As children we can all remember being told by our parents to “stand up straight” and “don’t slouch”, but as adults we’ve seemed to have forgotten these important adages, especially in the workplace. The average worker spends more hours at work in front of a computer workstation than they do with their own families, with such a large part of our days spent meeting deadlines and rushing into meetings, it’s easy to forget the importance of posture.
Eye strain, muscle aches, and back pain are all common symptoms of improper ergonomic posture. The actual causes of these symptoms include poorly organized and designed computer workstations and equipment- such as chairs, desks, keyboards, and computers. Having an ergonomically sound workstation can alleviate these symptoms; improve worker safety and comfort, creating a more efficient and productive work environment.
What exactly is ergonomics?
Many people don’t realize it, but ergonomics is a science. It is “the applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.” In short, ergonomics focuses on optimizing human performance in the workplace.
Becoming ergonomically savvy isn’t as difficult as it may sound, and when implementing proper ergonomics posture at your computer workstation it’s often the little things that make the difference. Let’s take a look at a few:
• Your desk should provide adequate space for all materials and equipment and be organized.
Your desk should be large enough to accommodate not only your computer and other equipment but also allow adequate room for movement of your arms, legs, and feet.
• Place your monitor at arm’s length in front of you and make sure that the top of it is at eye level.
Proper computer ergonomics shows that your monitor should be at least 25 inches from you and directly centered in front of you, just as your keyboard and mouse. By having your monitor, keyboard, and mouse in this position you reduce excessive straining of your eyes and wrists.
• Your chair should be fully adjustable and able to swivel if possible.
Having a chair that is adjustable is very important for your back, as it will allow you to adjust the height and seat adjustment according to your body’s frame and your workstation itself. Using a back support cushion is also a good idea, especially if you already experience back problems.
These are just a few simple ways in which you can optimize your computer workstation for ergonomic posture. If you’d like to fully implement ergonomics into your workplace then you should consider having an ergonomic assessment or participating in ergonomic training. Incorporating ergonomics in your business is an investment that yields healthy rewards.
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