Getting your office ergonomics right helps to prevent injury or accidents at work. Considering your ergonomics before you fit out your office will reduce disruption or additional spending further down the line. So, let’s take a look at ergonomics in the workplace and how you can get it just right.
Ergonomics Meaning: What is Ergonomics?
The product. Its purpose. The person. The ergonomics definition in the dictionary is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
So essentially, good ergonomics help to boost productivity and employee satisfaction at work. Bad ergonomics can lead to injuries such as repetitive strain injury, back and neck pain, joint or muscle stiffness and many more. So, it’s safe to say, workplace ergonomics really matter. Now we’ve answered the question, ‘what does ergonomics mean’, let’s have a look at the main things you need to consider if you run an office or business, whether big or small.
What Should You Be Considering When Thinking About Ergonomics?
What is the first rule of ergonomics?
The first rule of ergonomics is posture: maintaining a comfortable and neutral posture while working. This means keeping your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, and your feet flat on the ground. By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the risk of injury and discomfort while working at your desk. Remember, taking care of your body and working in a comfortable office environment is key.
Desk Ergonomics
The office desk you use should have plenty of space on it and under it. You need enough space on your desk to ensure:
- Your mouse can be placed in the right position
- Writing materials or drinks are within easy reach
- There’s plenty of room for anything you need to make you comfortable such as a mouse pad, keyboard or footrest under your desk
- There should be enough room for an additional computer monitor or laptop riser if you need to use either
- You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor or comfortably on a footrest
- Elbows should be close to your body and your shoulders relaxed
- Wrists should be parallel to the keyboard when typing, meaning they aren’t angled upwards or downwards
Don’t store things under your desk that can get in the way or lead to an accident. You’d be amazed at how easily a stray handbag strap can get caught on your shoe and trip you up when you try to walk away from your desk. If you own an office or workspace, investing in storage lockers where people can safely store their belongings might be an idea.
Standing desks are also great for enhanced comfort for those with certain back issues. Standing desk ergonomics are the same as sitting desks – follow the pointers above to optimise comfort and productivity.
Electronic sit/stand desks give you the option to take a seat or stretch those legs and burn a few extra calories throughout the day – what’s not to love?
How should you sit at your desk?
When it comes to desk work, many of us tend to focus on what's on the computer screen rather than our own posture. However, the way you sit at your desk can have a significant impact on your productivity, comfort, and overall well-being.
First and foremost, make sure you have an ergonomic chair that supports your back and is adjustable to your desk height. When you sit down, where possible ensure your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are roughly level with your hips. For those sitting at higher desks, check out our chair accessories for an ergonomic footrest or cushioned seat pad. This will help maintain a neutral pelvic position, relieving pressure on your lower back.
Next, sit upright with your shoulders relaxed and your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Avoid slouching, which can lead to neck and shoulder pain. If your screen is too low or too high, adjust it so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level to prevent neck strain.
It's also important to take breaks and stretch throughout the day. Try standing up and walking around for a few minutes every hour or so to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Smartwatches are a fantastic investment to track and monitor your movements throughout the day.
Remember: a comfortable workspace is a productive workspace. By paying attention to your posture and taking regular breaks, you can maintain your health and well-being while tackling your work with ease.
Computer Ergonomics
Eye strain and neck injuries are commonplace when a computer or screen is incorrectly positioned. The screen shouldn’t be too close to your face; your eyes should be level with the top of your monitor. If you’re using more than one screen, the ideal is that they’re all sitting at the same height so you move your gaze left to right rather than up or down when working.
Having suitable laptop and monitor risers with additional height-adjustable screens will keep everyone comfortable when focusing on the screen for hours at a time.
For those working on a screen for extended periods, yearly eye testing should be encouraged.
What are the best ergonomic guidelines?
When it comes to staying healthy and productive at work, ergonomics is essential. Here are some top ergonomic guidelines to keep in mind:
- Sit up straight: Ensure that you sit with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. This will help prevent back pain and stress on your neck
- Adjust your chair: Make sure your chair is adjusted so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are level with your hips. This will help reduce pressure on your lower back
- Position your monitor properly: Your monitor should be at eye-level and about an arm's length away from you. This will prevent eye strain and neck pain
- Take breaks: Remember to take short breaks every hour or so to stretch, move around, and give your eyes a break
By following these simple ergonomic guidelines, you'll be well on your way to a healthier and more productive workday!
What are ergonomic hazards?
Ergonomic hazards are a common issue in many workplaces, especially within office spaces. These hazards can lead to various injuries and health problems over prolonged periods of time, so it's crucial to be aware of them. Some examples of ergonomic hazards that you might encounter within an office setting are:
- Poor posture - Sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time can lead to back and neck pain. Make sure to use a chair that supports your back, and keep your feet flat on the floor.
- Repetitive motions - Doing the same task repeatedly can cause strain on your muscles and joints. Take frequent breaks and switch up your tasks where possible to avoid repetitive motions.
- Body positioning - Reaching or twisting in an unnatural way can lead to strains and sprains. Try to avoid awkward positions or use appropriate tools to reach items.
- Poor lighting - Poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches. Make sure your workspace is well-lit and adjust your monitor's brightness to reduce glare.
Prevention is key when it comes to ergonomic hazards. By knowing the risks and taking proper precautions, you can keep safe in the workplace at all times.
We hope our guide to ergonomics in the office has been helpful to you, and with our wide range of ergonomic products, we know you’ll find everything you need to make your office space an ergonomic bliss. Delve into our products today and take advantage of our speedy, low-cost delivery across Ireland.
