Did you know that poorly designed workstations contribute the most to work-related illnesses and injuries? Today, a massive number of employees conduct work activities sitting at their workstations for hours. A poor workstation set up, which entails inappropriate seating postures, can be an ergonomic hazard that can lead to many health problems. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ergonomics is the concept of fitting job demands and workplace conditions to the capabilities of the workforce. For a computer workstation, ergonomics is all about maintaining a proper working posture and arranging suitable accessories and components. At the end of the day, employees should be physically comfortable and not experience any pain or discomfort. Why Get Computer Workstations Assessed Every year, a large number of working professionals are diagnosed with illnesses directly linked to poorly designed workstations. The most common issue includes Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which occur from the repeated deterioration and trauma of the joints, nerves, tissues, and tendons that impact the supporting structures and muscles of the body. The parts of the body affected by MSDs include arms, fingers, back, legs, shoulders, hands, neck, and wrists. In the earliest stages of the condition, the person can experience muscle cramping, aching, weakness, stiffness, and/or pain in a specific area. A specific type of MSD that's caused by the performance of a repetitive task is known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). It may result from the simplest of activities such as typing, mouse-clicking, or writing. OSHA reports that MSDs account for around 600,000 serious illnesses and injuries in the US. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, ergonomic disorders happen to be the fastest-growing category of work-related illnesses. Based on BLS data, 272,780 MSD cases were reported in the US private sector in 2018. Among these, the majority of patients were aged between 45 and 64, inclusive. Based on research published in the US National Library of Medicine, staying in a sitting position at work for more than 95% of the time can easily lead to neck pain, while non-neutral positions are known to cause MSDs. Given the stats, by now, you should have realized how important ergonomics is. The most effective solution to avoid and treat the above-mentioned problems is to make necessary changes to the work environment. Contact Your Local Ergonomic Specialist If you suspect ergonomic hazards in your working environment or have noticed employees complaining about health conditions, consider computer workstation assessments at your earliest. Ergobility LLC is by far the most reliable service provider in the San Francisco Bay Area. Operated by Allen Yagjian, a CPE certified ergonomist, the company has been serving in the region for 13 years. It will not only help you identify ergonomic hazards and suggest practical solutions, but it will also assist you in choosing the perfect furniture and equipment to ensure a healthy workplace. For reliable and detailed computer workstation assessments, contact Ergobility LLC today.