ERGONOMICS

Ergonomic Office

Ergonomics refers to the way in people interact with their environment. Ergonomic design considers how structure and layout of furniture at work and in the home can best accommodate human activity. Ergonomic offices and workspaces can now be found in the majority of office buildings, so what exactly does an ergonomic office mean and why is it important?


Ergonomics in the workplace looks at the arrangement of equipment used day to day, to create a more 'user friendly' environment. An ergonomically designed workspace will consider the placement of ergonomically designed tools, chairs, tables and even consider lights, noise and air. Essentially, the goal is to make the work environment comfortable and peaceful.

Office ergonomics aims to reduce health problems caused by inappropriate furniture and placement of office tools. An improper workstation design can lead to severe problems such as eyestrain, headaches, back pain, neck pain and carpal tunnel syndrome caused due to repetitive activities. These problems disturb the quality of employees' lives and reduce staff efficiency and productivity. It is believed that more than 50% of employees working for 15 hours a week at a computer will show signs of musculoskeletal problems during their first year of employment.

Given the prevalence of these problems, it is little wonder that more offices are conducting ergonomic assessments and using ergonomic principles to prevent or reduce such persistent problems by providing the correct tools and furniture in the workplace. This benefits both staff and employers, relieving problems likely to be caused for the individual, as well as improving employee performance.

If you wish to look at options for an ergonomic office - the following could be considered to make a start:

Set up your office chairs to support the back and maintain correct posture, allowing for time taken for activities and movement types and /or repetitions
Examine your workplace surroundings, considering elements such as work surfaces, lighting, noise levels, humidity and the room temperature
Consider the placement of necessary tools for your job, this should includes devices used to perform your duties, such as the mouse, printer and scanner

Essentially the ergonomically designed office should take care of all your needs while at your workstation and in the wider office environment. People spend a significant amount of time in their workplaces, hence it is essential to ensure the workplace is comfortable and allows you to perform at your best. The ergonomically designed office provides just that for the employee.
The application of ergonomics in your workplace will make the environment more comfortable for all employees, boosting productivity and reducing stress - something that serves both the employer and employees alike. 
 

 

 

News Searches

WorkSafe WA to hold free lunchtime ergonomics information session

Written by , 14 April, 09, 10:25 PM
WORKSAFE WA is holding a 4Thought series lunchtime information session on ergonomics in design and offices. The free lunchtime information session will be held at noon on 6 April 2009 at Midland Square. According to WorkSafe WA, ergonomics is more than just about chairs and work breaks. Ergonomics involves designing the job and work environment to suit the worker, as opposed to the other way round. WorkSafe WA says its specialists will share their knowledge on setting up workspaces at the free forum, and attendees can bring their lunch along.

Airbus drives cabin efficiency at Aircraft Interiors Expo

Written by , 14 April, 09, 10:25 PM
Cabin efficiency throughout the Family: 'Passenger at heart, airline in mind' Airbus underlines its position as leader in cabin innovation and efficiency driver at this year's Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. Focusing on the importance of cabin efficiency, one lever of its overall cabin philosophy: "Passenger at heart, airline in mind," the corresponding advantages and benefits of the A320 Family, A330/A340 Family, A350 and A380 are displayed. In addition, initiatives to drive greater efficiency from current and future cabins are presented. The A320 Family Enhanced Cabin, offering better luggage stowage and a quieter cabin packaged with a more modern look and feel, has already been delivered in more than 650 aircraft, since its launch at the beginning of 2007. Moreover, the Enhanced Cabin is now also available as a weight-reducing retrofit for in-service aircraft. The A350 XWB, Airbus' newest product, with entry into service in 2013, will set new standards in cabin efficiency and passenger comfort. To this end, this year's display will focus on the modular design of the cabin platform, offering a full range of cabin designs while enhancing aircraft value. For the A380, Airbus will illustrate the popularity of the aircraft with special focus of the cabin. Experienced already by more than a million passengers worldwide after starting service end of 2007, the A380 is proving to be tremendously popular, attracting higher load factors and higher yields. Passengers and crews have been delighted by the innovative cabin, its quietness, comfort and service as well as operational efficiency. The Airbus Upgrade Services team will be present on the stand to advise airlines how to further enhance in-service aircraft cabins by integrating latest technologies and providing innovative engineering solutions for all Airbus product families. An update on SPICE (SPace Innovative Catering Equipment) will complete the Airbus presence. SPICE is an Airbus-driven initiative for a new galley concept, which benefits all stakeholders by reducing weight, increasing revenue space whilst improving ergonomics and designing for future food hygiene and recycling requirements. The Airbus stand is located in Hall B7, 7D20.

Wacker Neuson floor saws

Written by , 14 April, 09, 10:25 PM
New Wacker Neuson floor saws combine optimum ergonomics with high cutting power.

Safety solutions, forklift championship and new fire area at safety show

Written by , 14 April, 09, 10:25 PM
Organisers of the Safety In Action and Melbourne Materials Handling trade show predict thousands of new safety solutions across three acres, the National Forklift Championships and an entirely new Fire and Security feature area will be the highlights of this year's events.   The trade show will run from Tuesday March 31 to April 2 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre offering answers to diverse occupational health and safety challenges, including height safety, lifting and loading, logistics, rehabilitation, ergonomics, asbestos management, first aid, electronics,  flooring, machine guarding, and even workplace wellness.   In fact, three lucky visitors will win their workplaces Corporate Health and Wellness packages from Prime Health valued at 00 each, comprising flu vaccinations, skin screening, wellness screening, first aid training and pre-employment medicals.   Others will compete in the National Forklift Championships organised by the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA). In a test of skill, operators will drive through a negotiated course in alignment with the national load shifting standards for high risk plants.   The SCLAA will also present the Yum Cha Café Seminar Series ?Servings of Knowledge in Supply Chain? on day two.   "We have created four presentation sessions where you can choose what you want to hear ? much like Yum Cha!" said SCLAA Victoria president, Nigel Edwards.  "You are welcome to attend all or as many sessions that catch your interest."   The sessions include the Green Supply Chain, Mentoring and Recruitment, Business and Technology, and Asia-Pacific Business.   Also new to the trade show will be a fire and security feature area showcasing fire preparedness training, investigation training, fire monitoring systems, closed circuit television (CCTV), intercoms, access control and security systems.   Aside from the fresh events, organiser, Marie Kinsella of Australian Exhibitions & Conferences, says there will be plenty of new product releases at Safety In Action and Melbourne Materials Handling.   "There are new spillage protector mats from Australian Rubber Matting Products, you can win an iPhone at the 3M stand and check out everything from respirators to welding shields. "Try the new JSAfe software to manage compliance with ease from B-safe, or even visit the Commercial Health Project stand to see a microscopic view of your own blood using Hemaview technology."   Visitors can also take part in the interactive program at the Demo Stage. Among the attractions are a guaranteed solution to back pain, fabric that simply refuses to catch fire, and the ZOLL CPR Challenge ? test your skills.   The trade show runs from March 31 to April 2 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Online registration at www.safetyinaction.net.au is free.   The Safety Institute of Australia will present the concurrent Safety In Action Conference sponsored by WorkSafe Victoria and Downer EDI. The conference will feature local and international speakers including business leader Janet Holmes à Court, Beaconsfield investigator Professor Michael Quinlan, OHS harmonisation panellist Barry Sherriff, and WorkSafe executive director John Merritt. For more information, visit www.safetyinaction.net.au, email safetyvisitor@aec.net.au, or phone Australian Exhibitions & Conferences on 03 9654 7773.

The DIY Cheapskate Laptop Stands

Written by , 14 April, 09, 10:25 PM
Check out these three creative and inexpensive laptop stand solutions offered within; all are cheap to build?less than or free in some cases?and all can be used to help save your neck when it comes to proper home office ergonomics. Anyway, lets get down to business