There are countless ways to make a work environment more ergonomic, but here are some easy ways. Remember, the goal of ergonomics is to take action to reduce strain on the body, which can be caused by repetitive motion, uncomfortable body positions, heavy lifting, vibration, and more.
The easiest and lowest-cost way to improve ergonomics is likely by making improvements to computer work stations.
1. Adjust your chair before starting your shift and again after lunch, as your body changes throughout the day.
2.Sit with your monitor 16-29 inches away from your head, with your eyes position so they look straight ahead at the top third.
3.Have your keyboard tilted so your arms remain straight from the forearm through the hand during the typing process, not bent at the wrists.
4.Sit up straight on your chair and make sure you have support for the lower back. If your chair does not curve to support your entire back, use a pillow or other cushion.
5.Arrange your desk so the items you use most frequently are within easy reach, without having to stretch or bend for them. Anything not within arm’s reach should be charts or other reference materials that do not require reaching.
6.If you type from printed documents, use a document holder that sits right next to or below the monitor, so you only have to move your eyes and not your head to see it.
7.Avoid holding the phone with your neck. If you use a phone frequently, consider getting a headset to reduce the stress on your neck muscles.
Benefits of Ergonomics
Hopefully, you can see some of the benefits of ergonomics immediately. More efficient workers are more productive workers, allowing your company more output with the same amount of time and manpower, and the lessening of fatigue leads to fewer mistakes. In addition, fewer injuries lead to fewer sick days or the presence of employees unable to contribute at their normal level, reduces the use of health insurance, and also results in fewer workers’ compensation claims.
Healthier and pain-free employees are also happier employees, leading to higher morale, which again increases productivity. Happy and healthy employees are also less likely to leave a company, and the reduced turnover saves resources that would otherwise be spent on recruiting and training replacements. All of this is just a natural result of keeping employees healthier, which is great on its own merit!
Finally, employing ergonomics in the workplace can also help protect you from potential OSHA citations. Though they do not have any rules specifically pertaining to ergonomics, they have used their General Duty Clause to levy some of the largest fines in their history relating to musculoskeletal disorders where companies did not do anything to reduce the risk factors for them.