Whether your team works at desks or on their feet, there’s always a risk of injury—either sudden, like a strain or sprain, or gradual, such as chronic back pain or repetitive strain.
Poor ergonomics is often the cause. And it doesn’t just affect health. It leads to more sick days, workers’ comp claims, lower morale and lost productivity.
So, what are the common risks and industries most affected? What are the real business benefits of good ergonomics? And how can you start improving it in your workplace?
Injuries and high-risk industries
According to the latest data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the work-related injury rate is 3.5%, with the most common causes of injury or illness being:
- Lifting, pushing, pulling or bending
- Slip, trip, stumble (on the same level)
- Hitting or being hit or cut by an object or vehicle
- Repetitive movement
Some of the highest-risk industries and risk factors include:
Construction and trades
- Heavy lifting
- Bending
- Kneeling
- Awkward postures
- Repetitive tool use
Healthcare
- Lifting or transferring patients
- Repetitive tasks
- Long hours on foot
- Awkward positioning
Office work
- Poor workstation setup
- Prolonged sitting in the same position
- Repetitive typing or mouse use
- Lack of movement
Manufacturing
- Repetitive movements
- Fast-paced tasks
- Standing for long periods,
- Reaching or twisting
Transport and logistics
- Prolonged sitting
- Vibration
- Poor posture
- Limited movement
- Frequent lifting
Retail and hospitality
- Repetitive movements
- Standing for long periods
- Lifting stock
- Reaching or bending
Many of these musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, like sprains, strains, and repetitive movement issues, can be prevented. That’s where ergonomics comes in.
Workplace ergonomics – and its benefits
Workplace ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workspaces, tools, tasks, and equipment to fit the people who use them to reduce strain, improve comfort, and prevent injury.
It’s about making work work better for the body, whether that means adjusting a chair, redesigning a workstation, or rethinking how a task is done to avoid repetitive stress or awkward posture.
Good ergonomics helps:
- Prevent musculoskeletal injuries like sprains, strains, and repetitive stress disorders
- Enhance posture and movement to reduce fatigue and discomfort
- Improve productivity and focus by making tasks easier and more comfortable
- Reduce absenteeism and compensation claims related to work-related injuries
- Support ageing or injured workers with adjustments that keep them safe and effective
Research from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors shows that well-designed office ergonomics programs can lead to significant benefits. They can cut musculoskeletal issues by up to 61%, lost workdays by 88%, and lower staff turnover by 87%.
Further studies also reveal that introducing ergonomic improvements can reduce the number of workers’ compensation claims by 66% for every 100 employees.
Tips for getting your ergonomics right
Now you know the benefits of proper ergonomics, how can you get it right? Here are some helpful tips that apply to most work environments:
- Adjust workstations to fit the worker – Not the other way around.
- Encourage regular movement – Stand, stretch or walk every 30–60 minutes.
- Position frequently used items within easy reach – This helps avoid overreaching.
- Use ergonomic tools – For example, chairs, keyboards and trolleys to support posture and reduce strain.
- Educate workers on body mechanics and safe lifting techniques.
- Monitor and adjust lighting to reduce glare and eye strain.
- Encourage early reporting of discomfort before it becomes an injury.
And here are some based on specific industries:
Construction and trades
- Use knee pads or padded mats when working at ground level.
- Rotate tasks to limit repetitive tool use (e.g. hammering, drilling).
- Introduce mechanical lifting aids for heavy materials (winches, hoists).
Healthcare
- Train staff in safe patient handling techniques (e.g. using slide sheets or hoists).
- Provide height-adjustable beds and trolleys to reduce awkward bending.
- Encourage the use of slip-resistant footwear for stability during long shifts.
Office work
- Set up monitors at eye level and ensure chairs are the right desk height and support lumbar posture.
- Recommend sit-stand desks or encourage standing meetings.
- Use headsetsfor staff on the phone for long periods to avoid neck strain.
Manufacturing
- Design workbenches for neutral wrist posture and minimal reaching.
- Implement job rotation and micro-breaks during repetitive tasks.
- Provide tools with ergonomic grips to reduce hand fatigue.
Transport and logistics
- Use lifting aids, such as trolleys and forklifts, to reduce manual lifting.
- Adjust vehicle seating to ensure proper posture and minimise discomfort.
- Train workers on safe lifting techniques, emphasising the use of legs, not back.
Retail and hospitality
Ensure adequate space behind counters for free movement.
Rotate tasks like cashiering, stocking, and cleaning to reduce repetitive strain.
Use step stools or mobile ladders to reduce unsafe reaching.
Get regular workplace ergonomic assessments
While the tips above are a great starting point, it’s really worth bringing in a professional for a full ergonomic hazard assessment. They can look at your specific work environment, tasks and roles and then offer tailored advice.
Having someone with the right expertise evaluate your workplace means you’re not just guessing what’s going to work. You’re making informed changes that really address your unique needs.
Plus, regular assessments help you stay ahead of potential issues, keeping your team comfortable and productive while reducing the risk of injury.
It’s a simple step that pays off in the long run for both employee happiness and wellbeing—and your business.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to arrange an ergonomic assessment tailored to your business. Small adjustments really can make a big difference.
