Ergonomic Assessment: How to Evaluate and Improve Your Workspace.

A lot of us spend a significant portion of our lives working at desks and computer stations. Prolonged hours of desk work can lead to discomfort, pain, and even long-term health issues if our workspace is not designed with ergonomics in mind. This is where ergonomic assessment becomes crucial. In this article, we will explore the importance of ergonomic assessments and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to evaluate and improve your workspace for better comfort and productivity.

 

Why is Ergonomic Assessment Important?

Ergonomic assessment is the process of evaluating and optimizing your workspace to minimize the risk of discomfort, pain, and injury.^[1] This practice not only benefits your physical health but also enhances your overall productivity. Here are some compelling reasons why ergonomic assessment is important:

Pain Prevention: Ergonomically designed workspaces reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain, by minimizing stress on the body.

 

Increased Productivity: A comfortable workspace can significantly enhance your focus, concentration, and overall productivity. When your body feels good, your mind can perform at its best.

 

Long-term Health: Investing in an ergonomic workspace can help prevent long-term health issues related to poor posture and prolonged sedentary work.

 

Cost Savings: By preventing injuries and health issues, you can avoid costly medical bills and workers’ compensation claims.^[2]

 

Employee Satisfaction: Employers that provide ergonomic workspaces tend to have more satisfied and engaged employees, leading to higher retention rates and improved company culture.

 

How to Evaluate Your Workspace

Now that we understand the significance of ergonomic assessments, let’s delve into how to evaluate your workspace effectively:

Chair and Seating Position:

• • Your chair should provide adequate lumbar support and be adjustable in height.
  • Your feet should rest flat on the ground or a footrest.
  • Ensure your knees are at a 90-degree angle.^[3]

 

Desk and Monitor Setup:

• • Your desk should be at an appropriate height, allowing you to maintain a neutral wrist position.
  • The top of your monitor should be at or below eye level to reduce strain on the neck.

 

Keyboard and Mouse:

• • Your keyboard and mouse should be at the same level, and your wrists should be straight and parallel to the floor.
  • Use a keyboard tray or pull-out keyboard shelf if needed.

 

Monitor and Lighting:

• • Adjust screen brightness and contrast to prevent eye strain.^[4]
  • Use indirect lighting to minimize glare on your screen.

 

Cable Management:

• • Keep cables organized and out of the way to prevent tripping hazards and maintain a clean workspace.

 

Personal Items:

• • Store frequently used items within easy reach to minimize stretching and bending.

 

How to Make Improvements

Once you’ve identified areas in need of improvement in your workspace, consider the following steps to make positive changes:

Ergonomic Accessories: Invest in ergonomic accessories like an adjustable keyboard tray, monitor stand, or ergonomic chair to enhance your workspace.^[5]

 

Regular Breaks: Take short breaks to stand, stretch, and move around to prevent stiffness and improve blood circulation. The OOHMS Break app is a great tool to use to encourage taking breaks and stretching, Employees can monitor their posture and it also ensures adherence to routines by reminding workers of their schedules with the use of pop-up notifications.

 

Ergonomic Training: Consider participating in ergonomic training to learn best practices for optimizing your workspace. Implementing the OOHMS Ergonomic self-adjustment can help them identify tools, equipment, and space modifications necessary for further improvement and provide immediate feedback on adjustments to improve employee biomechanics and comfort.

 

Consult an Expert: If you’re unsure about your workspace setup, consult an ergonomic specialist who can provide personalized guidance. At OOHMS, we also have a team of well-experienced ergonomists who can carry out assessments and help adjust your workspace to boost productivity and completely eradicate the risks of musculoskeletal disorders.

 

An ergonomic assessment is a vital aspect of maintaining your health and well-being in a modern, desk-oriented work environment. By taking the time to evaluate your workspace and implementing necessary improvements, you can reduce the risk of discomfort and injuries while increasing your productivity and job satisfaction. Remember that a comfortable workspace is an investment in your long-term health and happiness.