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Introducing ergonomics -

If you have ever worked in an office, you may have come across the term ‘ergonomic.’ You might have heard of an ergonomic keyboard, for example, or an ergonomic chair.

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Common parlance -

We often talk about ergonomics as a means of making office workers more comfortable in their work environment, and to a certain extent that is what it is.

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Defining the term -

However, ergonomics is actually much broader than that. In fact, it is the practice of fitting a job to a person, so as to prevent muscular-skeletal injury at work.

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Muscular-skeletal disorders - Muscular-skeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons, and they can develop as a result of exposure to work-based risk factors.

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Risk factors -

There are many different risk factors for MSDs, and workers in many different industries and occupations can be affected.

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Multiple industries -

Examples include lifting heavy objects, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy objects, working in awkward positions, and performing repetitive tasks.

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How ergonomics can help -

Applying ergonomic principles can help to reduce the risk of developing a work-related MSD. This is in the interest of both employers and employees.

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Employer responsibility - It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure there is a safe and healthy work environment. There are a number of elements they need to consider when implementing an ergonomic process.

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Provide management support -

Firstly, it should be clear to any employer that management support is critical to the successful implementation of an ergonomic process.

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Provide management support -

Managers should define clear goals, discuss them with their workers, delegate responsibilities to designated staff members, and communicate clearly with the workforce.

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Involve workers -

Management should also ensure that the workers themselves are directly involved in the ergonomic process. Firstly, workers should identify and provide information about hazards in their work environment.

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Involve workers -

They should then participate by voicing their concerns and making suggestions for how to reduce exposure to certain risk factors.

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Provide training -

Training also has an important role to play. Workers should be made aware of ergonomics and its benefits, as well as the importance of reporting MSD symptoms early.

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Encourage early reporting - Early reporting of MSD symptoms can help to prevent the progression of symptoms, the development of serious injuries, and therefore the submission of lost-time claims.

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Identify problems - In terms of implementing the actual process, the first step is to identify and assess ergonomic problems in the workplace.

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Implement solutions -

Once the problems have been identified, solutions should be implemented to prevent the development of MSDs. Let’s take the office environment as an example.

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Chair -

If you work in an office, you probably spend a lot of time sitting, so it’s important to ensure your chair is in the right position. Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet rest flat on the floor.

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Chair -

If the floor is not possible, use a footrest; the most important thing is that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Adjust your armrests so your arms rest gently on them with your shoulders relaxed.

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Key objects -

If you use a number of different objects while sitting at your desk (examples might include a telephone, stapler, or printed materials), make sure these are close to your body.

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Key objects -

It is important to minimize reaching wherever possible, and to stand up to reach anything that you cannot reach comfortably while sitting.

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Keyboard and mouse - Your mouse should be placed on the same surface as your keyboard and should always be within easy reach. Try to use keyboard shortcuts wherever possible.

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Keyboard and mouse -

While typing, try to keep your wrists straight, your arms close to your body, and your hands at the same level or slightly lower than your elbows.

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Telephone - If you talk on the phone a lot at work, or you need to talk on the phone while typing, try to use a speaker rather than the phone itself.

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Telephone -

If a speaker is not possible, try to use a headset. The most important thing is that you avoid cradling your phone between your head and your neck.

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Monitor -

Finally, you should place your monitor directly in front of you, about an arm's length away from your body. The top of your monitor should be around eye level.

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Monitor -

The monitor should be directly behind your keyboard and, if possible, placed such that the brightest light source is to its side.

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Evaluate progress -

Once the corrective action procedures have been implemented, these should be evaluated regularly to assess the effectiveness of the ergonomic process.

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All in all -

As such, the ergonomic process should be seen as an ongoing function that forms part of the daily operations of a business, rather than as a standalone project.

Sources: (OSHA) (Mayo Clinic)

See also: Back-to-the-office lunch ideas for busy people

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