Working in an office typically involves spending most of your time sitting down in a chair at a computer - a position that can add stress to many part of your body. To avoid straining your spine, it is important to have a workspace that works for you ergonomically. The Back Store explores office ergonomics and illustrates some simple solutions you can implement today. TheBackstore_OfficeErgonomics Marketing Graphic

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Office Ergonomics: How to Improve Your Workspace

What is Ergonomics? Definition: An applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. The practice grew out of the increasing costs associated with workplace injuries to the soft tissues in the body such as:
  • Muscles
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments
  • Nerves
  • Blood vessels
40% of compensation claims among office workers pertain to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, often linked to poor posture over a computer. Work-related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms:
  • Neck strain
  • Lower back pain
  • Hand and wrist tendinitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
Lost productive time due to back pain, headache, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal discomfort costs U.S. companies an estimated $61.2 billion per year. These injuries are responsible for over 70,000 lost work days per year on average. Work-related causes of injury:
  • 33% computer related
  • 32% lifting and carrying
  • 35% general office work
Top 3 office posture mistakes:
  • Reaching forward to use a mouse
  • Hunching one shoulder to cradle a telephone
  • Looking down at papers lying flat on a desk
Repetitive motions can double your chances of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Office workers with poor workstation design are 3 times more likely to report pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders than those with ergonomic design. From an ergonomics standpoint, the most important piece of office equipment is the chair. This is because lower back pain remains the most prevalent and costly work-related musculoskeletal disorder facing industry, both in the United States and in other industrialized countries. What to look for in a chair:
  • A comfortable cushion – Gel cushions or memory foam cushions offer the most support.
  • Adjustable seat height – The healthiest knee angle should is 90 degrees with feet firmly planted on the floor.
  • Capability to recline – This helps minimize stress on the intervertebral discs.
  • Adjustable lumbar support – This reduces stress on the back and upper body.
  • Adjustable armrests – These allow for comfort during a variety of tasks.
  • Arm supports that connect to the backrest – These move with the user so they are optimally positioned while reclining or upright.
  • Adjustable seat pan – This can eliminate contact stress on the backs of the legs.
  • Swivel – Chair should easily rotate so the user can reach different areas of his or her desk without straining