The Importance of Ergonomics and Workplace Safety for Office Workers

Prioritizing workplace ergonomics can reduce injuries, increase productivity, and promote employee health and wellbeing. Make your workspace more comfortable and efficient to create a safer and more productive environment for everyone. 

Workplace safety is often a topic of discussion in fields like construction and manufacturing, but it should also be a priority for all workers in any setting. Whether an office, warehouse, field, or shop, ensuring safety and well-being is paramount. Specifically, for those who spend most of their day sitting at a desk, emphasizing the importance of ergonomics can be crucial in reducing the risk of injury or fatigue.

Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment and the tools they use, and how these interactions can affect their health and wellbeing. The goal of this practice is to ensure that workers’ tools and their environment fit their job requirements and personal capabilities. In the context of office work, ergonomics involves designing workstations and equipment that promote comfort, safety, and productivity.

We sat down with our Risk Control Consultant, Michael Schedler to discuss the importance of this safety practice.  “Employees spend much of their time in the workplace and ergonomic disorders are one of the fastest-growing categories of work-related injuries,” Michael says. “Ergonomic safety practices were developed to minimize those risks. When doing ergonomic assessments on an office or manufacturing facility, I observe people in their work environment to find better solutions to reduce injuries, increase productivity, and improve employee satisfaction.”

What are the Risk Factors?

Ergonomics considers the physical demands that the worker faces, depending on their industry or occupation and addresses several risk factors: repetition, force, positions, and inadequate tools.

Performing the same type of task repeatedly can cause strain on a worker’s musculoskeletal system. Even a small force like typing, using a mouse, staring too long at a computer screen, or sitting with poor posture can lead to serious injuries down the line.

“Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and eye strain are becoming more common as people spend longer hours working on computers and mobile devices,” Michael explains.

Why is ergonomics important for office workers?

• Reduces Risk of Injury

  Sitting for extended periods of time in a poorly designed workstation can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic workstations can help reduce the risk of these injuries by promoting good posture, reducing strain on muscles and joints, and encouraging movement throughout the day.

• Increases Productivity

  Ergonomic workstations can also help increase productivity by reducing fatigue and discomfort. When employees are comfortable and pain-free, they are able to focus more effectively on their work, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

• Improves Employee Health and Well-being

  Promoting employee health and well-being is important for any organization. By prioritizing ergonomics in the workplace, organizations can help to improve employee health and reduce the likelihood of injuries and illnesses that can lead to time off work.

• Reduces Workers Compensation Claims

  Workplace injuries and illnesses can be costly for organizations, both in terms of workers’ compensation claims and lost productivity. By prioritizing ergonomics and workplace safety, organizations can help to reduce the likelihood of injuries and illnesses, leading to fewer workers’ compensation claims and a more productive workforce.

How can office workers prioritize ergonomics in the workplace?

• Use Ergonomic Equipment

  Investing in ergonomic equipment such as chairs, keyboards, and computer monitors can help reduce the risk of injury and promote good posture. Employees should be encouraged to use these tools and to adjust them to fit their individual needs.

• Take Regular Breaks

  Sitting for extended periods of time can be detrimental to employee health. Encourage employees to take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around. This can help to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and promote overall health and wellbeing.

• Prioritize Posture

  Encourage employees to prioritize good posture while working. This can include sitting up straight, keeping feet flat on the floor, and aligning the ears, shoulders, and hips. Using ergonomic equipment can help promote good posture.

• Consider Workspace Layout

  Workspace layout can also play a role in promoting ergonomics and workplace safety. Encourage employees to position their equipment in a way that promotes good posture and reduces strain on muscles and joints. This can include adjusting the height of monitors and keyboards, and positioning chairs in a way that reduces strain on the back and neck.

Setting your workplace up for success

At M&G, we understand the importance of a safe and positive work environment. By prioritizing ergonomic workstations, organizations can help reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses, increase productivity, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Investing in proper equipment, encouraging regular breaks, promoting good posture, and considering workspace layout, organizations can create a safer, more productive, and more comfortable work environment for their employees.

For questions or more information, reach out to our office any time.