We all know that health and safety is important when you work a physically demanding job, but what about when you spend large amounts of time sitting in an office or standing for long periods during the day? Here are some tips on how to create more ergonomically designed workspace to keep your employees happier and prevent injuries.

Office Jobs

Sitting for long periods of time without movement and breaks can lead to staff developing discomfort, pain and long-term injuries to their hands, arms, and necks. Consider the following to help create a better office environment:

Screen height

Our bodies like to be neutral, not straining to look up, down, or at an angle for eight hours a day. Your screen height should be so that your eye level is at the top of the toolbar. You can buy screen risers or laptop stands to ensure you screen is at the right height.

Incorrect chairs

A chair is a chair, right? Not necessarily. Chairs that are at the wrong height, old, broken, or sloping don’t make for a comfortable position. Buying new chairs is an easy fix and can make a huige difference. When buying work chairs make sure to check their seating tolerance. This is how many hours you can comfortably sit in the chair before you start to get uncomfortable. Look for ones that can withstand 6-8 hours of use. You’ll also want to consider the seat back to make sure it’s high enough to support your back, so you maintain good posture.

Mice and keyboards

 A computer mice fits in your hand but what about your thumb and the finger poised over the button? There are ergonomically designed computer mice that aim to reduce the strain on your fingers, thumb and arm and are relatively inexpensive to purchase. There are different kinds so if you have a larger workforce, it pays to ask them what they like and will be most comfortable. Keyboards are the same. Broken keyboards that are flat and/or lack a comfortable place to rest wrists can create wrist strain, so consider asking staff if they’d like a gel pad or different keyboard to help reduce this strain.

Lack of movement

Regular movement helps prevent injury, pain and benefits your health overall. Encourage your staff to take regularly breaks – it could be as simple as getting up to make a cup of team, moving to a different area for a team meeting or 5-10 minutes outside in the fresh air.

What about standing a lot at work? 

If you or your employees spend a lot of time standing at work, there’s an increased chance of discomfort, pain, and injury. If you’re walking around, you won’t have too much of a problem. It’s the static standing that can cause sore feet, knees, hip and back. Long-term effects can be debilitating, including inflammation to the arch of your foot (Plantar Fasciitis), which can cause so much pain it becomes impossible to stand and it can be tricky to fix.

Footwear

Encourage everyone to wear appropriate, well-fitted footwear. If you have staff with issues already, they could consider orthotics, heel cups, or gel inserts to take off some of the pressure.

Rubber mats

Anti-pressure or anti-fatigue mats create a softer surface to stand on, which can makea huge difference. If you have staff who need to stand for extended periods of time, buy them a mat or two so they reduce the strain. Or consider what tasks could be undertaken sitting down so they can take a load off.

Movement

Try to reduce the amount of time staff are standing but encouraging them to move and walk around.

For further information on this article please make contact with us via email: marketing@bfa.co.nz