Injury Reduction Research

Magnitude’s patented ergonomic software tools have been proven to decrease the number of injuries, and cost of injuries, for computer users through its unique behavior modification methodology coaching people to pace themselves while using the computer.

In real world business settings, studies have revealed that the use of micro-breaks increases productivity and employee well being.  Studies of the effects of work factors on the performance of computer users include evaluations of workload, work patterns, and work posture.  Results from these studies suggest that “…appropriate rest breaks, combined with stretching exercises, allow computer users to sustain work at an appropriate pace while minimizing the risk of injury – provided work activities are performed in appropriate postures.”

In a study published in the May 2000 issue of the scientific journal Ergonomics, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported that short, strategically spaced rest breaks can reduce eyestrain and musculoskeletal discomforts for video display terminal operators without decreasing productivity.  The study was one of a series conducted by NIOSH at the request of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).  The study compared results under two rest-break schedules for a group of 42 data-entry operators employed by the IRS.  Magnitude’s suite of enterprise tools provide a means to increase productivity and decrease computer-related injuries and related medical and insurance costs.

Magnitude’s clients have achieved many successes in injury reduction. While most organizations are reluctant to discuss injury-related issues in the public venue, there have been some exceptions where the good news was shared publicly.

A Magnitude client, the California State Compensation Insurance Fund, conducted an internal study using ErgoEnterprise™ in an extensive pilot program during 2000.  The significant results included: 

• A reduction in OSHA reported injury rates by 20% to 80%, with an average at 50%

• Projected workers’ compensation savings from the pilot program alone was $120,000

• Annual Workers’ Compensation savings projected at $780,000+

• There was total participation of the employees in the Pilot

• Employees postponed micro-breaks a maximum of 9 minutes

• There was 100% employee satisfaction using ErgoManager

• Some employees used program to “warm up” prior to their beginning work each shift.

Another Magnitude client, Lockheed Martin, has publicly reported great success in the injury reduction area as a result of using the ergonomic tools.   According to an article in Safety & Health Magazine, Scott Evans, Director of Facilities and ESH at Lockheed Martin said: “What started out as a simple work-pacing tool met with worker skepticism, has turned into something more.  It became a culture-changing event."  The article continued focusing on the Lockheed Martin EIS Division: "Last year, roughly 60 percent of all employees voluntarily participated in the program.  As a result, the division reduced computer-related work injuries by 50 percent and recently was recognized by Lockheed Martin's Corporate Energy, Environment, Safety & Health office for working 5 million hours with no lost-time injuries."