discomfort from developing.
What is the cost/benefit of ergonomics?
In a review of 63 studies by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, it was determined that ergonomic interventions resulted in an average of 50% less musculoskeletal disorders in employees, employee lost time was reduced by 65% and worker’s compensation claims were reduced by 44%.
For every $1 spent by a company on ergonomics, a benefit of $6-19 was observed.
Are Occupational Therapists Certified Ergonomic Specialists?
Occupational Therapists have attained their Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy and are registered professionals with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists.
Occupational Therapy is a discipline that not only considers one’s physical well-being and environment, but one’s social, emotional and cognitive well-being.
Occupational therapists have in-depth knowledge of the musculature of the body and understand the myriad of factors that can contribute to common office pains such headaches and sore back, neck, shoulders, and wrists.
Occupational therapists specialize in prescribing equipment, whether in home, office, or hospital settings that allow individuals, including employees, to maximize their comfort, independence and functioning within the environment they’re a part of.
Contact us to learn more.