Ergonomics in the Workplace
You’re probably sitting at your computer or reading on your phone right now, right? Regardless of where you are, we want you to freeze! That’s right; don’t move a single muscle. Just hold the position you’re in.
Now that you’re frozen in place, take a moment to think about how you’re sitting (or standing). Scan your body – notice where your head is in relation to your shoulders, the angle of your chin, the position of your spine and legs and feet.
Are your shoulders hunched? Your legs crossed? Your spine rounded or your head jutting forward?
If so, you’re certainly not alone. A glance around your office or workplace might show you that most folks are sitting or moving without being conscious of their posture and form. Few of us have perfect posture, and we often forget about our body position, especially when concentrating on a screen or task.
So what’s the big deal if we slouch a little? It might not seem serious, but bad posture can impact our health, productivity, and satisfaction – so much so that it’s led to a field of study called ergonomics, or the analysis of the design, comfort, and functionality of the workplace. Here’s what ergonomics has taught us:
- Sitting or standing with poor posture for long periods of time can place a strain on your joints and muscles. Not only can this lead to those neck, head, back, or knee pains you’ve been feeling, but over time, it can change your body’s alignment and set you up for chronic pain or injury.
- Repeating the same motions over and over can lead to Repetitive Motion Disorders. These disorders and injuries are even more likely to occur if you’re doing the same movements and also using poor form – like when you rely heavily on your back muscles to lift heavy objects, rather than your legs and core.
- When you’re not constantly frustrated by that uncomfortable seat, or when you’re not in pain from hunching over your tiny desk, it turns out you’re happier with your job. Check out how optimal workplace ergonomics can improve employee satisfaction and productivity.
So, how can we be more ergonomically correct? Of course, the positions and movements to focus on vary based on what we’re doing. As such, we thought we’d share a few tips for sitting, driving, lifting, and general labor:
Improve Your Posture: How to Sit at a Computer – UPMC Health Beat
Seven Ergonomic Tips for Driving – HumanTech
Proper Lifting Techniques – UPMC Health Beat
Ergonomic Survival Guide for Laborers – State of California Department of Industrial Relations
Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling – State of California Department of Industrial Relations
Use these tips to see if you can rig your work space and vehicle to be more ergonomically friendly, and to make sure you’re moving properly on the job. Just a warning: it may be a little tough at first to transition from sitting or moving the way you have been to doing so using proper ergonomics. Start by simply concentrating for a few minutes here and there. Don’t stress if you catch yourself slipping! Just gently bring yourself back to proper form when you do. With consistent effort, you may be able to reduce pain and chances of injury by paying more attention to how you sit, stand, and move.
Disclaimer: As always, this article and shared content are not intended to replace medical advice. If you have questions about ergonomics or chronic pain, we encourage you to consult a health professional.
