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Ergonomic workstations
Ergonomic misconceptions Most of us learn from a young age that if something is good for us, it’s likely not very pleasant. Spinach comes to mind. Vaccines too. Nowadays it’s exercise and low-fat foods. We’re taught throughout our lives that if it’s good for us, it probably must be suffered and endured. Unfortunately, that same thinking has seeped into our ideas about healthy workplace postures and behaviors. Despite what your mother said, sitting up straight is not good for you. And despite what the old ergonomic theories proposed, sitting with your body at 90-degree angles is not the healthiest way to spend a workday. In terms of workplace ergonomics, the real truth is that comfort and health are synonymous. In other words, if you’re not comfortable at your desk, you are probably sitting and working in an unhealthy way. Another misconception is that greater adjustability equals better ergonomics. While adjustability is a critical component of most ergonomic products, given the opportunity, users may unknowingly adjust themselves into unhealthy postures and working positions. What’s important is that products be adjustable within a safe operating range, and that they don’t allow untrained users to put themselves at risk. Given that the vast majority of users know very little about ergonomics or proper workstation set-up, it’s not surprising that when they are free to set up their own workstations, they place their keyboard, mouse, monitor, copy holder, etc. based on factors such as available desk space and personal habits. In this all-too-common scenario, the likelihood of their workspace being set up appropriately is next to nil. Furthermore, adjustability does not alone guarantee usability. If the adjustments on a piece of equipment are too cumbersome or complicated to use, then people will likely not use them. At that point, there is no ergonomic benefit despite the adjustable features. So, highly adjustable products must also be easy to use. Lastly, while this may come as a surprise, not all products labeled “ergonomic” are actually good for you. There are currently no laws in place and no governing bodies overseeing the use of the “ergonomic” label, which means that anyone can call any product “ergonomic” – from tortilla chips to dog food bowls and toasters.. As a result, the label has been overused and watered down, creating confusion about what is and is not “ergonomic.” Bottom line, ergonomics in the workplace is serious business, and product functionality and claims ought to be backed up by research and testing Creating a Healthy Workstation by Rhonda Crenshaw, Director of Humanscale’s National Ergonomic Group |
