Ergonomics are often overlooked when it comes to the overall design of the workspace. A conventional workspace houses multiple hazards that pose serious health risks for the employees. Such hazards can be chemical, biological, safety, or physical. But, out of them, all the most common threats that can be found in every workspace are ergonomic risks.
Before we move on further, you should know what the word ergonomic means. Simply defined, ergonomics is the science dealing with the design of the workplace to ensure efficiency and comfort.
Ergonomic hazards not only affect the physical and mental health of the workers but also reduces the overall productivity of the workforce. Lack of proper ergonomics is one of the leading causes of work leaves based on musculoskeletal problems. But, the good news is that these hazards can be taken care of with just a little bit of effort and investment.
Here we have provided you with a list of commonly found ergonomic hazards in the workplace and how you can deal with them.
1. Poor Posture
Several elements can contribute to poor posture and unhealthy sitting positions. The unavailability of proper ergonomic seating arrangements in offices has been affecting the posture-health of millions of employees all over the world.
The majority of office jobs require a person to sit for more than 6 hours. In this situation, if the workplace lacks ergonomic chairs and other furniture that ensures proper posture, it will definitely lead to the development of musculoskeletal injuries among the employees.
Solution:
The employer should consider replacing common office chairs with ergonomic ones that favor posture health. For instance, you can try the Flexispot office chair which is one of the best ergonomic options available when it comes to office chairs.
2. Extended Stationary Positions
For employees who have a desk job, it is easy to get immersed in work and stay at their workstation for hours. But, sitting at a desk for too long is an ergonomic hazard and it not only affects the employee’s health but also their productivity.
Sitting in a stationary position for extended periods can lead to health issues such as excess body fat and high blood sugar levels. Other than that, being in the mentioned position for too long is bad for your spine and muscles as well.
Solution:
This problem can be solved by increasing awareness among your employees regarding the extended still position. Encourage practices such as stretching and going out for a walk every of couple hours.
3. Excessive Noise
Continuously disturbing noises within the workplace are also one of the major ergonomic hazards. Employers should make sure that the employees are provided with a quiet and peaceful working space where they can focus on their work. Excessive noise can lead to distraction which further leads to lower productivity and can add to the feeling of frustration and anxiety among the employees.
Solution:
If the workplace is situated in an area where excessive noises are unavoidable then it is highly recommended to business owners to invest in a sound-proofing workspace.
4. Inadequate Air Quality
Improper ventilation within a workspace can be extremely hazardous. The percentage of oxygen within the room should be up to standards. If the air ventilation system is not maintained regularly, it can cause the air quality within the space to deteriorate. Poor air quality can be extremely unhealthy for employees, further, it can become impossible for employees with specialized conditions like asthma to work in the office.
Solution:
Even if you have an open floor plan and less than 20 employees in your workforce, you have to make sure that the space has appropriate. If not, make it your number one priority to get it fixed.
5. Poor Lighting
Poor or inadequate lighting is quite common in workplaces. Most of the time it is not even noticeable but it can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. On top of that, it can cause severe eye strain if the person has to work for more than 7 hours within lighting that is not appropriate for that particular task.
If the lighting is too dim, it will encourage the feelings of drowsiness and laziness. Whereas bright lights can cause frequent headaches and improved stress.
Solution:
The best option is to have an appropriate amount of natural light within the workspace if possible. Natural light is the best option when it comes to ergonomic lighting options within the office. But, if the environment doesn’t allow natural light then the man-made lights that mimic natural light can be used.
6. Poorly Designed Workstations
The architecture of the office and workstations influences the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Poor workstation arrangement might have long-lasting implications.
Solution:
Multiple characteristics of a workstation may either raise or minimize the risk of harm. Workers who are on the phone while typing with both hands will utilize their shoulder to hold the phone's headpiece, putting them at risk for shoulder or neck injuries. Utilizing a headset so that they may converse without using their hands is a safer alternative.
Injuries to the shoulder may result from the removal of heavy files from shelves that are too high and positioned too high. So, it should be made sure that the shelves are at an appropriate height.
Creating workstations based on the jobs people do and the manner they work may greatly minimize the incidence of workplace injuries.
Final Word
Ergonomic risks should ideally be evaluated and removed throughout the workplace design planning phase. The good news is that the majority of workplace hazards may be eliminated at any time to lessen the health risks to employees.FlexiSpot, office chair, chair, ergonomic chair, health, office work, home office1
If workers like their work and feel comfortable, they are more likely to be creative and productive. However, if they are uncomfortable in their workplace, then it will only lead to decreased productivity, creativity, and of work of poor quality. So, the employers should make sure that their employees are comfortable and their health is well taken care of in the workplace.
