Consider Style, Consider Ergonomics

The difference between a house and a home is the furniture; the difference between a building with cubicles and a welcoming office, also, is the furniture. And in todays world, the furniture possibilities are endless. Whether you aim for a traditional, sophisticated, modern, youthful, retro, or futuristic, there are chairs, desks, and tables available. But no matter what style you choose, you can and should always create an ergonomic environment. An ergonomic environment involves more than just a “special” chair, but the chair can be the most important element because that is where the average worker spends most of their time.

To begin creating an ergonomic environment, a person must first be aware of the employees, or persons, who are using the environment. There are many different types of ergonomic chairs to choose from, from traditional executive top leather chairs to posture knee kneeling chairs. Choose the style that compliments the type of working being done.

Once the chairs arrive, they must be individually adjusted to the proper height to achieve maximum benefits from ergonomics. The user should be able to place their feet flat on the ground, and have their arms comfortably positioned to use the keyboard or desk. As you create an ergonomic office, you’ll enjoy the many benefits, you’re employees will be more comfortable and thus will enjoy their job more, productivity will increase, job related injuries do to poor posture will be significantly reduced, and with the many styling options, you’ll have a great looking office.

Author Amy Pedersen has worked in the ergonomics and office industry for a number of years and is currently co-founder of Sit On This Ergonomics, operating a number of ergonomic websites dedicated to office chairs and the practice of good workplace ergonomics. Featuring a wide variety of executive, leather, mesh and task office chairs with an online sales catalog, their website also provides detailed ergonomic information on proper chair positioning and seating in the workplace environment.

Sit On This Ergonomics:
http://stores.ebay.com/sitonthisergonomics

More Ergonomic Info:
http://stores.ebay.com/Sit-On-This-Ergonomics/Ergonomic-Positioning-Explained.html

Using Ergonomics to Help Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) are a collection of painful disorders involving the muscles, tendons, and nerves. Examples of WMSD are tendinitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, and tension neck syndrome. The main cause of these disorders are work activities which require frequent and repetitive motions or activities which require the person to remain in an unnatural or awkward position for an extended period of time. Since most work environments request the use of the arms and hands, most WMSD affect the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, and shoulders.

Here are several tips to help prevent WMSD from developing.

1. Create an ergonomic environment in your workplace/office. Chairs with proper lumber supports help the back maintain a more natural position which helps reduce the stress to muscles, nerves, and bones throughout the body. Ensure that the keyboard, mouse, and computer monitor are properly positioned to reduce stress to the body and straining of the eyes.

2. Take regular breaks from working to help break up repetitive motions; it is recommended to take a few minutes at least once an hour.

3. Alternate work tasks to further break up continuous motions, for example, switch between computer and non-computer tasks.

4. Become familiar with keyboard shortcuts for applications that you regularly use.

Author Amy Pedersen has worked in the ergonomics and office industry for a number of years and is currently co-founder of Sit On This Ergonomics, operating a number of ergonomic websites dedicated to office chairs and the practice of good workplace ergonomics. Featuring a wide variety of executive, leather, mesh and task office chairs with an online sales catalog, their website also provides detailed ergonomic information on proper chair positioning and seating in the workplace environment.

Sit On This Ergonomics:
http://stores.ebay.com/sitonthisergonomics

More Ergonomic Info:
http://stores.ebay.com/Sit-On-This-Ergonomics/Ergonomic-Positioning-Explained.html

Minimizing the Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome through Ergonomics

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a “painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist” (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, www.ninds.nig.gov). Symptoms usually start gradually and include pain, weakness, or numbness in the fingers, hand, and/or wrist, radiating up the arm. As the condition worsens, people may experience tingling, decreased grip strength. While CTS occurs most commonly in people with a congenital predisposition, there is a risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by those working in assembly line work or in a job that requires long periods of repetitious movements, such as typing on a keyboard or cutting hair.

While there exists no single way of prevention, there are many things that can lower a person’s risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Performing daily exercises that strengthen the fingers, wrists, forearms, and hands, and wearing a hand brace at night or when experiencing pain during the day can all help reduce the risk. Taking short breaks at work or during times of extended repetitive motions involving the hands.

However, the key cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is poor posture, it is therefore important to arrange your office and/or workspace ergonomically to allow the body to work in a neutral position to reduce stress and unnaturally body positions that put pressure on the nerves, muscles, and bones. Find an ergonomic chair with proper lower back support and position the chair to an appropriate height in relation to the desk and user’s height. A keyboard should be place close enough that a person can comfortably use it while keeping their spine against the back of their chair, the shoulders should be relaxed and the elbow close to the body. The key to preventing CTS is to ensure that the wrists are straight while using the keyboard to prevent pressure on the nerves. “If the office furniture is not ergonomic then it may lead to improper posture, which ultimately [may] lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” (http://www.safecomputingtips.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-preventions.html).

Author Amy Pedersen has worked in the ergonomics and office industry for a number of years and is currently co-founder of Sit On This Ergonomics, operating a number of ergonomic websites dedicated to office chairs and the practice of good workplace ergonomics. Featuring a wide variety of executive, leather, mesh and task office chairs with an online sales catalog, their website also provides detailed ergonomic information on proper chair positioning and seating in the workplace environment.

Sit On This Ergonomics:
http://stores.ebay.com/sitonthisergonomics

More Ergonomic Info:
http://stores.ebay.com/Sit-On-This-Ergonomics/Ergonomic-Positioning-Explained.html