Three Key Components of an Ergonomic Workplace

Ergonomics is all about the fit between the worker and his work or how well a product supports the user while they are working:

• Strives to make the workplace safer and more comfortable for the worker
• Greater comfort means workers are more focused on the job
• Resulting in greater productivity and a reduction in work related injuries
• Different for each person because no one is alike
• Really just common sense

Three Key Components of a Good Ergonomic Workplace

1) The ideal position is one in which the body is in a neutral position

• Muscles and ligaments are in most relaxed position
• Neutral is the body’s strongest position
  • For back: Head balanced over shoulder and hips withhead facing forward and chin level
  • Hands and wrists: Hand inline with the wrist and forearm

2) Position objects within Ergonomic Reach Zones

• Primary, or Initial, Reach: For items accessed frequently throughout the day
• Secondary, or Maximum, Reach:Requires bending forward
• Standing Reach: Requires user to stand or move in order to reach an object

OSHA categorizes these three reach zones as: Repetitive Access, Occasional Access, and Seldom Access.   Whatever you call them, position work accessories within these zones.

3) Move to Avoid Static Postures

• Don’t sit, stand or work in a static position for more than 30 minutes
• Take micro-breaks throughout the day – for body and for eyes
• Chairs with lots of adjustment features allow users to easily adjust and move
• Height adjustable tables allow quick and easy adjustment to change posture or adjust to the work requirements and users of different heights
• Neutral postures are still preferred but must alternate with dynamic postures to reduce stress and redistribute pressure
• Easy stretches provide additional relief

The results will be a more comfortable, productive workday and a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.