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Tuesday, 30 May 2023 11:27

Occupational safety for the back: tips for an ergonomic working environment

standing desk standing desk pixabay

Within just a few decades, back problems have taken the front ranks among the so-called widespread diseases. The origin is not infrequently rooted in occupations that require only very one-sided movement throughout the working day. The following article shows how an ergonomic work environment can reduce sick leave due to back problems.

 

Ergonomics is not difficult to implement in companies

Most business owners and employees have probably heard the word ergonomic before. What exactly is hidden behind it, on the other hand, not everyone is immediately aware of. In essence, ergonomics describes a concept in which an attempt is made to align the workplace to its optimum with regard to the person working there.

For occupations that involve more sitting, the goal is to adopt as natural a posture as possible, despite the limited freedom of movement. With the help of this concept, companies have the option of investing in preventive care and having fewer problems in the future with employees who are only able to work to a limited extent due to back problems. The implementation of ergonomic concepts can currently also be implemented with a manageable budget due to the selection of products.

Desks form the basis for the ergonomic workplace

Sedentary occupations pose the greatest risk of recurring back complaints due to everyday working life. This fact is now also sufficiently known to employers. Nevertheless, it is only in recent years that the perspective on office work has changed. The inventors of ergonomic desks are now questioning whether it is even necessary to perform typical office tasks exclusively in a seated position.

The standing desk serves as a counter design to the classic way of working. At these desks, employees can perform their activities while standing. Manufacturers of standing desks counter criticism of complaints that long periods of standing are also dangerous for the joints with height-adjustable office furniture. If the height can be adjusted with the help of an electric mechanism, a short push of a button is usually enough and it is possible to switch between standing and sitting within a few moments.

The optimal seat height prevents painful tension.

The standing desk is one of the options to pave the way to an ergonomic working height. Once this height is reached, the eyes rest on a direct line on the monitor or other work equipment. If the head has to be constantly lowered or held upwards, experts believe that this can cause complaints such as tense neck muscles to become more noticeable over time.

In addition to a height-adjustable desk, it is also important to pay attention to ergonomics when selecting office chairs. Chairs whose height can also be adjusted are considered optimal. In addition, the backrest should be adapted to the shape of the spine to provide improved support for the back when leaning against it.

Electronics in the workplace are also available in ergonomic form

The body has the ability to allow pain to radiate to other areas of the body. This is also evident from pain that occurs in the back. The spine or muscles in the back are not among the only triggers of discomfort that plague everyday working life. A cramped posture when typing on the keyboard or operating the mouse can also manifest itself in the form of back pain.

The way out in this area also starts with an ergonomic work environment. Both keyboards and other computer accessories are now available in an ergonomic design. In companies, this replacement is often one of the first measures to stop sending employees into the end of the day with tension and pain.