The concept of ergonomics refers to the process of arranging workplaces, systems, and products so that they fit the people who use them and don’t cause them any discomfort. Typically, ergonomics is discussed in relation to seating, and while that is indeed a very important aspect, there are several other areas that ergonomics is dealing with. The primary aim of ergonomics is to improve environments in order to minimise the risk of harm, injuries, or chronic health damage as much as possible and ensure people can enjoy comfortable conditions when at work.
The basis
The particularities of ergonomics will depend on the environments and objects a worker uses on a daily basis, so the concept will naturally differ depending on the workplace. The main situations include the objects handled by employees, the ways in which workers move items, the functions, and processes that are performed as part of your work obligations, and the surrounding areas in the work environment.
Many business owners are primarily focused on how money is spent in their company, as they don’t want to waste money on unnecessary things. Unfortunately, this can sometimes include ergonomics as well, with many disregarding its importance when designing the annual budget. This is, however, not a good way to handle this aspect, and this negligence can cause quite a lot of trouble for the workers, including health damage that can range from a mild, acute issue that goes away on its own to more severe, chronic health problems that can require surgery and lifelong physical therapy to manage.
Companies such as Vepa can help your office find the best solutions available right now, which combine ergonomics with premium-quality designs, social responsibility, and sustainability. The modern workplace should be able to support both innovation and the well-being of the people who occupy it, and working with a company with decades of experience in its production processes will allow you to find the best furnishings.
Common injuries
Injuries arising from poor or faulty ergonomics are unfortunately very common among workers from all around the world. While in many cases, the health damage is not serious, and you can make a full recovery with minimal treatment, there are also instances in which this is very much not the case. For some, the damage accumulates over many years, leading to chronic illness for which there is no cure, and the only thing that can be done is to alleviate the discomfort as much as possible.
Back pain, especially pain in the lower back, is one of the most common health problems office workers have to deal with. It may not seem like a major issue, but the aches and stiffness it causes impact the patient’s quality of life, potentially affecting one’s ability to do their job as well. Millions of people are struggling with back pain and sometimes even self-medicating to reduce the discomfort. The most common causes include having poor posture, being unaccustomed to the proper lifting techniques, and sitting for extended periods of time. Checking https://vepa.co.uk/ will provide you with several types of chairs to choose from. Getting one with moulded foam can increase comfort, and the automatic tension adjustment can compensate for body weight with a seat tilt.
Neck pain is another result of spending many hours seated at your desk, but it can also be a result of eye strain. Shoulder pain often appears due to overuse and repetitive motions, both of which are things that office workers do on a daily basis. Eye strain will manifest as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches that can become quite annoying over time. Trigger finger and tennis elbow sound like health issues that are much more likely to occur if you lead an incredibly active lifestyle, but they can also be a consequence of using a mouse and keyboard on a daily basis.
More serious health concerns include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, repetitive strain injuries, and tenosynovitis. Numbness, weakness, swelling, pain, and joint stiffness occur in these instances, with treatment schemes ranging from anti-inflammatory medications to oral steroid treatments and even surgical procedures. Taking regular breaks, stretching and strength training, and walking away from your office at least once an hour to move around a little bit can do wonders for preventing these health issues or keeping them from becoming worse.
The benefits of ergonomics
Providing employees with the best working environments is also crucial for the company’s well-being. Finding the best solutions for everyone will take no small amount of time and effort, and you need to work side-by-side with your team so that everyone gets an office space that is perfectly tailored to their needs and requirements. Productivity depends quite a lot on how people feel, and if they’re uncomfortable and in pain, they are much less likely to complete their work tasks on time.
Proper ergonomics reduce the incidence of injury compensation claims, and absenteeism stops being a problem as well. This means fewer lost workdays and substantial cost savings over time. Ergonomically designed workstations promote better posture and drastically reduce the probability of repetitive strain injuries, which allows your business to become more productive and successful. Employees also recognize and appreciate the employers who value and put effort into their welfare. Making the work environment safer and healthier makes your team feel respected and taken seriously, aspects that have a tremendous effect on job satisfaction.
When the employees feel appreciated, they are more engaged and far less likely to leave the company, so you reduce your turnover as well. After all, dedicated employees are one of the biggest assets in any organisation.
Ergonomics can seem so unimportant that it becomes an afterthought for many employers, but the truth is that it is connected to many fundamental aspects of your corporate well-being. If you’re a business owner, make sure to prioritise it as an essential part of your procedures to enjoy heightened productivity and the advantage of working with a team that is committed to finding innovative solutions and taking the company forward.
