How many hours per day do you and your employees spend in front of a computer? Do you suffer from several pains in your neck, shoulders, back and fingers? You are not alone! Did you know that two million people are injured each year as a result of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)?
The current competitive and tense work atmosphere can lead to high stress and several disabilities. So, it is important to create a healthier work environment for your business success. Show your employees you care about it and become ergonomic then!
Ergonomics is the scientific study of how to design a job, equipment and atmosphere that best “fits†the employees. With no doubt, a better workplace will have positive consequences in your business. You will have more motivated employees and better results. The thing is that “big biz has consultants or someone on staff but the small biz user was falling through the cracks as they couldn’t afford a consultantâ€, says Chris Sorrells, President of ErgonomicsSimplified.com, a Web site developed to help people that work from home or in small businesses that provides free training to teach users how to set up their workstation safely.
Still, there are several easy ways by which you can implement ergonomics in your every day activities of your small business. For instance, Ergonomicssimplified.com offers a free and short test to discover which aspects you should improve.
Now, let’s see some interesting tips to put into practice!
If you use a laptop, take into account that as the keyboard and screen are attached, improving the working safety with laptops is not an easy job. Still, there are several things you can do.
1) Separate devices: In your business, people who use a laptop probably work at a desk or fixed position. So, they can install a separate keyboard, mouse and monitor. This will help them acquire a better position.
2) Use a footrest: It is important that feet have contact with the floor. If you raise your chair, make sure you have a footrest or a phone book under your feet to reduce strain under your back.
3) Avoid working on your bed or the couch. It is better if you move to a table that is not too high.
4) The usage of the small touchpad in the middle of the laptop is not recommendable because it often increases the neck and shoulder muscle use and even more if you combine this with looking down at the screen.
For your desktop, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides several tips as well:
1)Â Â Â Â Â The top of the monitor should be at the same or just below your eye level.
2)Â Â Â Â Â Your head and neck should be balanced and in-lined with your torso.
3)Â Â Â Â Â Shoulders must be relaxed.
4)Â Â Â Â Â Lower back should be supported.
5)Â Â Â Â Â You should have adequate room for your keyboard and mouse.
Ergonomics is an investment on your business and you shouldn’t avoid it. It’s time to do something in order to take care of your employees’ health and safety in this aspect, isn’t it? You will be able to become more productive and responsible! Besides, it will also improve your image and your employees will feel safer and motivated without any pains.
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