The Rules of Office Ergonomics
By Sara Butler
Ergonomics are important in everyday life and can have a major impact on your health. You spend so much time at work that it’s a good idea to have your workspace set up in a way that is ergonomically correct. Here are some of the best ergonomic tips for your office that will not only help your body to feel better and keep back and neck pain at bay, but might make you more productive too – just ask your chiropractor!
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is a mish-mash of different areas of study that all meld together to help the worker (you) create a better environment (the workplace). The basis of ergonomics is to create a workspace that is adjusted precisely for the worker. Even though this is a pretty widely known idea, many times the worker has to adjust to their environment instead of the other way around. This approach lands you right in your chiropractor’s office complaining of back and neck pain.
When you can understand how to apply ergonomics to your workplace then you can save yourself from pain or discomfort that is unnecessary. Your chiropractor may enjoy seeing you and giving you adjustments, but they’d rather see a healthy and happy you for maintenance adjustments than to correct subluxations you’ve gotten from working all day in a space that isn’t kind to your body.
Ergonomic Rule No. 1: Keep Things at a Comfortable Distance
If you sit at a desk and work you should make sure to keep things you use regularly at a comfortable distance for you to reach. If you have to constantly move your body in order to reach something then you will only tire out your body and make for a more uncomfortable day. You should aim to place objects you use most often at a distance you can reach with your elbows still bent and near your body.
Ergonomics Rule No. 2: Make Sure Your Chair is Adjusted Correctly
When you sit in a chair all day you may constantly be searching for a comfortable position, sometimes without even realizing you’re doing it. If you have a chair that is designed ergonomically correct, then you will be able to maintain a position where your upper arms and lower legs are always vertical, your forearms and thighs are horizontal and your lower back is always supported by the back of the chair.
Ergonomics Rule No. 3: Your Computer Screen Should Be At Eye Level
If you find that you have to constantly look down to see your computer screen, this will create a forward head posture that can wreak havoc on your neck and shoulders. Your eyes should be parallel to the top of the computer screen, your screen should be between 18 and 30 inches away from your eyes and your screen should be tilted at 15 to 20 degrees as well.
If you need more guidance in dealing with ergonomics in your workplace you should talk to your chiropractor about it during your next visit to The Joint Chiropractic.