Have you explored traditional ergonomic controls?
Ergonomics and safety efforts have been very effective in reducing injury rates over the last few decades. The Hierarchy of Controls is an effective approach for reducing risk that has helped tremendously. Proactively preventing injuries is always better than reacting to them for both employees and employers.
Despite excellent progress, there are still work-related injuries. In a perfect world, there would be none. National Safety Council’s Work to Zero Initiative aims to eliminate workplace fatalities through the use of technology.
A similar initiative to reduce work-related injuries could be very helpful, especially one aimed at reducing preventable work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as sprains and strains, which can be debilitating and costly for people and companies alike.
Previous injuries are the top predictor of future injuries. That’s why it’s critical to prevent as many injuries as possible in the first place. It’s also important to reduce the cumulative wear and tear many workers experience as they age.
Exos can help reduce strain, fatigue and injury risk in the workplace. They are a complementary new tool in the ergonomics and safety toolbox that can be utilized with traditional engineering, administrative and behavioral controls.
Exos are becoming part of a comprehensive health, ergonomics and safety program. They are not a replacement for good ergonomics. If everything has been done to improve the ergonomics of a job but risk factors for overexertion, fatigue, injuries or turnover persist, then exos might be worth exploring.
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