IEH Consulting Services
ERGONOMICS & HUMAN FACTORS
Our ergonomics and human factors consultancy services aim to help you understand the interaction between people and their working environment.
Our Ergonomics and Human Factors Services
Managing Ergonomics in Singapore: A Guide to Workplace Safety and Productivity
Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workspaces, products, and systems to fit the people who use them. By prioritizing ergonomics, businesses can improve productivity, reduce injury and absenteeism rates, and boost employee satisfaction and morale. In Singapore, where the government and employers place a high value on workplace safety and productivity, managing ergonomics is critical to creating a healthy and thriving workforce. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key considerations for managing ergonomics in Singapore and offer tips for optimizing workplace safety and productivity.
- Designing Ergonomic Workspaces
The physical layout and design of a workspace can have a significant impact on employee health and productivity. When designing ergonomic workspaces, businesses should consider factors such as lighting, noise levels, air quality, and temperature. They should also ensure that furniture and equipment are adjustable and properly sized for each employee. For example, chairs should provide adequate back support, and computer monitors should be positioned at eye level to prevent neck strain. Employers should also encourage employees to take regular breaks and stretch to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
- Providing Training and Education
To effectively manage ergonomics, employers should provide training and education to employees on proper workstation setup, posture, and body mechanics. This can include information on how to adjust chairs, position computer monitors, and perform stretches and exercises to reduce the risk of injury. Employers should also provide education on the importance of taking breaks and engaging in physical activity to promote overall health and well-being.
- Encouraging Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of injury in the workplace. Employers can encourage physical activity by providing opportunities for employees to engage in regular exercises, such as on-site fitness classes or gym memberships. They can also encourage employees to take regular breaks and engage in stretching or walking activities throughout the day. By promoting physical activity, businesses can improve employee health, reduce injury rates, and boost productivity.
- Implementing Workplace Safety Measures
In addition to promoting ergonomic workspaces, employers should implement workplace safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. This can include measures such as providing proper safety equipment, implementing emergency response plans, and ensuring that employees are properly trained in the safe operation of equipment and machinery. Employers should also conduct regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and address them before they lead to accidents or injuries.
- Emphasizing Employee Wellbeing
Finally, to effectively manage ergonomics in the workplace, employers must prioritize employee wellbeing. This can include providing opportunities for employee feedback and input, offering flexible work arrangements, and providing mental health support services. By prioritizing employee wellbeing, businesses can create a supportive and positive work environment that promotes productivity and job satisfaction.
In conclusion, managing ergonomics in Singapore is critical to promoting workplace safety, productivity, and employee well-being. By prioritizing ergonomic workspaces, providing training and education, encouraging physical activity, implementing workplace safety measures, and emphasizing employee wellbeing, businesses can create a healthy and thriving workforce that benefits both employees and the bottom line.
OFFICE ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics in your office: arranging and fitting workstations to the employee.
Our consultants review hundreds of office workplaces every year. We derive practical solutions by combining our industry experience with scientific ergonomic assessment methodology.
We work closely with our clients to derive cost-effective and comprehensive solutions to office ergonomic issues. Our office ergonomic assessments are supported by proper hazard analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
We can provide advice and services on the assessment and management of the office ergonomic issues including:
- Comprehensive Office Ergonomic Assessment
- Compliance support on SS514: Code of practice for office ergonomics
- Display Screen Equipment (DSE) workstation assessment
- Office and indoor lighting assessment
- Office Ergonomic Training
PHYSICAL ERGONOMICS
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the term used to describe a variety of conditions including back pain, upper limb disorders (including RSI), neck pain, etc. are a significant problem for employers and employees alike in workplaces.
Not all MSDs are caused by work. Some arise as a result of injuries outside the workplace, and some are the almost inevitable consequence of age-related degeneration. However, if a condition stops an individual from working it is important to try and do something about it so that the employer retains valued, experienced workers – and employees keep their jobs.
Workplace Safety and Health imposes duties on employers, reflecting the important cost of these problems to the community and the need to try and reduce the problems at the workplace, rather than waiting for injuries to happen.
We can provide advice and services on the assessment and management of ergonomic issues including:
- Comprehensive workplace/job ergonomic assessment
- Compliance support for SS569: Code of practice for manual handling
- Workplace/Job redesign consultancy (WDA WorkPro grant available)
- Work with employers to help them retain older workers (WDA WorkPro grant available)
- Ergonomic Training
AGEING AND WORK
The number of elderly citizens in Singapore will triple to 900,000 by 2030 and there will only be 2.1 working-age citizens for each citizen aged 65 and above. Hence the push to extend working life requires us to have a better understanding of the effects that age-related change can have on our ability to work and how best to support our older workers.
Our research in the area of ageing and work feeds into our consultancy service. We have been involved in the collation of research evidence and the development of guidance for managing older workers, and the evaluation of the research evidence in relation to the physical capabilities of emergency service workers.
Our expertise in this area includes:-
- Workplace assessment to identify specific risk factors for older workers;
- Recommendations on workplace and work organisation re-design to accommodate older workers;
- Evaluation of objective physiological evidence in relation to work requirements and capabilities;
- Use of the Work Ability Index to assess the capabilities of the workforce or to help with problem identification;
- Occupational health assessment and fitness for work assessments of older workers.
HEAT STRESS / STRAIN
Heat stress is not just a potential problem in the hot working conditions found in industries such as smelting and glassmaking. Any work involving the use of chemical protective clothing can present challenges, especially where the clothing isn’t vapour-permeable.
Institute of Ergonomics and Hygiene staff have great wealth of experience of working on thermal stress. We understand permissible work times for thermal stress and good practice for managing work in hot working condition. We can provide advice and guidance to industrial clients on the assessment and management of the risk of heat stress including:
- The application and interpretation of international standards;
- Development of safe systems of work;
- Physiological monitoring of heat strain;
- Practical measures to reduce or control any risks.
MENTAL WELLBEING
Official statistics suggest that the number of people reporting stress, anxiety or depression has not decreased in recent years.
In fact, the most recent statistics now show stress at work to be a bigger cause of workplace sickness absence than musculoskeletal disorders.
The most frequently reported causes of work-related stress include pressure from work, lack of managerial support and work-related violence and bullying. Factors that are associated with increased workplace stress include changes at work including downsizing and changes to responsibilities held; poor interpersonal relationships at work; and difficulties with managers.
Based on our research for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the European Commission we are able to provide the following skills in relation to managing mental wellbeing in the workplace.
- Use of the HSE Management Standards to identify and solve local problems;
- The use of online surveys to assess the levels of organisational stress while maintaining complete confidentiality for participants;
- Advice on work organisation to maximise wellbeing at work;