Ergonomics and its importance in the workplace is drawing increasing interest from businesses worldwide. Employees are increasingly becoming victims of repetitive strain injuries, pain and tension from poor office furniture and sitting in unnatural postures.
Occupations that necessitate employees to sit or stand in the same position for long hours can be devastating to the body. This type of activity can cause overuse and strain of various muscles, joints and tendons. This may result in pain or discomfort for the worker. If this type of activity is continued over a lengthy period of time, more serious injuries can develop.
The lack of good ergonomic office practices can drastically increase workers compensation claims. It may well also lower productivity and employee job satisfaction which in turn can lower your staff retention rates.
Businesses are just now starting to realize the value of providing their employees with ergonomic office furniture such as ergonomic keyboard or ergonomic chairs. This has had the effect of a rise in demand for ergonomic furniture.
Office furniture manufacturers are increasingly designing furniture like ergonomic chairs, ergonomic keyboard, ergonomic desk to meet the growing need for ergonmically safer offices. Ergonomic furniture prices are typically more expensive than normal office furniture items due to the increased research and development costs that go along with designing it.
There are some critical pieces of furniture that need to be considered for a work station to be ergonomic.
Ergonomic Chair
The first and most important is the ergonomic office chair. A chair is ergonomic if it keeps your worker in a proper position to minimize stress and tension. Proper positioning is typically knees and elbows at 90 degree angles with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. An ergonomic chair will generally have seat height and depth adjustment, multi-dimensional armrests and a fully adjustable backrest.
Ergonomic Keyboard & Ergonomic Mouse
Another important item is an ergonomic keyboard and ergonomic mouse. A keyboard should allow the user to adjust the height to a position where the elbows and shoulders are relaxed at a 90 degree angle. If using an ergonomic keyboard tray it is recommended to tilt the keyboard tray forward in a negative tilt position to reduce the bending of the wrists. An ergonomic mouse should be positioned in such a way that the user does not have to extend their arm when using it. A great option is to provide 2 mice on a computer so the user can alternate which arm they are extending.
Ergonomic Computer Monitor
The final piece to the ergonomic workstation puzzle is the computer monitor. The monitor should be at such a height that the user does not need to tilt head forward of back to look at it. A good ergonomic posture is easy to obtain with monitors now as many are height adjustable.
If you are in any doubt about the ergonomics of your workplace, the best option would be to get a professional ergonomic assessment of your workplace and office workstations. A trained professional can come to your office and provide you with a report and recommendations on how to improve your office and ensure your employees are comfortable.
Occupations that necessitate employees to sit or stand in the same position for long hours can be devastating to the body. This type of activity can cause overuse and strain of various muscles, joints and tendons. This may result in pain or discomfort for the worker. If this type of activity is continued over a lengthy period of time, more serious injuries can develop.
The lack of good ergonomic office practices can drastically increase workers compensation claims. It may well also lower productivity and employee job satisfaction which in turn can lower your staff retention rates.
Businesses are just now starting to realize the value of providing their employees with ergonomic office furniture such as ergonomic keyboard or ergonomic chairs. This has had the effect of a rise in demand for ergonomic furniture.
Office furniture manufacturers are increasingly designing furniture like ergonomic chairs, ergonomic keyboard, ergonomic desk to meet the growing need for ergonmically safer offices. Ergonomic furniture prices are typically more expensive than normal office furniture items due to the increased research and development costs that go along with designing it.
There are some critical pieces of furniture that need to be considered for a work station to be ergonomic.
Ergonomic Chair
The first and most important is the ergonomic office chair. A chair is ergonomic if it keeps your worker in a proper position to minimize stress and tension. Proper positioning is typically knees and elbows at 90 degree angles with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. An ergonomic chair will generally have seat height and depth adjustment, multi-dimensional armrests and a fully adjustable backrest.
Ergonomic Keyboard & Ergonomic Mouse
Another important item is an ergonomic keyboard and ergonomic mouse. A keyboard should allow the user to adjust the height to a position where the elbows and shoulders are relaxed at a 90 degree angle. If using an ergonomic keyboard tray it is recommended to tilt the keyboard tray forward in a negative tilt position to reduce the bending of the wrists. An ergonomic mouse should be positioned in such a way that the user does not have to extend their arm when using it. A great option is to provide 2 mice on a computer so the user can alternate which arm they are extending.
Ergonomic Computer Monitor
The final piece to the ergonomic workstation puzzle is the computer monitor. The monitor should be at such a height that the user does not need to tilt head forward of back to look at it. A good ergonomic posture is easy to obtain with monitors now as many are height adjustable.
If you are in any doubt about the ergonomics of your workplace, the best option would be to get a professional ergonomic assessment of your workplace and office workstations. A trained professional can come to your office and provide you with a report and recommendations on how to improve your office and ensure your employees are comfortable.
