Many people spend a lot of time every day desks to work in an office environment and unfortunately don't give much thought to ergonomic work. However, ergonomic workplace design is not only very important for the quality of the work results, it also avoids health problems that can arise with incorrect workplace ergonomics. Poor work results can be directly related to a lack of workplace ergonomics. Possible absences due to health problems are also counteracted. In this article we will look at some important points about what ergonomic office furniture should look like for ergonomically correct work.
Important key points for the correct ergonomics of workplaces:
- General information about ergonomics in the workplace
- Desk space and standing column
- The right desk height
- Optimal chair
- Desk furnishings
- Organization of utensils
- You have to move
- Conclusion
Ergonomics in the workplace – general
The aspects of ergonomics in the workplace are complex. It starts with ergonomic sitting and goes on Lighting in the office and ultimately also affects correct behavior like Back exercises in the office and alternative jobs. Error in Set up office can lead to back problems and ultimately to employee absenteeism due to a lack of ergonomics in the workplace.
For example, if you sit incorrectly, tension can occur in your shoulders. It can go so far that nerves in the shoulders become pinched. Incorrect sitting position and arm posture at the office desk can even lead to so-called carpal tunnel syndrome in the long term, in which the nerves in the wrist are affected. If you haven't given much thought to workplace ergonomics, now is the time Health at work think more carefully.
Desk space and standing column
In addition to a regular office desk, placing a standing column is a good way to prevent back problems. By changing posture, the spine is relieved and one-sided postures are avoided. Changing postures is particularly important for ergonomics in the workplace.
The right desk height
For proper workplace ergonomics, you must ensure that there is enough space between your thighs and the table top for unhindered movement. Use the table's adjustment features and take the time to find the optimal setting. For correct ergonomics in the workplace, the settings should be based on DIN EN 1729-1:2016-02. Example: If you are between 1.74 meters and 2.07 meters tall, the table top should be at a height of approximately 83 cm from the floor.
Optimal chair
One of the most important things when it comes to ergonomics in the workplace is of course the chair. In addition to ergonomically adjustable elements, it should have individually adjustable suspension on the seat and back. Some chairs even offer the option of adjusting the angle and forward movement of the seat. But other things can also help to make working while sitting more ergonomic. You don't have to buy an incredibly expensive designer chair. Even small details and changes make sense.
|
Ergonomics in the workplace: requirements for the office chair |
|
|---|---|
|
Seat |
One of the most basic things you need is a comfortable seat. A hard stool is not good for your health in the long term. A good chair with a high-quality seat cushion makes working more comfortable. Breathable material ensures good air circulation. |
|
Armrests |
Good chairs should have adjustable armrests. They should be adjustable low enough to keep the shoulders relaxed and the elbows at about a 90 degree angle to the table surface. |
|
Adjustable seat height |
Adjusting the correct seat height is much easier than adjusting the desk height. The seat height should be adjusted so that the thighs are parallel to the floor and the feet are flat on the floor. The arms should be able to rest freely and unhindered on the desk top. |
|
Adjustable backrest |
The backrest of the chair should not only be adjustable up and down, but also in angle. In general, the angle should be adjusted to point forward to stabilize posture. The further back it shifts, the more likely it is that poor posture will occur. |
|
Freely rotating and swiveling castors |
A good chair should have free-moving 360° wheels. This enables problem-free, short changes of location in front of the office desk. The radius of action also increases without having to change location. |
The office desk
Even if only the mouse, keyboard and monitor are placed on the table, it should be ensured that they are arranged correctly for optimal workplace ergonomics. Place the mouse and keyboard as close together as possible. This saves the poor people unnecessary long distances when reaching around. Ideally, the keyboard lies in the middle of the table surface. A sliding or adjustable keyboard tray can also be helpful for correct ergonomics in the workplace. Make sure the keyboard and mouse are at the same height so that your elbows bend at an angle of about and your wrists don't have to bend when typing.
Organization of utensils
To work ergonomically, make sure that the most important utensils are easily accessible from your desk surface. You shouldn't have to reach for something too often, so use the space wisely to store the things you need to use often. Everything else can be stored in drawers or other parts of the office. The swivel chair helps with this: If your chair can swivel, you have more space for the things that need to be close by.
You have to move
Not only does the general ergonomics of the workplace matter, but you must also always pay attention to your posture when working, otherwise you will not be able to reap the benefits of your ergonomic workplace. Here are the things you should consider every day for proper workplace ergonomics.
Your keyboard is directly in front of you and at the right height for a 90 degree angle in your arms. Your monitor is at eye level, so you don't have to crane your neck up or down to see. Keep your shoulders and back relaxed: Tense shoulder and back muscles cause problems. Between two work steps, stand up and take a few steps, loosening up all of your body muscles, ideally with small gymnastic exercises.
Take small screen breaks. Every 20 minutes, take about 20 seconds to look away from your screen at something about five to seven meters away from you. This relaxes the eye muscles.
Conclusion
Ergonomics in the workplace doesn't just depend on the office furniture off. The correct adjustment of the furniture is an important aspect in order to use the ergonomic office furniture effectively. To sit ergonomically correctly is a good one Office chair for back pain the best solution. Short breaks with relaxation exercises prevent tension or incorrect posture. Ergonomic workplace design is an important point in maintaining the health of employees and not only prevents absenteeism due to back problems, for example. If employees are impaired by inadequate ergonomics in the workplace, the quality of the work results automatically suffers. Investing in ergonomic office furniture is therefore an investment in your health. Ergonomics in the workplace should never be underestimated; an ergonomic workplace is the prerequisite for good work results.