The Importance of Office Ergonomics

Ergonomics in the Workplace

As the owner of a business that requires employees to work in an office setting, safety should be a big concern. While you might not think of a brightly lit, modern office space as illness-inducing, outfitting it with furniture that’s not ergonomically designed could actually cause injuries to your loyal workforce. Learn what you need to know about ergonomically enhanced office chairs, desks, keyboards and more before you require an employee to spend 8 hours in that office space you’ve provided.

Ergonomics Defined

Ergonomics is the science of efficiency. It deals with fitting the right person to the job and then providing the best environment for them to thrive. By investing in ergonomically designed office furniture for your shared office space, you can help lessen injuries from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendinitis, trigger finger and more among office workers who regularly use a keyboard or sit in a chair for long periods of time.

Avoiding Office Ergonomic Hazards

Office ergonomic hazards are those that impact the musculoskeletal systems of your employees. These can include those ailments listed above, as well as tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, lower-back strains and more. They’re caused by repetitive motions, and they cost corporations millions of dollars each year in lost-time accidents.

Eliminating Repetitive Motion Injuries

Cutting down on the number of repetitive motion injuries suffered by your workforce can be as simple as requiring employees to do simple exercises before beginning work each day. Rotating the wrist, wiggling the fingers of each hand or simply stretching the muscles of the back intermittently throughout the day can help. But the office furniture you choose can also go a long way toward alleviating injuries.

Choosing Ergonomically Designed Office Furniture

Desks that convert to standing models, sculpted keyboards that force hands and wrists to remain in relaxed positions, and office chairs that eliminate pressure on the lower legs are all designs that made a workday more comfortable for employees. They also help companies avoid losing money from lost-time accidents and worker’s compensation claims.

Before you begin building your office space, take time to learn about the benefits and features of ergonomically sound furniture. Your knowledge will benefit both your employees and the future of your company.