Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain and repetitive strain injury affect a million people each year and deprive industry of ten million working days annually.

Trevor Shaw (TS), ergonomics expert with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), explains how an understanding of ergonomics can help you keep occupational illness to a minimum.

What is ergonomics and why should it interest me?
TS: “It’s about making sure things are designed to match the people who are going to use them. If a job has been designed with ergonomics in mind, employees are likely to work more safely and comfortably. All employers have health and safety responsibilities, so in terms of your duty of care ergonomics should interest you.

“But businesses also save money if the workplace is ergonomically sound – it allows someone to do their job efficiently and easily.”

How do I start to consider ergonomics in my business?
TS: “You should think about ergonomics before you make any major purchases, such as furniture, machinery or IT equipment. First, consider adaptability: people vary greatly in body size and strength, so office chairs should have adaptable heights and backrest tilts. Second, consider whether something is suitable for its particular purpose; and, third, whether it enables someone to do their job effectively.”

Is ergonomics just about physical things?
TS: “No. It’s about the design of every aspect of work, including, for example, the lighting and heating. An ergonomic approach can also help with solving stress, which often comes down to how work is managed.”

How do I know where I should make improvements?
TS: “Listen to your employees. If people say they ache after doing a job, try to identify with them what causes the problem. Is it the time they are asked to do the job in or the design of the equipment?

“Look also at your accident and injury statistics. If someone is regularly trapping their finger in a device, that tells you there's a problem. Remedying problems occasionally requires an expert, but more often than not it’s as simple as redesigning a task.”

Will understanding ergonomics stop all occupational injury in my workplace?
TS: “Ergonomics gets you to think, ‘Is this the best, safest and easiest way of doing things?’ So it will help both prevent and manage injuries.”

What are my legal obligations in this area?
TS: “Apart from manual-handling and display-screen equipment regulations, ergonomics isn’t embodied in specific legislation. It’s a good idea, however, to include it in your health and safety risk assessments.”

• HSE publication ‘Understanding ergonomics at work’

• The Ergonomics Society holds a list of approved consultants on its website: www.ergonomics.org.uk