Proper Ergonomics in the Workplace
Proper ergonomics in the workplace is vital for insuring maximum productivity and preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Despite the fact we know how important proper ergonomics is, it amazes me to still see so many people using poor ergonomics in the workplace.
In physical therapy, we typically see two types of work-related musculoskeletal injuries:
1. Injuries caused from poor postures over time.
2. Injuries caused from lack of knowledge on proper body mechanics.
There are literally thousands of jobs out there, each with different physical requirements and demands. Obviously, it would be impossible to address the proper ergonomic guidelines for every job in this one article. However, whether you work primarily sitting in an office, in construction, or in another physically demanding job, there are some very important ergonomic guidelines you can implement to improve your ergonomics in the workplace and lessen work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Keys to Ensuring Proper Ergonomics in the Workplace
Here are a few important tips you can incorporate to implement your own ergonomics program and improve your ergonomics in the workplace.
1. Function in Your Neutral Spine – For those of you not familiar with this concept, the neutral spine is basically the position that the spine functions best in; it is an optimal position for your back. In your neutral spine, there is not any extra pressure on the discs and ligaments of the spine.
If you are not familiar with this concept, watch the link below to learn how to find your neutral spine in standing. Whether you do a lot of sitting, or your job is very physically demanding, you have to learn to sit, move and function throughout the day in your neutral spine. Doing so will eliminate unnecessary stress on your spine and decrease your chance of musculoskeletal disorders.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/thebackuniversity/neutralspine/neutalspinestanding.mp4
2. Learn Proper Sitting and Standing Posture – Proper posture is vitally important to good ergonomics in the workplace and decreasing unnecessary stress on your neck and back. If you think about it, our back never rests…it feels the effects of posture 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That’s the biggest reason I’m so big on proper posture!
Most of us feel like we should have better posture, but many people have no idea what proper posture is. If that’s you, watch the video at the link below to learn what proper posture is.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/thebackuniversity/ergonomics/backpainchair.mp4
Again, whether you spend most of your day sitting or performing very physically demanding tasks, you have to learn how to sit, stand, and move with proper posture. For five quick tips on how you can improve your posture starting today, read the article at the link below.
Better Posture
1. Implement Proper Movement Patterns – Movement patterns are the way we move as we perform certain activities on a daily basis, and they are crucial for a healthy back. If you have a job that requires you to lift boxes frequently throughout the day, you will develop a certain movement pattern for how you get this done. If you lift the boxes with good form, you will minimize your chance of a back injury while lifting. If you continuously lift with your back instead of your legs, you have developed a poor movement pattern that increases your risk of a lower back injury.
Ergonomics in the Workplace is a Daily Event
You have to become consciously aware of how your body is moving throughout the day. Start paying close attention to what position your back, neck, and shoulders are in during all your daily activities. Make sure you are holding your neutral spine when you are walking, squatting, lifting, sitting, getting up from a chair, or getting into your car. Learning to do simple activities with proper form will improve your body’s efficiency and help minimize work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
None of the keys we discussed above are physically difficult, but they are things you have to work on every day. That’s because poor posture, movement patterns, and ergonomics in the workplace are habits that take time, knowledge, and dedication to correct. The good news is…you can gain the knowledge you need to succeed in all these areas at The Back University. Sign up on our web-site today to learn how we can further help you improve your ergonomics in the workplace.