Office Ergonomics

Key to health and safety in the workplace

Source: www.healthyalberta.com

To hire and retain the best workers in today’s hot job market, employers need to be aware of their employees’ work environment.

The need for workplace health awareness has grown, partly because of the increased number of employees experiencing repetitive strain injuries. Rising health-care costs have prompted employers to design effective workplace health and wellness programs.

Ergonomics is a key factor in an organization’s health and safety program. Through training, workers can take responsibility for their own injury prevention.

Ergonomics: What Is It?

Simply stated, ergonomics involves fitting the task to the worker.

An effective ergonomics program in the workplace benefits the worker by:

• increasing comfort and job satisfaction
• improving productivity and morale

An ergonomics program benefits the employer by:

• improving injury prevention
• promoting early returns to work
• reducing absenteeism
• decreasing costs

Here are the solutions to some common concerns:

Poor sitting posture:

• A slightly reclined position can relieve tension in your lower back. Adjust the chair tilt and lock in place. Sit toward the back of your chair and ensure that the natural curve in your back is supported. Adjust your armrests to achieve a relaxed arm position. Use armrests between (rather than during) typing sessions.

Lack of seat padding:

• Add or replace your seat cushion so that you have enough padding.

Prolonged sitting:

• Take coffee, lunch and micro-breaks throughout the workday. Change your position as often as possible.

Desk or keyboard is too high:

• Raise the height of your seat. Ensure that your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest. Use an adjustable keyboard tray so that your shoulders can relax.

Armrests are too high:

• Adjust your armrests’ height. If they are not adjustable, remove them.

Mouse and keyboard are on different levels:

• Make sure that your mouse is on the same level as your keyboard (that is, both are on the keyboard tray).

Looking back and forth from papers on your desk to the monitor:

• Use a copy/document holder. Position documents at the same height and distance as the monitor to avoid repeated neck movements.

Dual tasking (e.g., holding phone between ear and shoulder while typing):

• Use a headset to prevent neck strain.

Incorrect monitor height or distance:

• Ensure that your monitor is right in front of you. The line of vision should be about five to eight centimetres from the top of the screen. Position the monitor 45 to 76 centimetres (about the length of an arm) away.

Exercise Balls

One of the latest office trends has been to replace chairs with exercise balls. Although the balls improve core strength, there are drawbacks to using them instead of an office chair. Exercise balls are available in a variety of sizes, but they are not adjustable and cannot accommodate all workers.

In addition, when they are not in use, the balls may roll around, which can be a tripping hazard. To get the most support, stability, and adjustability from your office seating, use standard ergonomic office chairs. Consider potential ergonomic issues when you introduce any new equipment into the workplace.

Taking Stretch Breaks

Stretching and taking regular short breaks can help to prevent repetitive strain injuries. Generally, for continuous desk/computer work, one five-minute break per hour is recommended. Consult your health-care provider before beginning a stretching or exercise program.

Proper ergonomics are important for workers’ overall health and well-being. Following the basic ergonomic tips given in this article is easy. Workers will benefit both at work and in their home and leisure activities.

Other benefits include improved morale, better productivity, and reduced rates of injury. Effective ergonomics programs are a win-win situation for both the worker and the employer.