It is argued that we spend 14% of lives in our workplace so it is of great importance that conditions within our working environment are to the highest of standards so that we can perform to best of our abilities.

Ergonomics is based around the relationship of employees and their work environments in respect to both health and safety. If a working environment has good working ergonomics it can be said that the job adapts to the employees needs, capabilities and limitations.  

Assessing the fit between both the individual employee and their work is of paramount importance in understanding and improving ergonomics. It is important that we look at the following aspects:

• The job (Employee role).
• Physical condition and psychological characteristics of employee.
• Organisation environment.

Throughout your workforce you will find a varied range of both physical and psychological abilities and by assessing this it can help in the design and structuring of the equipment they use and the tasks they perform.

By understanding peoples limitations, abilities, job roles and the equipment they use in that role. It is possible to structure a safe working environment for everyone.

Ergonomics sets out to combat both physical and psychological problems in the workplace for instance a too high or too low workload or too little training for the role can result in poor performance and even illness.

How Can We Improve

To prevent health risks such as repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal disorders there is a need for the implementation of a proper ergonomic design as both of these disorders and injuries can end up causing long-term disability. So it is of benefit to everyone to educate and understand what can be introduced to develop the workplace ergonomically.

Using equipment with designs based around the understanding of ergonomics can only be good for productivity. For instance many workbench designs now have adjustable systems through interchangeable parts and accessories to accommodate different operators. Selecting the right tools and work stations for the job in hand will greatly give the employee the confidence that they are safe both physically and mentally in their working surroundings. Use tools which have padded handles, textured grips and tools that you can use with both hands to provide a safer environment.

Location of equipment is also an essential aspect as over stretching and twisting can cause long-term damage. Make equipment and materials easy for the employees to reach and have access to. Many people say that a work station which is waist high is comfortable against that of a workstation that is 6 inches below your waist which is not deemed ergonomic. 

Chairs and desks have been introduced that both have adjustable systems which accommodate the person using them. These adjustments make it easy for employees to configure the equipment to suit their individual requirements thus making their work surface or area more comfortable. 

Look at the overall environmental conditions, is the work place deemed too hot or too cold as problems in these areas can cause distress and health issues with employees. 

Most importantly educating employees about the benefits of ergonomics is paramount in reducing the risk of injuries. Some employees might not understand what can be done and ignore developing symptoms. By communicating with everyone in the workplace people gain a greater understanding. Maybe create leaflets or organise training seminars to employees so they are clear on procedures and options open to them. Taking this onboard can lead to a safe, healthy, ergonomic working environment.

BAC Systems Pty Limited is the leading provider of workspace solutions to diverse industries such as mining, educational, and automotive. They provide workspace tools and equipment to enhance workplace productivity.