Ergonomic ROI Calculators

Determining and demonstrating the value of your ergonomics initiative for specific engineering improvements are commonly requested.  Unfortunately, many of us struggle to even begin to justify improvements, let alone choose a meaningful calculator to demonstrate the benefits of improving workplace conditions.  A quick Google search turns up available calculators: Equipois Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator and Cornell University Return on Investment (ROI) Estimator are a couple of them.

These calculators are based on traditional, lagging indicators – such as injury and illness cost avoidance.  This requires you to assume what the outcome in reduced injuries will be after the project is completed, i.e. it is based on what you “hope” will happen.  Unfortunately “hope” is not a strategy.  What happens if what you hope for doesn’t happen?  Typically, nothing good.

So, is there a better calculator that based on meaningful, leading metrics and ergonomic indicators?  Yes.  One online calculator that does this is the Washington State Ergonomics Cost Benefit Calculator.

Is this a perfect calculator?  No, but it’s one of the best we have at the moment.  I’d like to see calculators take into consideration enhancements for product quality (reduction in product defect, material scrap, etc.), efficiency (time savings), and employee satisfaction/engagement (survey results).  In addition it would be nice to add in more detailed inputs of ergonomic risk reduction.  Until then, use the above calculators to assist you in determining the ROI of your project.