Ergonomics For A Comfortable And Efficient Work Day

Working While Seated

When working at a desk or in a chair, many would think there would be no negative health risks. However, there can be many common injuries related to repetitive motion such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and even neck and back injuries. The way to avoid such workplace injuries is to sit keeping proper body position. Keep joints like hips, knees, and ankles open slightly, keep knees at or below the hip joints, keep ankles in front of knees, keep feet flat, keep head aligned with spine, do not slouch, and do not sit for more than fifty minutes at a time. Stand up and take a five-minute walk if need be. Try to avoid bending forward or to the side, and alternate crossed legs.

Working While Standing

Standing is a natural posture and does not pose any health concerns, but working in a standing position regularly with minimal movement can cause blood to pool in the feet and legs, causing muscular strain, discomfort, and other health risks. Some of the health risks include sore feet, swollen legs, back pain, muscle fatigue, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and varicose veins. Some ways to reduce the health risks are to use comfortable shoes, orthotics, and anti-fatigue mats, change working positions, pace, take moments to relax and avoid extreme bending, stretching and twisting.