Tips for Implementing and Improving Ergonomics at Your Business
Office operations are an evolving complex and dynamic collection of elements, calling for proper modern office management. At the center of the challenge is the need for organizations to maintain a healthy environment for their employees. As the physical office and work tasks continue to evolve, you should continue to adapt accordingly and protect your business and employees with both New Mexico Business Insurance and office-wide measures to ensure your employees’ health, safety, and comfort. One method that has been increasing in prevalence recently is ergonomics.
The goals of ergonomics are to provide a positive working environment in which the design of equipment, work layouts, and work environment match the capabilities of people so they can lead healthy and productive lives. Differences in job tasks and body sizes among employees are accommodated so that job hassles, soreness, and potential injury can be avoided. Following proven ergonomic improvement processes can improve overall comfort and productivity and result in fewer work-related injuries.
Understand Ergonomic Injuries
Ergonomic injuries don’t happen overnight. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are soft-tissue injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood vessels or spinal discs, resulting from gradual long term exposure to low-level harmful agents called risk factors. Brief exposure to these risk factors do not typically cause harm, but prolonged exposure that exceeds the body’s ability to heal can result in its reduced ability to function.
Identify Challenges
The four elements involved in identifying ergonomic issues include:
- Eyes to the source
- Hands to input devices
- Feet to the floor
- The body to the chair.
Here are key features to incorporate:
- Chair – Pneumatic seat-pan, adjustable height, a backrest that tilts backward and forward, and backrest tension control and lumbar support.
- Desk – Adjustable work surface height, and a large surface with ample room to perform tasks.
- Keyboard/keyboard tray – Lays flat, adjustability to achieve up to ± 15° slope and have a low profile (approximately 1″ or 30 mm).
- Input device – Long cord for proper placement or wireless, moves easily. usable by left- and right-handed users.
- Monitor – Adjustable brightness and contrast, free from flicker, adjustable tilt.
- Monitor arm/stand – Height-adjustable 27″ (69 cm) to 34″ (86 cm) above the seat pan. Weight of the monitor should match the weight of the stand or arm.
- Wrist rest – Constructed of compressible or soft material to reduce external pressure on the wrist, and a non-friction surface.
- Headset – Digital rather than analog, and quick-disconnect capability.
- Footrest – Height adjustable from 11″ (28 cm) to 18″ (46 cm).
- Task lighting – 75 to 140-foot candles of adjustable lighting, and asymmetrical to reduce shadows and glare spots.
- Laptops – External mouse and keyboard, take consistent breaks, change posture when working for long periods of time.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we know how harmful stress and ergonomic injuries can be to your employees and your workplace as a whole. As part of our loss control services for New Mexico businesses, we are happy to help you implement good ergonomics into your workplace. Contact us today for more information!
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that people like you face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.