Ergonomic Solutions At Work

Ergonomics is derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws) to denote the science of work, ergonomics is a system to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, or fitting the job to the worker. Today ergonomics is being more and more integrated into the workplace improving workplace conditions, peoples physical health and increasing productivity. Applying ergonomic solutions at work is using tools or systems specifically designed to be comfortable and easy to use. In the modern day office this is more associated with ergonomic office equipment such as  computer chairs, computer ergonomic keyboard s, the all important ergonomic mouse, and computer desks.

Office workplace ergonomics offers ways to solve, or alleviate, the problems associated computer use. Solutions include chair design for optimal seating and posture, position of the monitor and keyboard, adjustable copy holders for documents and adjustable desk heights. Good lighting is essential as is ventilation and a fresh air supply.

A well designed ergonomic chair is essential to provide comfort and features to avoid developing back, spine and neck problems, and to promote good posture and circulation. Chairs should have tilt, seat height and lumbar adjustments that can be tailored to the opperator.

Computer ergonomic keyboards are designed to eliminate the high-stress postures that contribute to repetitive stress injuries. They help improve comfort, reduce typing fatigue and reduce hand, arm, neck, and shoulder pain.
It is important to find a keyboard that is designed to reduce stress instead of shifting the location of stress from the wrists and forearms up to the neck and shoulders.

An ergonomic mouse is designed to minimize the stress on the hand and is therefore an ergonomic preventative tool. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, good ergonomics is good economics, and in light of the increasing Repetitive Strain Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome associated with the use of the computer mouse. The ergonomic mouse is one of the most important ergonomic office tools to invest in today.

 Most of the problems that people encounter at  computer workstations such as neck, shoulder, ergonomic back pain, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome, are often results from long term computer use.  Problems such as these can be alieviated are solved or at least alleviated by incorporating rest periods in the course of the workday.  Allow approximately 5 minutes break for every hour of work, and a 15 minute break every two hours. Walk around and stretch  all of the muscles used to perform your job. This is proven to prevent many repetitive stress injurys. 

Good ergonomic solutions at work utilizes many ergonomic products made to interface between man and machine so that the physical capacity of the worker and the demands of the job are equalized. Much of the health problems  and cost is avoidable with office ergonomics through good computer ergonomic workplace design, teaching employees the basic principles of  ergonomic solutions at work and computer workstation ergonomics, providing ergonomic seating and chairs, computer furniture, and ergonomic computer accessories and products and encouraging good work habits, such as frequent breaks and stretching exercises.

Office Ergonomic Solutions Resources