4 Ergonomic Problems You May Encounter in The Workplace

The term “ergonomics” refers to a discipline that defines the relationship between a person and its work environment. It takes into account the pieces of furniture the workspace has and the proximity you have to them. If we take into account this concept, we can conclude that an office should remain as ergonomic as possible at all times.

If an office is not ergonomic, it can lead to many problems that range from discomfort to backache. These problems may get worse as the person ages, but every individual is different. Hence, it is necessary to equip every office with ergonomic furniture to make sure you feel comfortable at all times.

Ergonomic products make work easier, increase the productivity of employees, and much more. In short, these are the most desiring products and every modern office must be equipped with them. But the common question here is that does ergonomics have problems too? Well, the answer is yes. Like everything else around, ergonomics also contains a high list of advantages and disadvantages both.

So, ergonomics problems should also be discussed to find the right solutions for them. In the following paragraphs, we have listed 4 ergonomics problems you may encounter in the workplace. Let’s find out these ergonomic problems and solutions for your workstation!

1. Failure to Operate in Neutral Position

Most ergonomics, like ergonomic chairs, fail to maintain a neutral position, and it is one of the biggest ergonomic problems in the workplace.  A human body must always stay in a neutral position to work and perform better. Plus, a neutral position also possesses some high benefits like it provides lower pressure to your body, makes your skeletal system stay in a better position, and saves you from injury. However, you do not get the same comfort with most of the ergonomics unless you have from a good brand like the ErgoChair Ultra by Autonomous that provides excellent comfort and also ensures you get a neutral position. However, what is a neutral position?

Solution: Create a Neutral Position

Your body gets a neutral position when it is in “L” shape. The body gets lengthened and aligned. The head should be above the shoulders. It should not tilt backward, forward, or to the sides. The hips should be aligned with the hips and form an angle of 110 degrees. This will reduce pressure from your bones. For supporting the upper body, you should create a bend on your knees, the bend of 90 degrees. During the process, keep your feet flat on the floor. Adjust chair height to ensure this position. You can also use a flat stole if your chair is not adjustable.

2. Repetitive Movements

Sitting on the same chair for hours is boring. Human needs change to stay productive and have better moods. That’s why employees move continuously even while sitting on the chair, and it is one of the major ergonomic problems in the office. A lot of injuries happen over time and slowly. The pain in your arms, back, or feet does not happen at once. It takes time with each repetitive movement. What are these motions?  Every movement counts, from answering calls to typing a letter. The consistent use of your muscles and body parts develops stress in your muscles, pressurizes bones, and disturbs your musculoskeletal system. So, what is the solution here? The answer is to switch tasks.

Switch Tasks Continually

Set a specific schedule for yourself, let’s say an hour. Then, switch your tasks after every hour. This will prevent repetitive movements and save you from all the possible injuries. When you switch from one task to another, the body parts involved in the task take a rest, and it recovers. This also ensures you stay productive. For this, we also recommend employees get some efficient ergonomic tools. For instance, a good standing desk, ergonomic chair, and other helpful accessories. Make sure these items offer adjustability.

3. Bad Position

Here is another ergonomic problem. Seating in a bad position is normal in offices, even in schools. People hardly care about how they sit while working. A bad position happens when employees do not sit in a neutral position. This normally happens when we concentrate too much on work and do not pay much attention to how we work. in an awkward position, the efficiency of muscles lowers, and your productivity decreases. You get easily tired, and you require more energy to work better. Besides, it also causes musculoskeletal injury. Some bad positions include reaching, twisting, bending, and lifting, etc. Plus, when you place a laptop, monitor, or keyboard, etc., at a farther location, then you can fall prey to a bad position. But don’t worry because it has a solution which is discussed below.

Keep Your Items Close

Whatever you are working on, place that closer. For instance, if you are writing something on a paper or notebook, etc., then put that closer or move your chair closer. Keep everything within reach of your arms. Keeping the body closer helps in maintaining a neutral position. Your body won’t bend, twist, or get into a bad position. If you feel a little uncomfortable or in pain, then take a break. Make sure to change your position, stretch your muscles, and place things closer.

4. Seating on the Same Position

Seating in the same position for a longer duration can tire your body, which is an extreme ergonomic problem. It has also been suggested through research. When the body stays static for a longer duration, then there is a high chance of suffering from musculoskeletal injury, obesity, and even type-2 diabetes.

But the solution to this ergonomic problem is simple, which is discussed ahead.

Get Up Frequently

To avoid this ergonomic problem, while seated in the same position, take a break every 30 minutes to get up and move a little. Do a lap around the office, walk for a while, stand for a while and stretch, and involve your body in some physical activities. For example, if you have an office standing desk, then take your items and work there for a while. These short breaks can be very helpful in maintaining good health, lower body pain, and better work performance. 

Employers have the prime responsibility of taking care of all their employees. Employers must never compromise on the health and safety of their employees. As an employer, look for the best office chair for lower back pain to save your employees from painful back pain. For the above solutions, arrange sessions to make your employees aware. Along with the above-mentioned issues, tell them about some other problems like sitting cross-legged on a chair. Encourage them to take care.