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Safety improvements can lead to productivity gains

06.21.2012

Many businesses may look at the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as more of a burden than anything. However, experts say that OSHA rules may encourage businesses to develop occupational medicine goals that improve efficiency and productivity.

Experts from Kardex Remstar said they developed a system that brings greater automation to warehousing operations. This system automatically picks certain items, which reduces the amount of physical labor required by warehouse staff.

The officials said this system speeds up the process of picking items from warehouse shelves, but it also improves worker safety. It cuts back on the amount of walking individuals need to do each day and limits strain on the lower back.

Most worker compensation claims result from this type of repetitive stress. When a person performs the same job every day for many years it can take a major toll on the body.

Therefore, putting in place systems that reduce repetitive stress can limit worker compensation claims while at the same time boosting productivity. Following OSHA guidelines for protecting worker safety can deliver benefits for employees and businesses alike.

However, improvements in worker safety don't happen overnight. Businesses need to develop a set of occupational medicine goals and then follow through on these items. Without taking concrete steps to boost worker safety, change is unlikely. This may keep employers trapped in a cycle of low productivity and regular employee injuries.

When OSHA requirements are viewed as a path to productivity rather than an unnecessary burden, it may lead businesses to major benefits. A safe workplace tends to be more efficient than unsafe ones. All stakeholders benefit from improvements in safety.

Categories: Workplace Safety