You have no doubt heard the word ‘ergonomics’, or the phrase ‘ergonomically designed’. This is not a buzz word or term, this is a way to ensure that your employees are not only comfortable in their workplace, but that they can do their job to the best of their ability, without injury, strain, or upset.
For that reason alone, ergonomics are vital in the modern workplace.
This encompasses a range of different things, it could be office chairs which are designed to support the lower back, it could be workstations which are set out so that nothing is too far out of reach, and your employees don’t have to stretch or move around too much.
If you’re keen to learn more about ergonomics, and as a responsible employer you should, let’s delve a little deeper.
What is Ergonomics, and Why is it Important?
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Ergonomic chairs and other types of furniture are important on many different levels. Firstly, if a workplace is ergonomically designed, it means that your staff are not going to hurt themselves as a result of doing their job. For instance, they are not going to suffer lower back pain because their chair doesn’t adjust, or doesn’t offer lumbar support. They are also more likely to work harder and faster if they are comfortable.
These are the two main reasons, but health and safety has to be the main concern here.
A workplace which is ergonomically designed means that it is has done an in-depth analysis of the needs of its employees, and it has come up with answers to those problems. The workplace is adapted to the requirements of the staff, and the equipment they need is there. It’s really about looking after the people who work for you, and that should be at the top of your to do list.
Of course, ergonomics isn’t always about things you can see and touch, it is also about teaching your staff how to sit properly, and instructing them on the importance of taking regular breaks. There has to be a division of responsibility when it comes to health and safety in the workplace.
What is The Right Way to Sit?
You just place your backside on a chair and bend your legs, that’s it, right? No! Sitting is not just sitting down, it is about ensuring that your body is in alignment, and that you are supported and comfortable for the duration you are in that position. When you work in an office and you’re sat down for long periods of time, in order to avoid injury, it’s important to sit in the right position from the get-go.
Firstly, the chair needs to be right. You don’t have to go down the route of truly luxurious office furniture to get a chair that is ergonomically designed, as it simply needs to be adjustable and offer lumbar support and armrests. This means that the height, back rest, and the seat itself should be adjustable to personal needs. The armrests and lumbar support should also be personalised. The chair should have wheels, so that whoever is sitting at it can move around easily, and all of this should be easy to do, with instructions given to whoever is using the chair.
Sitting the right way is also vital. So, this means that should sit right back in the chair, so that the back support fits in the bottom of the back. There should be support right up to the shoulders and your feet should be flat on the floor. Arms should be flat and supported on the armrests, with arms bent in a shape resembling an L. The chair should be adjusted until it feels comfortable.
How Can a Desk be Ergonomically Set up?
Desks should be adjusted in the same way as a chair. The screen should be positioned so that it is in front of you, directly. Anything you need to use your machine should also be close to you, and not at odd angles, e.g. your mouse or keyboard. There should be a gap of no more than 15cm between you and your keyboard.
Basically, if it hurts or causes strain, your desk isn’t set up the right way, and you need to look carefully at how you are sat, and how your desk is set up.
It’s not All About Equipment ...
We’ve covered ergonomically designed furniture, and we’ve talked about knowing how to sit, but it’s also about knowing when to have a break. Repetitive strain injury is a workplace danger, as well as eyestrain and potential headaches or migraines. Long-term, chronic injuries, such as back strains, can also be caused by not sitting properly and not taking regular breaks.
Training and awareness is a vital part of ergonomics, as much as equipment and office furniture. Of course, we’re not suggesting that you allow your staff to take long breaks whenever they feel like it, but it is important to give them the chance to get away from their screen and desk on a regular basis, e.g. with a task that doesn’t require them to be at their desk, or so that they can have a 15 minute break for a coffee occasionally. This will reduce the chances of injury, and it will also boost effectiveness. We all need a break from time to time!
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Are You Ergonomic?
From reading this chat so far, you should be thinking carefully about whether your workplace is indeed ergonomically designed. It is vital to have the right equipment on hand, and to give regular training to your staff. Happy staff are always going to do a more productive and high quality job, compared to staff who are uncomfortable, in pain, and not able to concentrate.
Which type of employer do you want to be? Remember, you have a responsibility to your staff by law also.
So, it’s important to look for the right type of furniture for your staff, and to implement that basic training we talked about.