Learn about how and why to create an ergonomic workspace for your employees. It’s easier than you may think!
As was discussed in this post, when we think of workplace safety, we often just think about preventing acute injuries, but what about repetitive-use injuries or body strain from poor posture and work habits?
This is an increasing problem in office workers, as some health experts have compared long-term sitting to smoking as far is its ill effects on health. Consider the work arrangements your employees have. If they’re standing, do they have anti-fatigue mats to stand on and do they get opportunities to sit when they need to?
For computer workers, do they have plenty of space to work? What about leg space? Cramped legs can cause major issues.
In addition, you might consider the new convertible desks that can go from sitting to standing positions if you have some employees that are known to sit and work for hours without taking breaks. Not only are they putting themselves at risk for blood clots in the legs, but they’re also setting themselves up for some major chronic pain issues.
The science of healthy workplaces
Did you know there is an entire science dedicated to studying the effects of how human bodies are affected by the things with which they regularly interact?
ERGONOMICS – an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely (Merriam-Webster.com)”
In other words, ergonomics is all about arranging the workspace to create a more functional (and therefore healthier) environment for the worker who uses it.
Where does ergonomic design matter?
In short, ergonomic design matters everywhere, but here are some specific examples:
- Monitor – The top of the computer monitor should be at or slightly below eye level. Ideally, it should be tilted just slightly (as needed) for the most natural viewing position.
- Arms – The arms should be relaxed at the sides and the shoulders never tense. Elbows should bend at about a 90 º angle for typing and using the mouse. Wrists should not need to bend in order to use either.
- Chair – It is best to put the hips as far back into the chair as possible and then sit upright. The curve of the lumbar spine (lower back) should have some support, though any supportive backrest or cushion shouldn’t exaggerate the curve. The chair should be adjustable so that the worker will be able to sit comfortably while maintaining healthy positioning of arms, hands, legs, and feet.
- Legs & Feet – Thighs should be parallel to the floor and feet should be comfortably resting on the floor. Some shorter employees will benefit from a small footrest to facilitate this if the height of their chair in relation to the height of their desk does not allow this.
Office Chairs: One size does not fit all.
While desks are often standard in an office space, chairs should definitely be adjustable. The following are some of the variables that should be considered when selecting an office chair:
- Is the chair vertically adjustable?
- Is the backrest supportive? Is it comfortable? Does it provide low-back support?
- Is the seat deep and wide enough to be comfortable, but not so deep that it forces the person sitting in it to sit far forward away from the back rest?
- The front of the seat should be rounded so that it doesn’t dig into the backs of knees and thighs.
- Is the person using the chair able to sit in it while keeping thighs parallel to the floor? (A footrest may be used if necessary.)
- If the chair has armrests, are they adjustable? Also, do they interfere with swiveling or moving the chair?
Anything that restricts movement can set a person up for stiffness and chronic pain issues. It is definitely important to make sure that there is plenty of room to move and stretch feet and legs under the desk. (In other words, it’s not a good idea to store boxes or computer equipment under the desk if it gets in the way of leg and foot movement.)
Encourage your employees to move more.
No matter how ergonomic a workspace is, if your employees are sitting in a fixed position for hours at a time without taking lots of breaks for movement, they’re setting themselves up for chronic pain issues and a diminished ability to effectively perform their regular work tasks.
There are a whole variety of stretches that can be performed either seated or standing beside the desk that can help prevent these kinds of issues. It can be a good idea for anyone doing computer work to set a timer to go off once an hour or so to remind them to take a quick movement break.
In addition, there are several other stretches that are good to perform before beginning work each day, and again at the end of the day.
Click on the Computer & Desk Stretches diagram to download a printable PDF from Elon University, but as with any exercise program, it’s a good idea to get the ok from a physician first.
In conclusion, applying these ergonomic principles to your workplace can definitely help your employees ”” and you ”” enjoy a healthier, happier workday.