These days, you probably hear a lot about “ergonomics.” Many workplaces are upgrading their workstations with various types of ergonomic equipment. How are you sitting right now as you read this article? Is your posture hunched over a keyboard? Or, if you are an employer, look around your workplace. Are your employees optimally set up to succeed at their workstations? If not, you need to create ergonomic workstations. As you know, the health of your employees matters. Ergonomic workstations put your workers in a better position to succeed. In this article, we will discuss workstation ergonomics, the correct ergonomic set up, and benefits of an ergonomic workstation for employers and employees.
What are Workstation Ergonomics?
According to the National Library of Medicine, ergonomics is the study of matching job requirements and environment to the worker to maximize efficiency, quality, and quantity of work while minimizing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and overexertion.
Workstation ergonomics fits the workplace to its workers by designing or modifying the job, workstation, tool or environment. The design of a workstation can have a major impact on workers’ productivity, health, and overall well-being.
There are very real health risks associated with workplaces, including desk jobs. Ergonomic workstations can help employees avoid injuries like eye strain, sciatica, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rotator cuff injuries. While these conditions might not seem that significant, they are actually among the biggest workplace hazards.
Why You Need an Ergonomic Set Up in Your Industrial Workplace
In today’s competitive business environment, industrial ergonomics are an important factor in increasing productivity, improving quality, and encouraging employee retention and engagement. Anyone who has spent time working at a job, especially a job with repetitive motions, has probably experienced some kind of strain, and everyone has their preference for the comfort of their work station.
What You Need for an Ergonomic Workstation
Every workstation is different, but here are a few staples of an ergonomic workstation, whether it is in an office or an industrial setting.
Height-Adjustable Desk
A height-adjustable desk is an important part of an ergonomic workstation. A height-adjustable setup is ideal if multiple employees use the same desk. It allows each employee to be comfortable and avoid strain, no matter their height. If only one employee uses a workstation per day, he or she can adjust it periodically to keep their body comfortable.
Ergonomic Office Chair
According to one study, eight in ten office workers spend 67 days a year sitting at their desks. So, their chair should certainly be comfortable! An ergonomic office chair has adjustable features, like seat height, backrest angle, and armrest height. This allows each employee to adjust the chair to their individual needs.
Ergonomic Monitor Stand
An adjustable monitor stand or mount allows the user to adjust their screen to the best ergonomic position. Here are some tips for setting up an ergonomic monitor stand: position the monitor an arm’s length away from your eyes. Keep the monitor at eye level, or slightly below. In order to avoid glare, tilt the monitor forward slightly.
Ergonomic Keyboard
You might not think about the height and position of your keyboard, but it is actually one of the most important factors in an ergonomic workplace. An ergonomic keyboard encourages neutral forearm and wrist posture. Consider top keyboard trays that make it possible for employees to customize their typing positions.
Ergonomic Computer Mouse
Now that you know about ergonomic keyboards, what about an ergonomic mouse? An ergonomic mouse features adjustable sizing, a contoured shape, and wrist support. Make sure to create a stable and adjustable platform for a workstation mouse.
Equipment That Can Be Put Away
Employees can get the most out of a workstation when certain components can be put away. For example, an under-desk keyboard mount allows employees to stow away their keyboard and use their desk space for other uses. Or, a monitor lift allows workers to slide their computer screen out of the way in order to have face-to-face meetings.
Safety Screens
Safety screens are the perfect way to divide workstations, especially in a large or crowded warehouse or industrial workplace.
How Employers Can Help Create an Ergonomic Workplace
As an employer, there are ways you can contribute to creating an ergonomic workplace for your employees.
Educate and Train Workers
All workers need to be trained on how to correctly use their ergonomic equipment and stay safe in the workplace.
Encourage Breaks
It is not healthy for workers to sit in the same position in the same place for an extended period of time. It is important to encourage breaks for employees. While it may seem counterintuitive, breaks can actually make workers much more productive, according to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Promote Flexibility and Maneuverability in the Workplace
Instead of insisting that everyone stay at their individual workstations for the entire day, promote flexibility within your workspace – if safety allows. An ergonomic workstation can do a lot to help workers, but so can allowing them to move and change their posture and position.
Benefits of an Ergonomic Workstation Set Up for Employers
There are several benefits of ergonomic workstations for employers:
- Shorter cycle times
- Increased efficiency
- Fewer workman’s comp expenses
- Improved worker retention, productivity, and engagement
- Fewer work-related absences
Benefits of an Ergonomic Workstation Set Up for Employees
There are also many advantages of ergonomic workstations for employees:
- More comfortable and productive workplace
- Less risk of work-related injuries
- Increased motivation for success and quality work
- Better energy at the end of the workday
Create an Ergonomic Workstation with Singer Safety Company Products
Singer Safety Company is the leader in industrial barrier protection products. We are the best industrial safety equipment suppliers. For help creating an ergonomic set up in your workplace, contact us today!