In a previous article, we looked at why standing desks and adjustable workstations are healthier, more productive options for employees. Today, we’re going to look at how to make workstations more ergonomic.
Ergonomic design seeks to minimize strain on the human body, and prevent repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Most people who work in an office associate the word “ergonomic” with the word “keyboard.” While ergonomic keyboards are an important aspect of a healthy workstation, they are not the only source of strain on employees. Here are some tips to ensure your workstations are not causing unhealthy strains on your workers.
- Keep the objects you use most often, such as your telephone, stapler, or printed materials close by to minimize reaching.
- Whether standing or sitting, position your keyboard so your elbows are at your side, and your arms at or below a 90-degree angle.
- Use an ergonomic keyboard, and keep it tilted down and away from you. Never use the kickstands found underneath most keyboards, as this will cause your wrists to tilt backwards in an unnatural position.
- Keep your monitor or screen at eye level to avoid neck strain.
- Make sure your display settings are such so that you do not have to squint. You can increase the font size or zoom into most applications to enlarge your display.
- Workers should look away from their monitors every 10 to 20 minutes and focus on something more than 20 feet away. Staring at a computer screen all day can cause eye fatigue.
As a facilities manager, you want to make it as easy as possible for workers to customize their surroundings to their work styles and their bodies. Some workers may benefit from footrests or ball chairs. When it comes to ergonomics, one size does not fit all.
For help in making your facility more human-friendly, contact Vanguard Resources at vanguardresources.com.
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