The Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace
Ergonomics is the science of developing tools and work environments that are sensitive to the physical needs of the human body and that help workers to avoid strain, repetitive motion injuries and stress. Ergonomically designed tools, furniture and office equipment take their lead from the natural dynamics of the body, allowing people to accomplish tasks in ways that are beneficial rather than damaging to their bodies.
Other People Are Reading
-
Comfort
-
An office worker who is working in an ergonomically designed environment, including chair, desk, lighting, keyboard and monitor, is far less likely to experience discomfort during the workday. Physical discomfort, whether it is from unpleasant lighting or back and joint pain, can lead to irritability, fatigue and demoralization. Physically comfortable employees are far more likely to have a positive attitude toward their job and to be more productive while doing it. Provision of ergonomically appropriate office equipment by management demonstrates a concern for the well-being of employees that will be appreciated.
Productivity
-
When employees are uncomfortable or dissatisfied, productivity suffers. Ergonomic office environments benefit employees by making them more comfortable, and benefit managers and owners too by helping employees to be more productive. The extra cost that may be incurred in providing ergonomic equipment is recouped over time by the increased productivity and efficiency of staff.
-
Sight
-
Many types of office lighting are not appropriate for the human eye. Some offices are lit based on principles of economic efficiency rather than the best lighting for the people who are actually working in the environment. Vibrations and wavelengths that are emitted from some fluorescent fixtures can lead to headaches and discomfort in many employees, and even (rarely) to seizures in epileptics. Ergonomic lighting schemes take the preferences of the human body into account, and provide task appropriate lighting. This can include directed, high intensity light for completing small tasks, and more relaxing and calming diffuse light for other activities.
Long Term Damage
-
Repetitive motion injuries can be caused by actions as seemingly harmless as typing on a keyboard. While not as dramatic as a broken arm or a burn, these types of injuries can be quite serious and can cause long term suffering and damage to those who experience them. Ergonomically designed keyboards provide modifications such as humps at the bottom of the keyboard on which the wrists can be rested and keys that are oriented to each hand so that the arms can rest in a more natural position. Ergonomic design can be applied to many different tools to avoid long term damage, for example snow shovels, which can be made with bent handles that allow them to be used without bending the back into a vulnerable position.
-
References
- Photo Credit modern designed bench image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com
