Office Ergonomics: Key to Health and Safety in the Workplace

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

Workplace health awareness has grown due to the increased number of repetitive strain injuries experienced by employees.  Increasing health care costs have pushed employers to design effective workplace health and wellness programs. 

There are benefits to both the employee and employer when a ergonomic program in the workplace is implemented.

An ergonomic program in the workplace will benefit the worker by:  increasing comfort and job satisfaction and by improving productivity and morale.

An ergonomic program will benefit the employer by: improving injury prevention, promoting early returns to work, reducing absenteeism, and decreasing costs. 

Here are solutions to some common concerns:

Poor sitting posture:
-A slightly recline position can relieve tension in your lower back.  Adjust the chair tilt and lock it 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 typing sessions (rather than during).

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.

Mouse and keyboard are on different levels:
-Make sure that your mouse is on the same level as your keyboard.

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 centimeters from the top of the screen. Position the monitor 45 to 76 centimeters (about the length of an arm) away.

Stretching and taking regular short breaks can help to prevent repetitive strain injuries.  For individuals who are continuously working at a desk or computer one five-minute break per hour is recommended.

Posted by: suhujitha on 2009-03-02 22:51:04

Subscribe to the feed   Direct Link to this post

Next post: Offering support is the best medicine for a stressed worker 2012-02-07 09:29:21

Don't forget: there is a search box on every page!

Recent Posts:

View Your Cart?

Call us for more information: In Toronto and Area call 647.723.6381 or call 1.866.395.8904 Toll-free. Dial answer group (ext) 3.

Check out our Amazon Reading List!