Innovative aids and tools for a more ergonomic workplace

Many people spend their working day doing physically demanding activities: sitting for hours on end, lifting heavy loads, one-sided strain, repetitive movements and poor posture put a strain on the human musculoskeletal system. Poor workplace design can quickly lead to musculoskeletal disorders, often in the form of back pain and neck tension. This often results in a greater number of absences and loss of productivity. A study by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs shows that in Switzerland, 18% of the working population suffer from work-related back pain.

Back pain causes major operational and economic costs: 26% of all sickness-related absences from work are due to musculoskeletal disorders. Back pain causes more than 100 million days of absence from work in Switzerland every year.

For companies, it is not only the direct costs such as continued payment of wages, temporary replacement workers and insurance costs, but also indirect costs such as loss of productivity, administrative costs and delays that carry weight.  

By promoting an ergonomic working environment, companies can not only improve the health and satisfaction of their employees, but also increase productivity and significantly reduce the costs of sickness-related absences. An ergonomically designed workplace is individually adapted to the needs of the employee in order to minimize physical strain and promote healthy posture.  

Poor posture such as permanently bending forward, sitting for too long or lifting heavy loads incorrectly can be avoided by making simple adjustments. Regular breaks and exercise are also crucial to avoid tension. There are specific measures for an ergonomic workplace depending on the daily work routine. 

Tradespeople and those working in manufacturing:

• Ergonomic tools: Reduce joint stress 
• Optimum working position: Avoidance of unnatural postures 
• Use aids: Carrying aids, lifting equipment, back-friendly supports 

Office workstations:

• Desk height: Place your arms at a 90° angle 
• Chair height: Feet flat on the floor, knees at right angles 
• Monitor placement: The top of the screen is at eye level 
• Regular exercise: Micro breaks and position changes 

Modern technologies can also significantly improve ergonomics in the workplace. The smart wearables from PRECURE are a particularly innovative solution. Intelligent elbow sleeves and back vests measure body movements and muscular strain, register unhealthy strain and help employees to improve their posture and movement patterns.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyHBy44QWG4

Benefits for employees:

• Reduction of physical strain and pain by 25-40%
• Greater resilience and motivation

Benefits for companies:

• Reduction of sick days by up to 10%
• Cost savings through reduced number of absences
• Increase attractiveness as an employer

The medical technology company Radiometer develops and produces blood gas analyzers. In one of their assembly lines, there was an unusually high number of strain injuries in the arms of their employees. In total, 65% of complaints resulted in sickness-related absences, making the problem business-critical for the company.

Based on the measurement with the PRECURE wearables, numerous defects were identified. Thanks to ergonomic improvements and targeted interventions, stress levels have been sustainably reduced and working conditions significantly improved.  

1. Carry out an ergonomic assessment: Start with a thorough assessment of current working conditions and identify ergonomic problem areas for both office workers and tradespeople. 
2. Adapt workplaces: Adjust desks, chairs and monitors so that they support the natural posture of employees. Ergonomic tools and aids should be provided for tradespeople, such as height-adjustable workbenches, lifting aids and non-slip mats. 
3. Introduce ergonomic products: Invest in ergonomic products such as adjustable chairs, standing desks, wrist rests for office workers and ergonomically designed tools for tradespeople. 
4. Optimize workplace design: Ensure that workstations are individually adapted to the needs of employees in order to minimize stress. Pay attention to the correct storage and handling of tools and materials when carrying out manual work. 
5. Plan regular breaks: Encourage employees to take regular breaks and move around to prevent tension. Tradespeople should also ensure that they change their working position regularly. 

Ergonomics in the workplace is enshrined in law. According to Article 6 of the Federal Act Respecting Work in Industry, Handicrafts and Commerce (Employment Act), employers are obliged to "design the company facilities and work processes in such a way that health hazards and excessive strain on employees are avoided as far as possible." These obligations to protect the health of employees are set out in more detail in the Ordinance to the Employment Act.  

The guidelines of the Federal Coordination Commission for Occupational Safety (FCOS) help companies with recommendations on the ergonomic design of workplaces in manufacturing operations and service companies. The FCOS is drawing attention to risk factors in office workplaces with its "Prevention in the Office" campaign.

Good ergonomics in the workplace are crucial for the health and productivity of employees. By designing workstations correctly and introducing innovative solutions such as PRECURE, both office workers and tradespeople can benefit from reduced physical strain and fewer absences due to illness.