Did you know that the average person sits for about 9 hours per day? That’s a lot of time spent in one position! In fact, many experts believe that this prolonged sitting is one of the leading causes of health problems in the United States. This is why it’s important to learn about ergonomics: the study of how people interact with their environment. In this blog post, we will discuss all the basics you need to know about ergonomics in 2022!
Why do ergonomics matter in the workspace?
The definition of ergonomics is “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that they interact most efficiently.” It’s important to think about safety as well because when we’re sitting down at our desk jobs it can be hard on your neck or back if you don’t take care of them beforehand.
The more comfortable you are with your workspace, the better and faster worker. This is because an ergonomically optimized office protects our bodies from injury or recurring pain which helps us focus on tasks without worrying about what could go wrong next!
There are three main goals of ergonomics:
- To reduce fatigue
- To reduce the risk of injury
- To increase productivity
When it comes to your workspace, there are a few key things you can do to make sure you’re being ergonomic:
- Make sure your chair is at the correct height. Your feet should be flat on the ground and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle.
- Take breaks often! It’s important to get up and move around every 30 minutes or so to keep your body from getting too stiff.
- Use a laptop stand if you work on a laptop all day. This will help to ensure that you’re not hunching over your computer which can lead to neck and shoulder pain.
- Invest in a good mouse and keyboard. Ergonomic options are available that will help keep your wrists in a neutral position to avoid strain.
Is poor ergonomics bad for our health?
Yes, poor ergonomics can lead to a variety of health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), and carpal tunnel syndrome. MSDs are injuries that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. RSIs are a type of MSD that is caused by repetitive motions such as typing or clicking a mouse. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed in the wrist.
While these conditions may not seem serious at first, they can actually have a major impact on your quality of life. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness and tingle in the hands which can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. MSDs and RSIs can also lead to chronic pain that can make it difficult to work or even enjoy leisure activities.
So, how can we prevent these conditions?
The best way to prevent ergonomic-related health problems is to practice proper ergonomics in the workplace. This means taking breaks often, using proper posture, and investing in ergonomic office furniture and equipment. Additionally, it’s important to stretch and do exercises that strengthen the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back. These simple steps can go a long way in preventing MSDs, RSIs, and carpal tunnel syndrome!
Ergonomics are important to consider in our everyday lives whether we realize it or not! By making small changes in the way we interact with our environment, we can greatly reduce the risk of developing health problems.
We’ve seen that there are many reasons to focus on ergonomics in the workplace. Not only can it lead to increased productivity and comfort, but it can also help prevent long-term health conditions. If you want to make sure your employees have a safe and healthy work environment, call us today. We can assess your current setup and provide recommendations for improvement.
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