Ergonomics 101: Things You Should Be Aware Of!
Are you half-slept on your couch? Or If you're reading this from your desk, you may be sitting a little too straight.
You might even be crossing your legs. And while there's nothing wrong with either of these habits per se, chances are they're not exactly helping you in your quest for maximum ergonomic comfort either. In fact, we'd wager that if you read on and take heed of the advice below, you'll realize that most of us have been working wrong our whole lives.
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics deals with the design of a workplace, taking into account all aspects of human interaction with machines, devices and tools. It is about making sure that the equipment you use does not cause injury or discomfort.
The importance of ergonomics has become more apparent as our environment has become more mechanized. Ergonomics helps ensure that these machines are safe to use, both for their intended purpose as well as in terms of their impact on us – both immediately and long-term. In other words, it’s all about making things easier on us humans!
How Can Ergonomics Benefit Your Work?
You might think that ergonomics is just about reducing the risk of injury. But what you may not be aware of is that there are many other benefits to implementing an ergonomic workplace for your employees. These include:
● Reduced risk of back and neck pain
● Increased productivity
● Increased comfort
● Improved concentration
● Increased employee satisfaction and retention
● Improved employee morale
What Makes A Chair Ergonomic?
An ergonomic chair is designed to support your body and reduce strain. It has an adjustable height, width, and depth. Its seat pan (the part you sit on) can be adjusted to accommodate different body types, including the size of your thighs or pelvis. The backrest can also be adjusted to fit your physique and posture.
In addition to these features that make it ideal for comfort, ergonomic chairs are made from materials like mesh fabric that breathe so air flows freely through them—a feature helpful in hot weather or warm offices where people spend a lot of time sitting down each day
How Do You Sit Properly In An Office Chair?
When sitting at your desk, it's important to remember that the way you sit is just as important as what you do with your hands. Here are some tips:
● Sit with your feet flat on the floor, not crossed or hanging over the edge of your chair. This helps reduce tension in your back and legs, making it easier for you to concentrate without getting distracted by aches and pains in any part of your body (which can lead to more stress).
● Have a 90 degree angle between each knee and hip—this prevents strain in both areas while also keeping them aligned so they don't become misaligned from sitting improperly for long periods of time (which could lead directly back into those aches-and-pains scenario mentioned above).
What Makes A Desk Ergonomic?
Ergonomics is a fancy word for the study of how to make a workplace—and by extension, your life—more comfortable. When it comes to desks, ergonomics boil down to:
The height of the desk
The width and depth of the desk
How adjustable it is
The materials its made from (wooden tops are usually okay, while plastic tops are not)
How Do You Set Up Your Desk So It's Ergonomic?
To set up your desk so that it's ergonomic, you will need:
An adjustable keyboard tray. This allows you to move your keyboard out of the way when not using it (such as when eating lunch). It also allows for easier access if you prefer using shortcuts instead of searching through menus on the screen itself—a popular option among programmers!
A monitor stand or adjustable arm that lets you place your monitor at eye level with the top edge about 16 to 20 inches away from your face when looking straight ahead—this way, there won't be any strain on neck muscles when working long hours at a computer screen!
How Should You Position Your Keyboard And Mouse So They're Ergonomic?
The most important thing about your keyboard and mouse is that they're positioned so that you can use them the way your body wants to move. To do this, make sure:
Your mouse is at a 45-degree angle, directly in front of you.
This will allow for optimal wrist position when clicking or dragging.
Your keyboard is at a 45-degree angle, directly in front of you.
And there you have it! From this article, you now know the basics of ergonomics. You know how to set up your chair and desk for maximum comfort, and position your keyboard and mouse so they minimize the strain on your body from typing or clicking. This information is only a general guide.
If you want to be sure that you’re following ergonomic principles correctly, consult Divine Innovation to do an ergonomic assessment of your workstation.