Worksite International Blog

Help any employee who uses a computer with these 5 simple steps to set up an office ergonomic workstation. The steps are easy. Start first with establishing neutral posture in the chair with your feet on the floor or footrest. Then progress to keyboard and mouse placement (keyboard tray), followed by desk height adjustment as able, then monitor height, and lastly, organize everything else within easy reach.

Good ergonomics takes practice. Whether sitting or standing, follow the five steps every day to make them a habit! Print out the infographic below and tack it to your cubical panel or somewhere convenient where everyone can see it.

Under Federal Law, there are currently no regulations mandating ergonomics training for employees. However, there are OSHA standards in hazard awareness explicitly requiring employers to train employees in safe and healthy work practices. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors is a known hazard for many jobs. So, it makes sense to educate employees on how these exposures could impact them or cause a musculoskeletal disorder, and how they can minimize the risks.

In my work as an ergonomist, I conduct routine preventive and post-injury ergonomic evaluations. For years, I’ve asked each employee, “Do you know what ergonomics is?” and “When was the last time you attended ergonomics training?” The answers are almost always “not sure” and “never!”

Understanding how to set up and adjust one’s workstation is not intuitive. Employees must be taught how to do so. I often say, “We all know how to do our jobs, but no one has ever taught us how to work with good ergonomics!”. I’ve seen this over and over and it’s why I’ve been in business for 26 years! So, what is the solution?

Training is an investment in your employees, your most critical asset and provides an opportunity to truly enhance performance, knowledge, and skills. Choosing to make it voluntary or mandatory is important in experiencing the desired outcome. Employers most often choose to offer ergonomics training on a voluntary basis rather than making it mandatory. When training is voluntary, it diminishes the importance and makes it optional. By doing so, the message is clear, “You don’t really need this; we are offering this because we think we should."

The World Health Organization describes work-related stress as having the potential to negatively affect an individual’s psychological and physical health - and an organization’s effectiveness. It’s a significant challenge to workers’ and organizational health world-wide.

Here’s a story about how Rachael, an administrative assistant, had trouble resolving her physical discomfort even after medical management and ergonomics. You’ll discover steps organizations can take to deal with complex workers’ comp claims.

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Many employers ask whether they must provide sit to stand workstations when employees request them. Employers are confused about how to be fair across the board concerning the implementation of these adjustable solutions. We have all seen it… provide for one employee and suddenly, it’s contagious and they all want it… whether it will benefit them or not. What is often lacking is a clearly defined policy and procedure for providing sit to stand workstations. Having a policy and procedure gives employers and employees structure, control and a fair-minded approach to this popular workplace solution.

The 2019 Ergo Expo held at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas has come and gone now. But it leaves us with more innovation this year than we have seen in a while. Old and new companies with new products were on display for ergonomics professionals to evaluate, test and even take home. I’ve attended this show for the last 2 and a half decades consistently and it never fails to disappoint! There is always too much to absorb than time allows, and this year was no different.

Ergo-Buyer Beware

“Caveat Emptor” or buyer beware fits well when employers are selecting ergonomics service providers. The phrase arises from the fact buyers often have less information about the services they are purchasing than the seller is indicating to them.

Buyers of ergonomics services don’t necessarily understand the science of ergonomics and what makes a good ergonomics consultant, the differences in their education, training, and experiences which impacts the quality of service provided, the fees charged and ultimately the results the buyer or employer will achieve. These days, ergonomic credentials and certifications are like a bowl of alphabet soup!

Every employer has employees exposed to ergonomic risk factors in the workplace. Whether it is repetitive motion, awkward postures or forceful exertion, all employees face these primary risk factors. These are the most common precursors to a work injury.

With the growing interest in ergonomics as a corporate strategy to promote health and wellness, it’s a perfect time for employers to assure they have adequate ergonomics knowledge in-house to solve day to day employee concerns related to workstation and work practice needs.