6 Office Ergonomics Tips to Help Your Staff Avoid Fatigue

On the job, injuries are common in every profession, whether you are stationed inside a warehouse, construction setting, or office. The injuries that an office worker may experience are often slowly progressive and are usually associated with fatigue on both physical and mental levels. Here are six ergonomics tips that you can relay to your staff as to how to office prevent fatigue and maintain productivity in the workplace.

1. Understand Common Injuries in Your Workplace

Most business owners and supervisors look for ways as to how to improve ergonomics in the workplace and by becoming more aware of the common injuries that may occur in your workplace, you can better prevent them and be able to put your best foot forward every day. Surprisingly, office workers have a rather high risk of obtaining injuries due to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) (overusing the hands to perform a repetitive task, such as typing, clicking a mouse, or writing). Muscle stiffness, strain, and overall bodily pain and discomfort (especially along the spinal region) also occur often among office workers.

2. Create an Ergonomic Workstation

• Most workers spend the majority of their workday at their desk or workstation so it is imperative that the area can provide both safety and comfortability throughout the entire shift.
• The chair should be supportive to both the back and buttocks and allow for a straight, upright seated position.
• To avoid arm fatigue, the keyboard should be close to the thigh area and the elbows should remain at a 90-degree angle while typing.
• To prevent any slipping of the sort, keep all cords covered and remove office supplies from the walkway.
• If the ground is sleek, never drink from cups without lids so that spills are less likely to occur. Properly dispose of any foods or drinks so that the area stays sanitary and free of pests.

3. Protect the Eyes

Protect the eyes at all cost. Human eyes are delicate vital organs and can easily become strained, damaged, or just plain tired.

• If you have prescription glasses, wear them at all times.
• Keep your monitor at arm’s length away.
• Be sure to blink often and close your eyes to give them a break periodically.
• Reading glasses may be beneficial for those who may develop sensitivity to computer monitors or bright lights or workers just looking to preserve their eye health.
• Another highly effective method for resting your eyes is to use the 20/20/20 rule. This rule suggests alleviating your eyes by looking at a fixed item 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds and repeating this process every 20 minutes.

4. Take Movement Breaks

Keeping the body moving is a way to prevent ergonomic injuries in the workplace and it also keeps the employees more alert. Immobility has crippling effects on the human body as we are active beings by nature. One of the most useful office ergonomics tips is to keep the body moving at least once per hour. Take short standing breaks, stroll around the office, and even do light stretches by your desk. The goal is to maintain focus, keep the blood flowing, and prevent muscles cramping.

5. Use a FootRest

Lack of arch support causes flattening of the foot, which results in foot fatigue and pain. Always keep your feet level to the ground; they should never dangle. A sure way to make this attainable is by using footrests. Footrests not only work to prevent leg strain but they also help to prevent associated lower back issues. They are helpful to both sitting and standing desks as they provide both stability and comfort.

6. Practice Good Posture

As tempting as it may be to slouch the day away, fight the urge so that your back doesn’t pay the price. Sitting or standing straight allows your muscles to work more efficiently so that they do not tire out too quickly. Slouching not only induces back pain but it also places pressure on the jawline and neck and could even cause permanent issues along the spinal cord. If slouching is too bad of a habit to break, try using a back brace throughout the workday.

Everyone deserves a safe, clean environment to work in. Practice these ergonomics to keep your staff productive and full of energy throughout each workday.