EAGLE LAKE — Northern Maine General has announced its newest venture, NMG-Ergo. NMG-Ergo is a program offering ergonomic training and workplace assessments to Aroostook County businesses and individuals.
Since the mid-1990s, Northern Maine General has taken a proactive approach to training its employees in ergonomics, assessing and making minor, inexpensive adjustments to worksites or places. The efforts have paid off, literally, as NMG has seen a reduction in insurance premiums of over 250 percent. NMG is convinced that these same efforts could benefit other employers in Aroostook County.
NMG Physical Therapist Assistant Joyia Cyr states, “Ergonomics does not simply pertain to office work but all areas of our lives. How many times have we pulled muscles on the weekend and it affects our work performance the following week? We’re not the only one suffering, so is the company we work for.”
Increased awareness in ergonomics can lead to reduced health insurance premiums and workers’ compensation costs, decreased sick days, improved productivity and heightened morale.
“Any business can benefit from this service, but especially those with employees whose responsibilities include prolonged standing, sitting, driving, bending, reaching or lifting medium to heavy loads. It’s a worthwhile investment in your employees and in your company,” said Cyr.
NMG-Ergo is prepared to provide employers or individuals with general ergonomic, back injury prevention or video display terminal trainings. Trainings can either be provided at the employers’ workplace or at Northern Maine General’s training facility in Eagle Lake. Trainings are designed to be educational for employees and supervisors at any level.
“What we want to do is to have employees learn how to recognize and reduce risks of potential injuries in their jobs and in their personal lives. It comes down to basics. Be aware of what you are doing to your body,” said Cyr.
According to David Wacker from the Department of Workplace Safety and Health Division, “It is estimated that one-third of all workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims are due to an ergonomic issue. Soft tissue injuries are the leading cause of injuries in the state, especially with office workers.”
For more information, contact Northern Maine General at 444-5152 extension 265a
