Ergonomic modifications: examining cost and effectiveness

This study examined the cost and effectiveness of making ergonomic modifications for injured workers at the time of return to work. Factors which were considered to be indicative of effective modifications included whether the worker was still working at the job for which modifications had been made, the amount of time between modification and follow-up call and the employer's rating of the effectiveness of the modifications. Thirty-one subjects were all past clients at a midwestern rehabilitation facility. Average subject age was 40.9 years; and there were 14 males and 17 females. Information relative to the modifications was gathered from the subjects' employers through the use of a telephone questionnaire. Results indicated an average cost per person of $251.71 and $61.69 for an average cost per modification, 35% were still working the same job with or without restrictions at an average follow-up time of 70.7 weeks. The employers' average ratings of the cost effectiveness and effectiveness in keeping the employee on the job were 4.3 and 3.8, respectively on a scale of 1-5 (5 being very effective). Results suggest that ergonomic modifications can be cost effective in keeping the worker on the job.