The Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace

When purchasing contract furniture you are likely to see many items described as ‘ergonomic’, with very little explanation as to the importance of ergonomics in the workplace.
So what is the purpose of ergonomics and why does it matter so much? Let’s find out.

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics or ‘human engineering’ is the study of people in their everyday environments, with a focus on the equipment they use and how they move around the space they are in. While this particularly applies to the workplace environment, ergonomic theories and design are also likely to be incorporated in all objects designed to be used by humans in the home and outdoors.

Why is ergonomics important?

The overall goal of ergonomic design is to create objects and environments that can be most efficiently and safely used by humans of varying shapes, sizes and abilities, without causing excessive fatigue or injury.

People-centred design

For example, a desk chair may be marketed as ergonomic because it has been specially designed to suit workers who may spend many hours sitting in one position. The ergonomic chair will additionally feature a range of adjustable features to accommodate more than one body size and shape so that it can adjust to different people and workstations. The person, the task and the work environment have all been taken into consideration as part of ergonomic design.

What are the benefits of good ergonomics?

Good ergonomics allow people to undergo repetitive tasks without suffering discomfort and can help to protect them from injury. Good ergonomics can increase employee engagement as they are not frequently distracted by physical discomfort or trying to achieve proper positioning.

Incorporating ergonomics into workplace design and daily work routines helps people to take responsibility for their own health and safety, when supported with the correct furniture and tools.

In addition, the right ergonomic furniture helps people to maintain the optimal bodily position for productive work, especially when the work is of a repetitive nature.

What is the importance of ergonomics in the office?

The increase in the use of screen-based technology means that almost every office worker is now likely to spend long periods of time sitting at a desk in front of a screen and using a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad). Other workplace innovations like the introduction of laptop computers, mobile phones and hotdesking mean that it is more important than ever to make sure that bad posture and habits like constant texting or slouching over laptops don’t create back and shoulder pain, repetitive strain injuries and fatigue.

An awareness of good ergonomic practice in the office can help employers to:

• Adhere to legal requirements – as an employer you have certain obligations to reduce risk to employee’s health.
• Reduce health care costs and worker sick days due to work-related musculoskeletal conditions.
• Improve employee productivity by keeping them comfortable and engaged.
• Improve quality of work by reducing mental and physical stress for workers.
• Install a culture of ‘people first’ and health and safety awareness throughout the business.

Ergonomic office furniture

1. Ergonomic desk chairs
   The piece of office furniture that most people will recognise as ergonomic is the desk chair. Desk chair is a term that covers a wide range of office seating, from receptionist chairs to task or operator chairs, to executive chairs. The one thing they all have in common is that people will likely be seated in them for long periods of time, often undertaking repetitive movements and probably in front of a screen.
2. Fully adjustable chairs to reduce fatigue.
   It’s important for all desk chairs to be ergonomic, as almost every office employee is likely to be spending more than an hour a day in front of a visual display unit or computer. This means that employers must carry out a risk assessment to help to reduce employee fatigue, eye strain and injury. Supplying a fully adjustable chair designed to support the specific worker and task is a key part of ensuring good office ergonomics.
3. Height-adjustable desks.
   Another way to help to tailor the workspace to the individual is by use of a height-adjustable desk. (Where desks do not adjust in height, it is good practice to provide a footstool so that once the chair has been adjusted, the worker’s feet can be placed flat if they then do not reach the floor). Forward-thinking employers will consider the flexible needs of employees and look for desks in a variety of sizes and desks that can automatically be adjusted in height, from seated working height to standing height.

In conclusion – ergonomics is about people, spaces and tasks.

Good ergonomics and ergonomic design helps people to move through or work in a space comfortably, safely, efficiently and productively. But to be truly ergonomic. the design must be tailored or adjusted to the individual.

A so-called ergonomic chair is only so if it can be adjusted to support the person, the workspace and the task.