The aim of the workshop

The workshop gives opportunities to learn about how to banish the phantom of unexpected costs and poor operating performance that comes from ergonomics / Human Factors problems in the workplace. The objectives are to foster a broad discussion on the economics of ergonomics including aspects such as 1) How Human Factors can affect company’s bottom line , 2) Why companies underestimate Ergonomics/Human Factors costs and benefits, 3) What economic assessment tools and approaches can be used to help companies realise the financial benefits of good working environments.

The format of the workshop

Participants are invited to join this interactive workshop on quantifying the financial costs and benefits of workplace improvements. The workshop will take an interactive approach. First the hosts will share their experiences, and will be examining a range of economic assessment techniques and discuss case studies in from both Swedish and Canadian industry, of how attending the human factors and ergonomics can improve a company’s productivity and quality performance. Thereafter an open plenary discussion will follow.

Work environment effects are often difficult to assess, especially since many of them are hidden. Moreover, the economic impact of these hidden effects is often many times larger than that from visible effects, such as costs from absenteeism. Hidden effects often play a larger role on business parameters than visible ones do. Without adequate measurement or assessment tools, hidden effects remain obscured. As a result, they may be overlooked, which can have significant business consequences, particularly when making investment decisions related to work environment issues. Ergonomics/Human Factors gains from quality and productivity are usually much greater than for reduced compensation costs. Companies that underestimate the financial impact of human aspects of their systems can find their anticipated profits vanish – so called ‘phantom profits’.