4 Steps to Better Ergonomics in the Workplace
- What is ergonomics?
The first step to better ergonomic practice in the workplace is understanding what ergonomics is. Ergonomics can mean a lot of things. It can include equipment and facilities, the workplace environment, tasks and work processes, and even management systems. But ergonomics, simply understood by its definition, is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. And instead of changing the employee, ergonomists work to eliminate job related discomfort and risk of injury to optimize employee performance and well-being.
- Recognize Ergonomic Injuries
Ergonomic injuries do not happen overnight, so they can easily be overlooked or ignored. This is because their symptoms, fatigue and discomfort, are common and oftentimes accepted as normal by most workers. More formally known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), ergonomic injuries come from gradual exposure to poor posture, muscle strain, and repeated use of unnecessary force. MSDs involve soft tissue, and can affect one’s nerves, ligaments, tendons, joints, and muscles.
But by preventing MSDs, workers will find their work easier. Companies will find themselves with happier, more productive employees. And by being proactive about injuries, companies can reduce the direct and indirect costs associated with poor ergonomic practice.
- Assess Your Ergonomic Challenges
Sit down at your workstation and assess its ergonomic challenges. Is your monitor an arm’s length away? When sitting, are your knees about level with your hips? Are your feet flat on the floor? These are some questions you should ask yourself when trying to asses and apply correct ergonomics. You can find many step-by-step and visual guides online to help you on your ergonomic journey. Furthermore, there are certified professional ergonomists that teach workers how and why to adjust their workstations to meet their individual needs.
- Get the Tools You Need
Sometimes all you need is a simple adjustment to the way you work to make it more ergonomic. For example, you could use a headset instead of painfully cradling your phone between ear with your shoulder. Or you could practice keeping your wrists straight and upper arms close to your body while typing. These small adjustments can go a long way in making you feel more comfortable while you work.
But there are also countless innovative office features, like ergonomically designed furniture and equipment, that can help you improve ergonomics at your workstation. Standing desks are a great ergonomic option that offers you the flexibility to work standing up or sitting down. This feature allows you to improve your posture and release muscle tension. You can also do this with the many different ergonomic seating options available like balance balls, kneeling chairs, to wobble stools. Many other ergonomic office chairs offer further tension control and lumbar support, as well as a forward and backward tilting backrest.
But there is no one-size-fits-all solution to creating the perfect ergonomic workstation. So, it is important to realize your unique needs and try out different tricks and tools to increase your comfort and productivity on the job.
