Employee Wellness & Ergonomics Policy
Protecting the most valuable resource -- employees is a crucial part of a company mission. Therefore, ergonomics & corporate wellness policy ensures its commitment to build a workplace that prioritizes employees physical wellbeing. It defines ergonomic workstation design, workplace wellness programs, and describes preventive health measures.
Created by
Ahmed Abdel Wahab
|
Human Resources Adviser
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What’s included in the Ergonomics & Corporate Wellness Policy?
Ergonomic policy describes the systems, processes, tools, roles and responsibilities a business uses to guide its ergonomics improvements. It is a part of creating healthy employees and a productive workplace, aiming to establish a systematic approach for the proactive and effective reduction of risk factors in existing workstations.
Ergonomics policy and procedure or corporate wellness policy describes what must be done and who is responsible, so it is necessary for every small, medium or large company to ensure compliance with applicable ergonomics laws and regulations.
Corporate wellness policy discusses workplace wellness programs provided to employees, for example, exercise sessions, healthy eating habits, and wellness counseling, in addition break & rest areas.
It also mentions the prevention of work-related diseases such as vision issues and flu. Ultimately, the purpose of this policy is to foster a healthy and productive work environment that enables employees to perform at their best while maintaining their health in the short and long term.
Ergonomics & Corporate Wellness Policy - Table of contents
1. Definition of Ergonomics
2. Policy Objective
3. Scope
4. Ergonomic Workstation Design
5. Workplace Wellness Programs
6. Preventive Health Measures
7. Break & Rest Areas
8. Reporting Discomfort & Adjustments
9. Compliance & Accountability
Why do you need an ergonomics & corporate wellness policy?
Fitting workplace conditions to the capabilities of employees.
Preventing physical strain disorders.
Promoting a healthier, more productive work environment.
Substantially enhancing job satisfaction.
How do you use the model?
Download the template and review the content.
Customize it with name, logo, worksites and company budget.
Detail what must be done and who is responsible, and add it to the employee handbook.
Ensure compliance by getting the ergonomics & corporate wellness policy reviewed by a legal/HR expert.
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FAQ
There are three types of ergonomics each one contribute to how effective employees are in their work, here are a brief for each one:
Physical Ergonomics: addresses the physical strain on the body, aiming to prevent diseases caused by awkward postures, repetitive tasks, and heavy lifting.
Cognitive ergonomics: it is about making work instructions and information easy for the brain to process, so it doesn't get overloaded or stressed.
Organizational ergonomics: integrates findings from physical and cognitive ergonomics to optimize safety and efficiency across the entire company.
These 6 basic ergonomics principles, can improve overall well-being through simple adjustments:
Maintaining natural body alignment (e.g., S-curve for the back, and relaxed neck, elbows, and wrists) whether sitting or standing.
Avoiding straining joints by using tools (carts, hoists) or workflow changes to reduce pushing, pulling, and lifting heavy items.
Frequently used items should be within arm's reach semicircle to avoid unnecessary reaching.
Maintaining a work surface at elbow height for routine tasks to prevent strain on the back, neck, and shoulders.
Minimizing repetitive manual movements that can cause overuse injuries by using tools.
Ensuring sufficient space for your head, knees, and feet, especially when seated.
Here are some examples of ergonomic products commonly found in the workplace:
Chairs with adjustable height.
Desks with adjustable height (Standing Desks).
Exercise balls as seats.
Monitor tilt and placement.
Lighting that isn’t harsh on the eyes.
Headsets for hands-free communication.
Bad ergonomics is workspaces or equipment designs that cause bodily discomfort and strain, potentially leading to injuries. Examples of poor ergonomics include awkward postures, repetitive motions, excessive force, poor lighting, poorly designed workstations, inadequate rest breaks, and negative environmental factors.
These can result in injuries like back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain..
Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a multidisciplinary field focused on the safety, health, and welfare of people at work affected by the workplace. It aims to prevent work-related injuries and diseases, promoting physical, mental, and social well-being.
OSH involves adapting work to individuals and individuals to their jobs, improving work environments, and fostering supportive safety cultures. Employers have a duty of care to ensure workplace safety, which is regulated by Saudi laws.