Ergonomics has become a hot topic over the last decade. Studies have shown that it can have a major impact on the productivity of a corporation. If employees use workstations that are not properly designed, eye-strain, headaches, muscle fatigue as well as other aches and pains can become factors in the effectiveness of the workforce. These issues can cause a decrease in morale and motivation.  Eventually it could cause injury or illness. Proper ergonomics can help limit the physical strain put on employees while they are working.  As the strain decreases, morale and motivation will increase, as well as productivity.

Offices require people to conform to their working environment. The placement of their computer, desk design, chair style and space (or lack thereof) affects ergonomic conditions. To add to these issues, people come in different shapes and sizes, and in most cases, the workstation does not cater to the individual needs of the employee. This is how injuries and illnesses can result. Employees that are either larger or taller than the desk and chair are designed for must put more strain on their backs and limbs to accommodate the problem. That damage could lead to missed days at work, slowing productivity. Most manufacturing companies that supply ergonomic workstations and chairs have created models to fit the “big and tall” world.

According to The Swedish Work Environment Authority (their version of OSHA) in a study published in June, 2006:

 Physical strain is the commonest cause of reported work injuries, accounting for 34 per cent of all work accidents and work-related illnesses reported (40% for women, 29% for men). Musculoskeletal factors are the cause of nearly six out of every ten reported work illnesses for both sexes, while stress, organisational or other mental cause account for three out of ten reports for women and roughly one in six for men. Physical overstrain accounts for three out of ten reports of work accidents entailing absence for women and one in six for men.            

….ergonomics-related injuries still account for one third of all workplace injuries, and they result in the longest absences from work – a median of 27 days in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome.   Puget Sound Business Journal, April 6-12, 2001

 According to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OHSA), 1.8 million workers have musculoskeletal injuries related to ergonomic factors, and 600,000 people miss some work each year because of them.  The Seattle Times, November 12, 2000

 One thing that can have an immediate impact is posture. When sitting at a desk, your back should be straight with your shoulders over your hips. Both feet should be flat on the ground. This tends to be an issue because not all people sit in a chair where their feet reach the floor. In these situations, a foot rest is the answer.

 Adding a foot rest to a work station can improve comfort and posture, as well as improve circulation to the lower legs. A foot rest can also allow a shorter person to use a standard height chair. Rocking models allow movement of the feet, increasing circulation and reducing fatigue.  A foot rest literally forces your back, legs and torso into the correct posture.

An adjustable footrest is helpful because it can be repositioned to the height of the chair.  The top should have a tread that will keep feet from sliding. Attention to the height of the rest is imperative. If too high, it can position the hips and the spine at a bad angle.  Tall people run into this issue. It puts undue pressure on the spine that can run up the shoulders and down the limbs. Over the course of time, this could create serious health issues for a person working in this environment.

The foot rest should be centered under the desk. The feet should rest on it while the back is supported by the back of the chair. If the footrest is too high, it may work better if it is pushed further under the desk. Not every person needs a foot rest. If the chair used fits properly and the person’s feet can lay flat on the floor, a foot rest is not necessary.

Ergonomics has quickly become an integral part of the workplace. Proper ergonomic techniques can help increase productivity decrease injury costs. Something as simple as purchasing foot rests for all employees could both save and benefit the organization over the long run. Proper ergonomic techniques can help limit fatigue and improve employee morale and motivation.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.