Estimating Costs and Benefits of Preventive Ergonomic Measures

Abstract

Ergonomics is becoming increasingly relevant in industrial enterprises, as confirmed by the majority of Industry 5.0 experts who place emphasis on the development of social environments and employee care. This is gradually being integrated into legislation stipulating the obligation to provide employees with adequate working conditions. In the context of introducing necessary ergonomic measures in the workplace, we identify the dependence of these measures on the physical load of workers and the impact on the employer's financial burden. To determine the impact, a Cost-Benefit Analysis is used to evaluate not only the financial costs but also to assess social benefits and increased utility for the target groups. The verification of ergonomic optimisation of the workplace in terms of costs and impact on workers' health is conducted in a case study in a specific industrial enterprise. Finally, the positive impact of ergonomic optimisation on the physical load of workers is specified.