subject: Effect Of Better Office Ergonomics [print this page] Better office ergonomics signifies monitoring job lists, adjusting computer equipments, tools, furnitures, lighting and other necessary stuff, which are used every day in the office. The presence of insufficient and ineffective office ergonomics result in the employees becoming unwell. The employees might suffer from, several health hazards due to faulty office ergonomics, e.g. muscle injury due to bad posture.
Warning Signs and Causes
Lack of office ergonomics may be felt, if workers suffer from disorders like, elbow, wrist or shoulder pain, backache, neck strain and headaches. That, workers are responsible for the improvement of the company, is not hidden from anyone. Hence, it is evident, that when employees suffer from diseases, time and again and take long leaves, productivity of the company, is sure to suffer.
Furnitures, that dont provide comfort while working make workers suffer from disorders like fatigue and strain. Constant twisting or leaning of the body towards the keyboard or overusing certain muscles, like the fingers to type or click the mouse, may result in a health hazard. Faulty furnitures may even cause eye strain, sooner or later headaches may arise to provide uneasiness. Eyes of workers might be hampered due to improper lighting facilities. These are things which employers should keep in mind and provide the needed facilities, without delay. As workers spend a considerable amount of time in their workplace, the employers should take responsibility and arrange for health appraisals also.
Solutions and Best Practices
Agencies like Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Labour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) often recommend employers, to follow several guidelines for proper office ergonomics. They even advise employers to organize regular health checks in the office. This helps in maintaining employee health which ultimately benefits the company.
Using the computer
Most of the corporate jobs involve, sitting in front of the computer for long hours and punching keyboard buttons. Maintaining a good posture while sitting in front of the computer can reduce the possibilities of health hazards like neck and eye straining.
The brightness and contrast level of the computer screen, should also be kept at an optimum level or else the eyes of the workers may get damaged easily.
Sitting at a Desk
Workers should be provided with chairs which offer lumbar support to maintain the natural S curve of the spine. Or else backache is bound to take place. The seat of the chair should be adjusted, such that the feet of the worker touch the floor and the knees and thighs are at a ninety degree angle. In case, the chair does not have the adjusting facility, a rolling towel or a cushion may be used as a back support. In most of the chairs a footrest, is seen to be missing. A footrest should be present to facilitate placing of the feet comfortably.
Employers should bear in mind, that workers will work best when they enjoy their work. They should be given facilities which will make them happy, so that they enjoy working.
