Every employee is unique in size and shape so and providing them with a proper workstation setup may be a challenging task to complete. Each individual has a set of physical and ergonomic needs, preferences, and work requirements. All of that must be considered to create a comfortable and ideal workstation for them.
The challenges lies in accommodating different body types, segments, and physical capabilities. We need to consider anthropometric measurements and studies performed on capabilities and fatigue. Employees will vary in height, reach, and mobility. It is necessary to incorporate adjustability in desks, chairs, and monitors to ensure neutral postures and comfort. Some people require specialized equipment depending on their needs or further accommodations for preexisting medical conditions.
Employees also have job roles that change and are different from others. There are tasks which demand a set of tools or software/hardware combinations. So, tailoring the workstation setup to meet the specific requirements of employees is a complicated process that should involve an ergonomic specialist. Specially employers that have a wide range of roles and responsibilities translating to varying job demands.
Ideal workstation setup involves considering factors around the job site like employee interactions. Social environments create collaboration that can support a feeling of relaxation, concentration, and productivity. This can end up leading to overall notions of well-being.
Employers might adopt various approaches like standing workstations or offering ergonomic consultations with employees to assess individual ergonomic needs. Feedback from employees in the form of surveys helps to close loops and gaps between the workers needs and assistance to ensure job satisfaction, comfort, and high productivity.
Who should we ask for help?
Ergonomic consulting specialists play a vital role in the workplace to help adjust the workstation setups that are ideal for each individual. These professionals are skilled enough in understanding a fit of the workstation. Similar to getting a suit or anything else fitted to the body, a workstation is no different.
Ergonomic consultants will usually help make the proper adjustments real time with employees. If these adjustments can not be made right then, products may be recommended to be ordered. Or, makeshift things are used for temporary adjustments. And as mentioned, ergonomic specialists also have extensive knowledge in ergonomic products on the market. They can recommend and possibly source ergonomic furniture to best support an employees’ needs. Common suggestions include items like desks, task chairs, stands, keyboard trays/drawers, and other accessories.
By collaborating with an ergonomic consultant or ergonomic specialist your organization can ensure that employees’ workstations are ideally set up to minimize the risk of an ergonomic related injury which is known to be of highest prevalence of all injuries in the workplace.
If you an owner of company and your employees need adjustment to their workstation, no matter what industry it is, our ergonomic specialist will help you conduct ergonomic assessments for your employees. Call ERGOBILITY today and schedule a consultation with our local ergonomist. Check our website now!
