What is ergonomics? It’s the study of the interaction of people, environment and work to create safety and efficiency. How do employees interact with technology?
Fitting Machines to People
Traditionally, machines and equipment were purchased and then work stations were created around them. The manufacturers have become savvy to ergonomics and do build in more comfort and flexibility.
Several factors need review and adjustment to fit the individual worker.
- Elbows should be bent slightly downward from parallel to comfortably guide the hands to the working level. Wrists should be supported where applicable.
- If sitting is an option, chairs should be designed with backs against the rest, knees slightly lower than hips and a foot rest or the floor fit to the employee’s leg length.
- Standing positions should reduce bending or tilting of the head.
- All tools and supplies staged within fourteen inches of the working station, in front of the worker.
- Keep any monitor or work in easy line of sight without bending the neck.
- Try to reduce repetitive motions, or allow the employee to take periodic breaks from their work to change positions or walk a bit.
- Anyone using phones or other communication devices regularly requires a headset, Bluetooth device, or speaker phone to avoid repetitive hand motions or neck pain from pinching receivers.
General environmental rules include lighting the workspace properly, keep aisles or halls unobstructed and the floors level with non-skid surfaces.
So you’re not an ergonomic expert nor does your company have the money to invest in consultants, what can you do?
Begin with your own workspace. What tasks are uncomfortable? If you’re on the phone constantly, try standing up or walking every so often while on a call. Feel better? How about your desk height compared to the chair? Do you have good lines of sight where needed?
Interview the office employees to investigate any ergonomic issues.
Start with the beginning of your assembly line, site workflow, or process and interview each employee along the process. They’ve thought about these issues and can give great insight. Be open to the discussion. Be open to solutions.
Correct ergonomics, a comfortable workplace, lead to tremendous efficiency. That’s your payoff.
