Office Ergonomics.
In the office environment over last 10 years the term “ergonomics” has become common, we have ergonomic assessments, ergonomic office furniture and workspaces and even flexible work arrangements ergonomics is becoming more important than ever.
What is ergonomics?
Well by definition (Merriam Webster) ergonomics is; “a science that deals with designing and arranging things so that people can use them easily and safety.”
Safe Work Australia estimated in the 2008-09 financial year workplace injuries cost the Australian economy $60.6 billion dollars
Safe Work Australia
How does it apply to the office?
At TH consulting we do a lot of work in ergonomics of the corporate office environments where poor ergonomics (desk set ups) cause a multitude of injuries, aches, niggles and pains. In fact Safe Work Australia estimated in the 2008-09 financial year workplace injuries cost the Australian economy $60.6 billion dollars with poor workplace ergonomics being a big contributor to this (http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/841/Key-WHS-Statistics-2014.pdf). More recent data shows similar costs to the economy for work place injuries.
What can you do about it?
Short of having an ergonomic assessment by a qualified health professional which is highly recommended for anyone who is experiencing pain or injury symptoms there are some basic things you can look out for at your own desk set up. The 2 most common ergonomic minor adjustments are generally around the chair and screen.
Your Chair:
The key here is your low back. Most office chairs will have what is called a “lumbar support”. You want this part to really sit well in the curve of your low back, here is where you need the most support. Adjust the chair low back support to be at the height of this curve (Note by doing this the support will also help you sit in a better posture).
Computer Screen:
Misplacement of the computer screen can lead to hunching your mid back and reaching your neck long to see the screen. A simple adjustment to the distance can be made by sitting upright and stretching your arm out in front, fingers outstretched. For most people if the fingers touch the screen it is a good distance.
Screen height Our eyes naturally have a 15-20 degree drop when we look to a distance ie we see the floor when we walk. With screen height if your eyes are level with the top 1/3 of the screen then when looking to the screen sitting up straight your eyes should square into the middle.
Remember these are just some general tips and tricks when it comes to setting up your work station. If you experience any pain symptoms we recommend you get a professional ergonomic assessment.
Like your shoes people ergonomics is not a one size fits all and businesses are now starting to realise this with their office furniture, work station set up and office lay out as an easily preventable work place injury risk. It’s clear that while people continue to work with computers and in office environments as well as out of them especially on laptops ergonomics will continue to be a virtual aspect of workplace health.
Troy Eady.