Work in an ergonomic area is necessary for an active and constructive workforce. You work more efficiently, feel better and have a clear state of mind. With office ergonomics, you can customize your workstation to include your body in proper alignment as you perform your normal tasks. Here are 12 ways to get an ergonomic work environment.
1. Adjustable table. This allows you to move your position relative to your height, which is an important feature when more than one person uses the same office table. The table should be at the height where your knees and hips fit under it. Office ergonomics also suggest that the table will be large enough to meet your needs, and that items are placed within reach of your hand. This limits the need for frequent bending or twisting to access anything.
2. Adjustable seat. For those who are busy with a lot of work, the chair is an important area for achieving office ergonomics. It should have an adjustable backrest, seat height, armrests, lumbar support for the back and a soft, breathing seat. If it is a movable seat, five wheels are recommended for ease of movement and minimal risk of tipping.
3. Proper placement of a computer monitor. First of all, your computer monitor must be configured so that the top of the screen is at eye level. It should be located directly in front of you, about the distance of an outstretched arm. Safety glasses or a plasma screen can help reduce eye strain. To prevent vision problems, the computer screen should be at a 90 degree angle to the window, and not in front of or next to it.
4. Adjustable keyboard tray. Computer tables equipped with a keyboard tray can cause problems if you cannot adjust its height for proper positioning. The keyboard tray should also be large enough to hold the keyboard and mouse. It is also recommended to use your wrist so that you can take short breaks while typing and leave your wrists in the correct position.
5. Keyboard with curves. Studies of ergonomics in the office have shown that a curved or contoured keyboard helps reduce the risk of problems with hands, wrists and shoulders. The keyboard should be placed at a height where your elbows remain close to your sides and bent no more than 90 degrees. If you notice any arm, arm or neck pain, you can try adjusting the tilt of the keyboard.
6. Ergonomic mouse. Injuries from repetitive movement caused by using the mouse are common in the office. Replace the standard mouse with a trackball or touch pad to link movements that can lead to repetitive stressful injuries. To avoid continuous achievement, the computer mouse should be located in the keyboard tray next to the keyboard.
7. Add a footrest. Office ergonomics is the right leveling of your body for complete comfort. A footrest is needed to support the legs. It also prevails in the lower back, especially for people who do not reach the floor while sitting.
8. Focus on the pose. Although it is hard for you to think about your position while working, it is important to prevent injuries to skeletal muscles. Focus on standing high, limiting slouching or leaning. If you are on your feet all day, try changing positions by shifting your weight. When you sit, your hips should be parallel to the floor, and your legs should be flat on the floor or on your feet. Your shoulders should be relaxed and your neck in a neutral position. Instead of twisting to achieve something, turn your whole body. Try to change positions frequently and take short breaks.
9. Correct elevators. Regardless of work, there is almost always some kind of boom. Whether they will lift mailboxes or files from a desk without a proper form of back injury is inevitable. Where heavy lifting is involved, seat belts are necessary for the workplace. For a slight lift, remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight.
10. Accessory ergonomic. There are various elements that should be used in the workplace, but are often ignored when evaluating office ergonomics. For example, you can minimize eyestrain with a document holder that is at the level of your computer monitor. It surpasses your eyes from having to constantly refocus when viewing paper on the monitor. A headset or loudspeaker helps to maintain the correct position when multitasking.
11. Limit noise. You cannot prevent noise in the office ergonomics category, but low noise levels can damage your hearing and at least cause stress. Some typical office noises come from computer hard drives, printers, copiers, telephones, colleagues, and external sounds. Improved buildings with lower noise levels, including the addition of an acoustic ceiling, installation of partitions between workstations, carpeting and equipment for moving noise. Employees may wear earplugs to limit their effect on background noise.
12. Check the light. Poor lighting is a major cause of eye problems, eye strain and headaches. There are many measures to achieve optimal lighting in an office environment. First, the office must be equipped with full spectrum lights and have tinted glass or curtains on the windows to reduce glare. If necessary, you need to install task lighting on workstations.
When you consider that injuries in the workplace are extremely costly for the company and its employees, creating a working area for maximum ergonomics reduces the likelihood of such diseases as headaches, eye, neck and back strain, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The pursuit of office ergonomics is a way to create a quality work life that minimizes work-related injuries.
