For most business owners, the word \u2018ergonomics\u2019 is a familiar occurrence.<\/p>\n
It refers to the science of designing productive workspaces, so it is integral to success. Fortunately, the principles behind it are very simple. The more comfortable and safe your employees are, the faster and more efficiently they will operate.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve also got a responsibility, as a company owner, to provide an environment which is nurturing and supportive. If people are freely investing their time in your creation, you owe them a high-quality workspace. Whether this means providing an adjustable monitor arm<\/a>, implementing stretch breaks, or training employees in the use of proper posture, it all matters.<\/p>\n This guide to the most effective applications of ergonomics in the workplace will help you get to grips with the basics.<\/p>\n Engineering Controls<\/strong><\/p>\n This refers to practices, which seek to eliminate or minimise exposure to awkward postures. It includes things like lumbar supportive chairs, monitor arms, height adjustable desks, and ergonomic computer accessories. The aim is to help employees spend their time in a way which is physically viable.<\/p>\n For instance, when working at a computer, individuals should always place their feet flat on the floor. The top of the computer monitor needs to be level with their gaze<\/a> and the spine should only be slightly curved. When sitting in a healthy way, the back isn\u2019t strained and the neck doesn\u2019t have to crane to see the screen.<\/p>\n Work Practice Controls<\/strong><\/p>\n The risk of musculoskeletal disorders can be substantially reduced with the application of safe and effective work procedures. In other words, business owners and managers are required to inform employees of the safest, healthiest ways to complete risky tasks. In an office, this means things like repetitive movements, which can easily lead to strain injuries<\/a>.<\/p>\n While the debate about where owner responsibility ends and employee responsibility begins is still ongoing, you have an obligation to make workers aware of best practices. That way, they have the choice to implement or disregard them. Administrative workers should be taught the benefits of proper posture and the importance of taking regular breaks.<\/p>\n