Most Americans between the ages of 22 and 65 spend 40% of their waking hours at work, and more Americans are finding it necessary to stay at their jobs longer than in years past, often resulting in greater exposure to injury. One in every 23 workers sustains a work-related injury each year, and half of these cases require time off of work. The total direct and indirect costs associated with on-the-job injuries and illnesses in the US are staggering, and healthcare costs have become the #1 concern for businesses, large and small.
But for every $1 invested in health and safety programs, the US Department of Labor estimates $4 – $6 is saved in work-related injury expenses.
Body Mechanix, Inc. provides a variety of these health and safety programs, tests and services to help address some of the pressing health-related problems for employers. Our team, led by certified ergonomics assessment specialists and certified essential functions evaluators, will expertly assess and address key issues in workplace ergonomics, job tasks and performance, wellness programs and other areas to greatly improve injury prevention practices company wide.
A unique specialization of BMI is our expertise in utility companies. While many utility companies have made great strides in health and safety in recent years, the inherent nature of the work and employee demographics continue to yield a high percentage of soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries relative to other industries as a result of physically challenging work tasks, an aging work force, low turnover and exceptionally long learning curves that, when combined, create a “perfect storm.” In our experience, between 35 and 65% of all injuries within utility companies are musculoskeletal-related. We have worked closely with such clients to address these challenges for more than a decade and have witnessed significant workplace injury reduction as a result of our successful programs combined with a strong and consistent cor
porate focus on workplace safety.
But you don’t have to be a utility company to experience the same great results–we work with businesses of all sizes with various job functions. Employers utilizing BMI programs often experience reduced Worker’s Compensation claims, reduced lost work time, safer work environment, increased worker productivity and comfort, decreased turnover, and several other long-term benefits. Our injury prevention services can be tailored to fit any company to address its key challenges.
FUNCTIONAL TESTING
BMI’s successful Fit-for-Duty testing methods assist employers across a variety of industries and workplace settings with selecting, hiring and maintaining worker fitness for job-specific demands. In conjunction with an employer’s workplace safety program, this testing is an effective and essential part of a thorough disability prevention and disability management program. Our process conforms fully to EEOC Guidelines for application of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our testing services include:
- Pre-Offer Physical Agility Testing
- Post-offer Functional Testing
- Post-Injury/Return-to-Work Testing
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Disability Determination Testing
ERGONOMICS
One-size fits all ergonomics — there is no such thing! Each person is distinctive, each workspace is different, and each job has its own set of issues. Ergonomics is the science of fitting worksites to people with a focus on reducing ergonomic risks and ensuring employee health and safety while achieving sustainable gains in productivity.
Our certified ergonomics assessment specialists offer two levels of ergonomic evaluations: training programs for both management and employees to demonstrate the value of proper ergonomics, and consulting services for workspace design, product choices and workplace assessments. Our approach to workplace ergonomics is one-on-one in the worker’s environment to show them how to work safely and how to work smarter.
ERGONOMIC EVALUATIONS & TRAINING
Ergonomic Screenings: Our ergonomics-trained staff makes an onsite visit, spending approximately 20 minutes with each employee evaluating the workstation set-up and makes recommendations that can be implemented immediately. These evaluations are recommended for those with minimal or no work-related symptoms or those who are at a low risk for musculoskeletal disorders.
Comprehensive Ergo Evaluations: These formal comprehensive ergonomic evaluations are recommended for those in high-risk jobs such as call centers, data entry or piece work, or those who are suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. BMI will provide a detailed report, including recommendations specific to the workspace and work station.
Tailored Ergonomic Training Programs: These group training programs targeting specific jobs and workers are designed to be detailed and interactive, demonstrating ways the employees can work safer and smarter, helping connect the dots between activities and physical issues.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Our specialists will work together with your company to analyze and advise improvements of specific tasks, processes and workstations to help minimize workplace injuries throughout all stages of employment, including:
- Workstation Design
- Product Choices
- Work Risk Assessments
- Job Site Assessments
- Job Description Development
- Pre/Post Employment Screenings
- Wellness Program Enhancement
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