You’ve probably heard the word Ergonomics used many times before in the workplace. Today we will take a closer look at ergonomics and how it affects us in the workplace. Better yet, let’s look at how ergonomics helps us in the workplace.
Ergonomics is all about making your tasks, tools, and equipment suitable to you. Man and machine ideally working together as one. Your safety, health, and overall comfort are improved when the workplace is designed around you. Workers come in different shapes, sizes, and abilities; therefore when ergonomics is implemented correctly, the workplace should fit the different workers instead of expecting the workers to fit the workplace.
Understanding ergonomics allows us to determine what parts of our work area, equipment, and tools can be adjusted or changed with the comfort of the workers in mind. Understanding ergonomics also allows you, as an individual, to make positive changes to your work area for your own benefit.
Repetitive work, such as typing or assembling parts, can lead to joint and muscle injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In most severe cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent crippling of the hands and wrists. Poor posture while sitting hunched over a computer all day or standing all day can lead to back and neck strains. There are also a ton of other things in the workplace that can raise our levels of discomfort such as tools set too high or too low or too far apart, lighting that’s too bright or too poor, or even excess noise coming from any number of things in your work area.
Here are some things you should look out for when you return to your workstation. Some are simple to implement yourself, especially the behavior-based tips. Other things may require you bringing it up to management:
- Are you working at a comfortable height? – If you’re standing at your station do you find yourself having to reach up or hunch down to do your job?
- Is there a place for everything and is everything in it’s place? – all your tools should be organized and placed in an area where you can comfortably reach them to do your job. You should not have to be reaching too high, bending too low, or walking to opposite sides of the worksite to find the tools you need.
- Are you using the right tools for the job? – Sure, a hammer and a screwdriver can accomplish many different tasks but they were designed specifically for one task. The risk of injury is greatly reduced when you use the right tool for the job in the right way.
- If you sit at your desk all day do you have a place to prop up your feet? – Foot rests improve circulation to your legs and help relieve the pressure from your legs and back.
- If you stand all day is there a chair, stool, or footrest? – It’s important to be able to change positions during the shift and alternate between standing and sitting so you can rest your back, your legs, and your feet.
- How is the lighting? – Appropriate lighting reduces eye fatigue, headaches, and the risk of injuries due to your eyes not having to adjust moving from one work area to another.
- Are you stretching before, during, and after work? – Physical fitness is very important to your overall health and well-being. Incorporate daily weight-training, stretching, and cardiovascular exercise to greatly reduce your risk of strains, sprains, and injuries.
In closing, only you know how you feel before, during, and after work. If you find yourself going home with pain or fatigue, evaluate the different tasks you are performing. Look at the workstation. Ask yourself, how can this workstation be improved so that I can work more comfortably everyday? If they’re changes you can implement yourself right away, do it. If not, bring it up to your manager or at your safety meeting.
Until next time- Safety First!