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Office Space, Ergonomics 101 |
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Ergonomics is considered the science of the workplace wherein work and working conditions of an office space or workplace are adapted in such as way so as to suit the individual employees or workers. Basically, it researches solutions to the problems that arise from people adjusting to their workplace environment. But how do you know if your work habits and/or your work-station (or area) need improvement? Here are six questions that you can ask yourself to determine if your working area passes the test.
#1 - When your workday is finished, do your eyes feel tired? If they do, there is a good possibility that the display or lighting in your office space or work area need adjustment or even replacement. Additionally, you may need to start practicing "eye fitness training."
#2 - Do you suffer from frequent soreness or stiffness in your neck and shoulder areas? First of all, you may need to take a serious look at your phone posture. Next, consider your reach distance with your phone. Finally, check your chair height, keyboard, monitor display, and mouse. Distance and reach factors may need to be addressed.
#3 - When working at your computer, do you experience noticeable back discomfort and pain? Check the back rest on your chair and how it may be affecting your posture while working in your office space.
#4 - Where your forearms, hands, and wrists are concerned, have you started or have you been experiencing numbness, pain, or tingling in those areas? You may need to adjust either your chair height or the position of your mouse and keyboard. Also, examine your posture while sitting and the position of your wrists.
#5 - Do your ankles and feet feel numb or swollen? Is there cramping and stiffness in your legs? Check your chair height and adjust if necessary. Also, consider appropriating or purchasing a footrest for your office space.
#6 - When your workday ends, do you feel totally exhausted? Analyze lifestyle habits for factors that can contribute to your exhaustion, such as exercise, proper nutrition, rest, and stress reduction. Your comfort and health is a round-the-clock job. Practicing ergonomics in your home as well as in your office space can improve your comfort and health at home or at the workplace.
When it comes to designing your home office, you can apply the above to that same scenario as well. Whether your workplace is in your home or away from, proper ergonomics should be practiced. Here are four physical aspects to address when you are dealing with either a workplace or your home office.
First of all, let's take your eyes into consideration. The top of your monitor should be just below eye level. The neck should be bent no more than 15° up or down. And your eyes should be between 24 to 36 inches from the monitor.
Second, make sure you are sitting firmly against the back of your office chair. The back and shoulders need to be in their natural position, yet relaxed.
Next, your elbows need to rest closely to your body and comfortably on your arm rests. The forearms should be at a 90° angle to the upper arms. The wrists need to also be at that angle, and the fingers should curve slightly upward enabling for comfortable and gentle typing.
Finally, the knees should be bent at 90° and the feet should be firmly planted on the floor or a footrest. All of these practices equate to better ergonomics while working in your office space. |
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