The News You Need for Dec. 22

Ergonomics as a tool in an injury-prevention program and the latest in safety threats facing airline workers.

Ergonomics and Workplace Modifications: Reducing Strain and Preventing Injuries 

Dr. Claire C. Muselman

Ergonomics and workplace modifications are essential components of a proactive workers’ compensation program. An ergonomically sound workplace reduces physical strain on employees, minimizes the risk of injury, and fosters a healthier, more productive workforce. For employers, addressing ergonomics is not just about compliance—it’s about investing in the long-term well-being of employees and preventing costly injuries before they occur. This article, the fifth in the Workers’ Compensation Road Map Series, focuses on the role of ergonomics in injury prevention and outlines actionable steps employers can take to create a safer and more supportive work environment. Organizations that prioritize ergonomics can significantly improve employee satisfaction and reduce claims. 

The Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace 

Workplace injuries related to poor ergonomics, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), are among the most common and costly in workers' compensation. However, employers who take a proactive approach to ergonomics can mitigate these risks, improving employee comfort and reducing the frequency of preventable injuries. The benefits of addressing ergonomics are substantial and include: 

1. Injury Prevention: Reduces the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries, back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. 

1. Improved Productivity: Comfortable and pain-free employees are more focused and productive. 

1. Enhanced Employee Retention: A workplace prioritizing safety and well-being fosters loyalty and job satisfaction. 

1. Reduced Costs: Fewer workplace injuries mean lower workers’ compensation claims and associated costs. 

Key Steps for Enhancing Workplace Ergonomics 

1. Conduct Ergonomic Assessments: Ergonomic assessments are the foundation of an effective workplace modification strategy. These evaluations identify potential risk factors and areas where adjustments can improve safety and comfort. 

• Engage Experts: Work with certified ergonomists or safety professionals to assess workstations, workflows, and employee interactions with equipment. 

• Involve Employees: Encourage employees to share feedback about discomfort or challenges in their work environment. 

• Analyze Tasks: Focus on high-risk tasks involving repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or awkward postures. 

2. Customize Workstations and Tools: Every employee's physical needs are unique, and customizable workstations and tools can reduce strain. 

• Adjustable Furniture: Provide desks, chairs, and monitors that can be adjusted to meet individual needs. 

• Specialized Tools: Invest in ergonomic tools such as wrist supports, anti-fatigue mats, or height-adjustable keyboards. 

• Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting to prevent eye strain and improve focus. 

3. Prioritize Training and Education: Even the best ergonomic equipment will only make a difference if employees know how to use it properly. Regular training ensures employees understand how to optimize their work environment for safety and comfort. 

• Ergonomics Training: Teach employees to set up workstations and practice good posture. 

• Safe Lifting Techniques: For physically demanding jobs, provide training on proper lifting methods to reduce strain. 

• Ongoing Awareness Campaigns: Incorporate ergonomics into safety meetings and company-wide communications to keep it in mind. 

4. Implement Workplace Modifications: Beyond individual workstations, broader workplace modifications can enhance safety and efficiency. 

• Reorganize Workflows: Reduce unnecessary movements or repetitive tasks by optimizing workflows. 

• Redesign Work Areas: Create layouts that minimize bending, reaching, or twisting during tasks. 

• Introduce Assistive Equipment: Use tools like lift assists or conveyor belts to handle heavy or repetitive tasks. 

5. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Ergonomics is not a one-time fix but an ongoing effort. Continuously monitoring the workplace and evaluating progress ensures that improvements remain effective and that the well-being of your employees is a top priority. 

• Regular Audits: Conduct periodic ergonomic assessments to identify new risks or evaluate the success of past modifications. 

• Employee Check-Ins: Solicit employee feedback to gauge the impact of changes and identify additional areas for improvement. 

• Track Metrics: Monitor injury rates, absenteeism, and employee satisfaction to measure the success of ergonomic initiatives. 

Addressing Remote Work Ergonomics 

With the rise of remote work, employers must also consider the ergonomic needs of employees working from home. Poorly designed home workstations can lead to the same injuries as poorly designed office setups. Some tips for supporting remote workers include: 

• Provide Guidance: Share resources and tips for creating ergonomic home workspaces. 

• Offer Equipment: Allow employees to borrow or purchase ergonomic equipment for home use, such as chairs or monitor stands. 

• Conduct Virtual Assessments: Use video calls to assess home workstations and recommend adjustments. 

Overcoming Common Challenges 

Implementing ergonomic improvements can be challenging, but employers can navigate these effectively with thoughtful planning and communication. The most significant cost to an organization is that leadership actively chooses not to invest in the safety and well-being of its largest asset, its people.  

Challenge 1: Cost Concerns 

Ergonomic equipment and modifications may seem expensive upfront. Still, the long-term savings in injury prevention and productivity often outweigh these costs.  

Solution: Start with high-priority areas and scale improvements gradually. Focus on cost-effective adjustments, such as training or workstation reconfigurations, yields significant benefits. 

Challenge 2: Resistance to Change 

Some employees may resist ergonomic changes, especially if they are unfamiliar or require adjustments to their habits.  

Solution: Engage employees in the process by explaining the benefits of ergonomics and involving them in decision-making. Provide clear instructions and ongoing support. 

Challenge 3: Limited Expertise 

Smaller organizations may need more in-house expertise in ergonomics or workplace safety. 

Solution: Partner with external experts, such as occupational health consultants or ergonomists, to assess and recommend improvements. 

The Bigger Picture: A Culture of Safety 

Ergonomics and workplace modifications are integral to creating a culture of safety where employees feel supported and valued. Employers can reduce injuries, enhance morale, and foster a more productive and engaged workforce by prioritizing these efforts. In the following article, we will explore building a Return-to-Work Culture Before an Injury Occurs, examining strategies for setting expectations, promoting early return-to-work options, and creating a supportive environment for employees recovering from injuries. Embracing  

ergonomics as a cornerstone of the workers’ compensation strategy allows organizations to take a proactive step toward a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. 

Air Industry Facing Continued Threats as Peak Holiday Travel Period Arrives

Liz Carey

Houston, TX (WorkersCompensation.com) – Airlines and air industry employees continue to face threats as the busiest periods of the holiday travel season nears.

Since 2021, the airline industry has seen a rash of threatening and/or violent behavior from passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration said it has received 1,994 reports of unruly behavior as of Dec. 15, 2024. That number is below the high of nearly 6,000 incidents in 2021, but still well above the pre-pandemic high of just over 1,100 in 2019.

In 2021, the FAA issued a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, and promised tougher standards and more prosecutions for attacks on flight crew members. In 2023, the FAA saw 2,075 incidents and levied more than $7.5 million in fines for bad passenger behavior.

Still the threats keep coming.

On Dec. 12, an FAA employee was attacked near the Hooks Airport in Houston. Officials with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said they were investigating the attack.

According to law enforcement, the FAA employee was part of a maintenance crew working on airport lighting. The assailant approached the men with a gun and threatened to kill one employee before beating the FAA employee in the head with the pistol.

After the initial attack, the assailant fled the scene, but came back within an hour and opened fire on two other employees, shooting at least 20 shots at them as the stood near a tower. Officials said the 911 dispatcher heard the shots being fired in the background.

The FAA employee, who was not identified, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. None of the shots fired struck any of the other employees.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the assailant was later arrested at their residence and that they appeared to be in the middle of a mental health crisis.

Thomas said the employees were incredibly lucky.

"They need to go to church on Sunday. One employee was standing behind his vehicle or was divine intervention," Thomas said. “(The assailant) was making some strange and weird comments. He was acting very erratic."

No other injuries were reported.

Other incidents on flights to Los Angeles and Atlanta saw passengers engage in violent outbursts. 

On a November Delta flight from Paris, France to Atlanta, authorities diverted to deal with an unruly passenger. According to a statement from Delta, Flight 83 landed in Dublin, Ireland for the passenger to be removed. Delta did not give any details from the incident. Other than to say the passenger became unruly.

Recently, Irish airline RyanAir announced it would also take a zero tolerance policy to unruly behavior and wanted that any passengers who disrupt lights will face consequences. The announcement comes after a passenger on the airline traveling to Athens was convicted of refusing to follow crew instructions. The passenger received a five month suspended sentence and fined 400 Euros.

“The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is RyanAir’s number one priority and we operate a strict zero tolerance policy to try to eradicate unruly behaviour onboard our aircraft,” the airline said in a statement.

On a November United flight from Austin to Los Angeles, passengers helped flight attendants restrain another passenger who stood up in a seat and repeatedly kicked it, as well as destroying a plastic tray. One passenger said they assisted flight attendants zip tie the man and restrain him seat belt him to the seat. United said the man was arrested when the plane landed at LAX and has been banned from all future flights on the airline.

Flight attendants and other crew members have asked the airlines and federal officials to step up and protect them in their workplaces.

In 2021, a national survey by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) of nearly 5,000 flight attendants found that over 85 percent of all respondents had dealt with unruly passengers, and more than half (58 percent) had experienced at least five incidents in 2021.

“This survey confirms what we all know, the vitriol, verbal and physical abuse from a small group of passengers is completely out of control, and is putting other passengers and flight crew at risk,” Sara Nelson, then-president of AFA-CWA, said at the time. “This is not a ‘new normal’ we are willing to accept. We know the government, airlines, airports, and all stakeholders can take actions together to keep us safe and flying friendly.”

Airlines have played with the idea of creating a master list of passengers convicted of attacks against flight crew members to ban them from all air travel. That move has yet to gain any traction, but airlines have begun to ban passengers individually when they are involved in incidents of unruly behavior.