Workplace Ergonomics: The complete guide

August 4, 2022

With workplace ergonomics, the details are necessary. If you are designing an office or workspace that will help reduce pain, strain, and injury in your employees, then you need to be aware of every aspect, from the smallest detail to the overall layout of your space. Workplace ergonomics may seem complex, ‌but this guide will help you understand how it works so that when you ‌decide on ergonomic plans for your organization (or even home workstations), you will know what steps to take and mistakes to avoid.

Ergonomics in details

Ergonomics is a science that uses principles and methods of engineering, biology, psychology, computer science, and health care to design or change workstations to help employees do their job more comfortably.

Why Workplace Ergonomics?

The goal is to ensure everyone has an environment where employees can be productive without hurting themselves or others by reducing the risk of injuries and strains caused by repeated movements, accidents, and poor posture.

Related: How To Identify Hazards In Your Workplace And Avoid Them

Common Types of Ergonomic Problems

Poor posture can lead to back pain, neck pain, shoulder strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It requires special attention so as not to worsen existing conditions further down the road if left untreated.
Repetitive movements. These include typing, using a mouse (or other pointing devices), and reaching for items on top shelves or tables that are too high for your fingertips to reach.
Accidents. Ergonomic problems include slipping on wet floors and tripping over cords while walking around the office.

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The Danger of Working Long Hours in Unhealthy Postures

You may believe that the more hours you work in a day, the better off you are productive. However, this is not always true. Long hours spent in unhealthy postures can lead to muscle strain and other health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

Here are some examples:

Sitting at your desk all day long with poor posture (a bent position) can cause chronic lower back pain. This kind of condition is often called a computer worker’s shoulder. It may be difficult for someone in this position to stand up straight or even walk without discomfort from their shoulders down through their arms and hands, which means they could not accomplish tasks as well as they could otherwise.
Working on a computer screen all night long without taking breaks every hour ‌can also lead to musculoskeletal injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve compression syndromes because there are no breaks between tasks.

Common mistakes made in ergonomic planning

An incomplete analysis: The most common mistake in ergonomic planning is inadequate information. A lack of thought or time can cause this, but it also may be because of a lack of understanding of the job tasks.

A plan for future growth: Another common issue with workplace ergonomics is that there is no plan for future growth. Sometimes, this means that you will have to go through all of your current equipment again once it reaches its expiration date and starts from scratch again.

Not asking questions: Not considering the potential contributors before finalizing your plan. It is detrimental to plan your ergonomics without your involving your staff.

Solutions to Ergonomics Problems

Here are some steps to address ergonomic issues in your workplace:

Identify jobs with a history of ergonomic problems by reviewing injury and illness records.
Identify the specific tasks that lead to muscle strain and absenteeism through employee interviews.
Plan solutions to ergonomic issues based on employee feedback and opinions.
Ensure heavy or repetitive lifting happens with equipment, not the back.
Provide ergonomic instruction to employees and managers to prevent accidents and strains.
Ensure continuous improvement by developing an evaluation program.
We can avoid these accidents by ensuring no hazards are within sight from where people stand/sit while working.
Plan ‌for future growth and expansion of your organization.

Organizations are different, so ensure ergonomic programs fit your organization’s needs. It is also a good idea to speak with other occupational health experts like Medbury Medicals to help with workplace safety advisory. They can help you identify what went wrong and how to fix it for everyone to have a safe work environment.

Related: How to keep your employees healthy through workplace exercise programs

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