Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of applying the job to the worker. Everyone’s body is different. Rather than expecting all these different bodies to adjust to one workplace, ergonomics suggests that workplaces should adjust to fit the needs of the individual.
The aim of ergonomics is to optimize productivity in the workplace and to prevent injury and illness from occurring thereby saving the company valuable time and money. If a job does not fit a worker, the worker is more likely to be exposed to risk factors that may lead to musculoskeletal injury.
With the increased importance of computers, office work has changed. People spend more time in one area than they did previously. If their furniture is not adjustable, many people are forced to adjust to how their workstation is arranged. That means people may be sitting uncomfortably for long periods of time, or they may be repeating similar motions over and over. In some instances, these actions may cause serious injuries to an employee.
The main ergonomic risk factors in the office include the following:
- Repetition: tasks or body movements carried out over and over again.
- Awkward postures: body positions that are not “ideal” such as twisting your neck to view your monitor or reaching forward or to the side to use your mouse.
- Static forces: holding positions for long periods of time (i.e. sitting, neck bent to read monitor, reaching to type).
Every person responds to ergonomic risk factors in different ways; for example, one worker may have symptoms of an injury while another worker performing the same tasks may not have mild to no symptoms at all. Ergonomic risk factors should be identified and reduced to lower the risk of injury. The importance of following a simple guideline will ensure user satisfaction and all in all a functional, comfortable and productive office culture.