Ergonomics is the study of human work and the physical and mental limits of the worker. This science studies how we interact with our work equipment, tools, work methods and task in a working environment. Workers that have to adapt to an unnatural work environment are 40% more likely to suffer from a Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder(WMSD). Implementing ergonomics in the workplace can benefit your employees in many ways such as a safer, healthier place to work, increased work quality, increased productivity and an increase in morale.

There are a few quick steps you can take to start thinking more ergonomically and implementing a plan at your workplace. Posture is one of the most important aspects of a comfortable workstation. The monitor should be just below the eye line of the employee, in order to keep there head level while working.  Keyboards should be at elbow level to keep the wrist straight. Another trick is to put the mouse on the same level as the keyboard.  If you cannot get the computer and keyboard low enough, raise the chair and provide foot rests for the employees.

Encourage your employees to change posture frequently and take stretch breaks every two hours. Employees should alter their posture every 15 minutes. This can be as easy as leaning back in the chair or changing the height of the chair. Standing up and stretching every two hours will decrease muscle pain and increase blood flow.

Adjusting your office chairs is also essential to the overall health of employees. Make sure everyone knows how to adjust their chair and knows to report when a chair is not working properly. Provide lumbar cushions for chairs that do not have adequate lumbar support.  Remove armrests which interfere with their movement in some way, prevent employees from pulling close enough to their work, or create awkward postures.

Adjust the basic layout and design of your office.  Items that are used all the time should be placed closest the work area. Try to reduce overhead reaching as much as possible.  Adjust your storage so that employees do not have to lift or pull down any objects over 35 lbs. Place the objects over 35 lbs about waist high. Try to organize the office to complement the work flow. If most employees print, copy and then file, put the printer, copier and file cabinets in the same general area. This will also reduce time spent walking around from one machine to another.  Lay out the desks for each employee. If a person is right –handed, make sure there is a space on the right side of the computer to write.  Allow the employees to adjust computer, phone and desk objects so they can access them easier.

Every employee is different with different needs. While general rules are a great starting point each employee should be able to adjust their workstation as needed. For example, workers with bifocals may need to have the computer monitor lower than other employees.