Human-centered Ergonomics Consulting: A Workplace Health Game Changer

During a recent WorkCare webinar – Beyond the Checklist: Human-centered Consulting that Drives Real Impact – our Consulting Projects Manager Lindsy Klawiter described how WorkCare’s industrial injury prevention specialists function as a “Jacks and Jills of all trades.” They are trained to adapt to industry-specific requirements and unique workplace environments because, as we all know, one size does not fit all.  

Evidence shows that employers who successfully balance humanity with profitability improve occupational health, workforce safety, and business outcomes. WorkCare’s ergonomics consulting delivery model exemplifies this balance by engaging occupational health professionals with industrial athletes to help them prevent and manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other injuries so they can safely stay or get back in the game.  

Building a Culture of Engagement in Workplace Health and Safety

Another thing we all know is that work-related strains, sprains, and joint pain are associated with high medical costs, lost productivity and absenteeism, higher workers’ compensation claim and OSHA-recordable injury rates, and – when not managed well from the start – risk for long-term disability. 

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” 

~ Benjamin Franklin 

Managers and front-line workers are more inclined to embrace injury prevention interventions when they have had the opportunity to suggest solutions. This is particularly important in relation to the science of workplace ergonomics, which involves efforts to improve comfort, efficiency, and safety for employees by reducing exposure to MSD risk factors such as overexertion, repetition, awkward postures, lifting, reaching, and prolonged sitting.  

“To be honest, I’m stubborn, and if somebody tells me to do something and doesn’t give me the logic behind it, my inclination is going to be, ‘Why should I do this?’ When we educate employees, give them an appreciation of the logic behind decisions, and involve them in the consulting process, then there’s a greater motivation to engage in it,” Klawiter said.  

Foundations for Workplace Ergonomics Consulting

WorkCare’s ergonomics consulting process is based on these core pillars: 

• Ethical practices 
• Fulfilling client goals 
• Empowering healthy employees 
• Scalability for growth 
• Collaboration and education 

WorkCare consultants bring a combination of personal passion and expertise in human behavior to every engagement. They give employees a voice in the process. Protocols, policies, and procedures that help their employer satisfy regulatory requirements, reduce injury exposure risk, and ensure safe workplaces provide necessary guardrails. 

“We believe that the best solutions come from listening to front-line employees, listening to company leaders, and supporting our clients through their journey as we help create solutions for them.”  

~ Lindsy Klawiter, MEd, ATC, Consulting Projects Manager 

WorkCare’s human-centered consultants:  

• Use their training in workplace ergonomics, sports medicine, MSD prevention and management, first aid, regulatory compliance, and general health education to customize interventions. 
• Evaluate the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs, capabilities, and limitations of employees in their work environment.  
• Recommend systems, tools, workstation adjustments, and preventive measures that support well-being, performance, and dignity rather than conformance with situations and environments that may not be the best fit.  

Before concluding a consultation, the WorkCare team takes steps to ensure that clients have the tools and written, practical guidance they need to sustain recommended solutions. It doesn’t stop there, Klawiter said. They remain involved as a resource, when a multi-phase approach is needed to address complex needs, or when injury prevention specialists are retained on-site.  

How the Human-centered Approach Makes a Difference

During the webinar, Klawiter cited this client testimonial as an example of the return on investment that can be achieved. “When a balanced, proactive approach ties in with other occupational health and safety programs, you’re going to see a boost in productivity and less absenteeism, and you’ll find that strong supervisory relationships can enhance morale and job performance,” she said.

“WorkCare helped us shift from a reactive to a proactive approach, reducing OSHA-recordables by 50% and MSD-related injuries by 44%. Early intervention strategies improved workplace safety and delivered a strong ROI, transforming our occupational health program.” 

~ WorkCare client testimonial 

She also referred to an experience with a client in the tree industry as an example of how personal contact with employees helps build trust, an essential ingredient for buy-in. The engagement involved the creation of a new functional job description and dynamic warm-up for that position. While preparing for a site visit with field leaders, she was told to expect resistance from employees. The opposite occurred.  

During the first site visit, WorkCare consultants successfully engaged employees in the new dynamic warm-up. “They were laughing, having fun, and enjoying the experience,” Klawiter recalled. “Numerous individuals said it felt great. They tangibly experienced the benefit of that program, and before we left the yard we were invited to visit another job site to show them more. That engagement wasn’t anything fancy. We just showed employees that they matter as people, not just as a metric, and that helped them better understand the benefits of warming up.” 

As we all know, it is an employer’s commitment to consistent reinforcement of ergonomic solutions that makes a measurable difference for employees and the business over the long run.  

“Positive change doesn’t just come from the top-down. Optimally, it also comes from the bottom-up, becomes a more collaborative experience for everyone, and ultimately pays massive dividends on the back end. We truly believe that engaging you in that journey of improvement, not just the destination, helps you achieve success,” Klawiter said. 

WorkCare is here to help. Contact us to learn more.