Whether you’re a hospital looking to earn healthy HCAHPS scores with great patient experience, or a manufacturing plant seeking to keep decibel levels below a certain threshold, noise-reducing casters play an important role in maintaining a more quiet environment.

Reduced Noise Levels

The healthcare industry is stressed as patients and staff deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Packed hospitals, long hours, and high mortality rates raise cortisol in patients and staff, contributing to various health problems, including anxiety, depression, and cardiac issues. The noise levels in many hospital environments often contribute to this stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that average hospital sound levels should not exceed 35 decibels, with a maximum of 40 decibels overnight. Several studies have shown that noise levels can increase the likelihood of developing health problems, including sleep disorders and cardiovascular effects. 

Reduced Injury

The impact of noise reducing casters on the healthcare industry is astounding. Not only do these casters save lives, but they can also cut down on the number of sick days and employee turnover while enhancing productivity and the bottom line. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is calling on the healthcare industry to do more to protect its workers from injuries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare and social service workers suffered more injuries and illnesses than any other sector.

Reduced Stress

The impact of reduced stress on the healthcare industry can be substantial in terms of employees’ mental health and the quality of patient care. Studies have found that healthcare workers have higher stress rates than other occupations, which can lead to burnout and psychosomatic illness. Occupational stress can lead to depression and anxiety, affecting health-related quality of life and productivity. This is especially true in the healthcare sector, where high-stress levels can affect the work of essential medical staff.

Increased Productivity

Productivity is a critical determinant of the economy’s ability to deliver more for less, and it is the lifeblood of any economy’s ability to maintain current employment levels. Unlike output, productivity gains come from working smarter and not harder. Despite this, many misunderstandings about productivity still exist. For example, there is confusion between productivity and output, the belief that productivity growth requires workers to work harder, and the perception that higher productivity means job losses. Fortunately, healthcare has several opportunities to improve labor productivity significantly, leveraging proven systems engineering approaches. The industry can improve its productivity by addressing five specific areas: