The Importance of Ergonomics
Ergonomics, or the ‘study of work’, is a systematic method of applying biomechanical principles to the work place. While BACKCoach recommends many different ways to feel better at work and in your life, applying ergonomics principles that allow, support and encourage proper body mechanics can go a long way in improving your overall comfort and productivity.
The word ‘comfort’ is key, because when you are comfortable at work, you are less likely to experience pain or injury, while, conversely, if you are uncomfortable it may be an indication that pain or injury may be coming your way.
If you feel uncomfortable at work, the first thing to do (assuming there is not an injury that is the source of the pain) is to learn how to balance your posture, as your body is designed. By building this solid foundation of balanced body mechanics, you can apply the principles to everything you do, from loading your dishwasher and playing tennis to sitting at your computer for hours at a time.
If you still experience discomfort, or your work environment does not allow you to sit in a balanced posture (and, believe me, there are many chairs and car seats that are in this category), you can then shift the focus to ergonomics.
Ergonomics abatements, as industry likes to call them, generally fit into one of three categories – work practices, work environment, or administrative controls. Work practices refer to how you sit, stand and move in your work environment. The work environment refers to the physical components around you, such as the orientation of your desk, chair and computer, a factory assembly line or a patient room in a hospital.
Administrative controls are looked at as the avenue of last resort. While rare, there are jobs where there is little that can be done in terms of how you move or modifying the physical layout. Two jobs that I’ve analyzed in this category are tank welders and surgeons, as well as select manufacturing jobs. Examples of administrative controls include job rotation, enlargement and taking regularly scheduled breaks.
Whether you’re looking at a few minor workstation modifications, or a complete redesign of a work area, ergonomics can help you to feel more comfortable, to be more productive, and to be less likely to suffer a potentially career-altering injury.
