In today’s busy working environment we all know what it’s like to spend hours on end glued to our computer, but did you know that by doing so you could be seriously damaging your health and that of your staff?
Poorly designed work spaces are major causes of poor posture, headaches, eyestrain, repetitive strain injuries, neck and back pain, which in turn can result in lower productivity and absenteeism.
Experts warn that the risk of injury is increased with poor ergonomic conditions. Ergonomics is the study of the way people use their bodies at work, the environment they work in and the tools they use to do their jobs. In short implementing an ergonomic working environment aims to reduce injuries.
If, like me, you often work more than eight-hour days, and spend most of that time in one position, it is advisable to know the correct sitting position and how your workspace should be designed. I’ve found these simple ergonomic tips help in achieving a more comfortable, injury free workspace for me and my colleagues without having to invest in lengthy office refurbishment.
* Adjusting the height of your chair so that your feet are comfortably on the floor while sitting. Once adjusted, if you find that your chair is too low in relation to your workstation, use a footrest to provide additional support for your feet and raise the chair to the desired height.
* When seated, the correct positioning is usually with your knees and elbows at 90º angles, and the seat of your chair should not press into the back of your knees. If your chair can’t be adjusted so that your back is straight, try using a wedged shaped cushion, positioning it between the curve of your lower back and the back of the chair.
* Positioning your monitor so that you can easily see the entire screen without having to tilt your head in any direction. Your screen should be approximately arms length away with the top of the screen at eye level or just below, so that you look down at a slight angle to your work.
* A screen that is too high or too low can cause you to bend your neck. If this continues for a prolonged period of time, then tension and pain can occur in your neck and shoulders. Also to avoid glare and reflections, use a screen protector or alternatively move or adjust your screen so that it is not facing a window, doing this could prevent eyestrain.
* Poor lighting can also cause you to strain your eyes, therefore, it’s advisable to ensure overhead lighting and task lighting is sufficient and fit for purpose.
* Changing your posture frequently throughout the day can minimise fatigue. Taking short breaks away from your workstation, moving around, standing or simply going for a walk. A little gentle exercise like stretching your neck, shoulders and back during the day, are all said to help you stay comfortable.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s ok to walk around the office all day catching up on the latest gossip, just make sure that if you do need to sit for long periods of time, you are sitting comfortably and that your workspace is set out so that you are not damaging your health.
More and more businesses are also starting to realise the benefits of providing their employees with an ergonomic working environment and if it results in less absenteeism and happy employees, what have they got to lose?
It’s probably a good idea to invest in a good quality chair; after all you’ll probably spend more time sitting on it than you would sitting on your sofa at home! If you are looking at a office refurbishment then look no futher than Whitespace.