Ergonomic Review of the Workstations

"The positions you work in, the amount of time you spend performing tasks, and the way in which you use your body in relation to the materials around you is going to improve your productivity and efficiency because you'll stay healthy for a longer period of time and be able to work more comfortably." (Doran, 2000)

Many of us spend all day long at our desks, even those that work at home. I will identify 5 conditions to improve the surroundings to make-work more productive.

1.
Noise pollution can be a big problem with concentration. Cover the printer, by covering the printer; you can cut noise by more than 90 percent and increases concentration accordingly. (Lesonsky, Rieva, 1998)

2.
Cut down glare by putting filters on the computer screens. This can lesson the amount of headaches one gets from eye strain.

3.
"Boost the benefits of a good chair by providing footrests. Elevating the feet slightly while typing or sitting at a desk reduces lower back strain and improves circulation, keeping you more alert." (Lesonsky, Rieva, 1998)

4.
Invest in a headset for the phone. Investing in a headset can decrease neck and back pain, especially in a position such as Executive Assistant.

5.
Invest in an Ergonomic Desk, by doing so; these desks typically have adjustable positions for the monitor, feet, armrest etc. These simple adjustments can make is easier and less staining on the employee. It can avoid carpal tunnel, neck and back pains. Such desks can be purchased at www.biomorphdesk.com.

Although this may seem like an extreme cost to the company, by providing Ergonomic workstation we can "reduced workers' compensation costs and absenteeism, and increase productivity" in the workplace.

References:
Doran, David G., July 2000, "Ergonomic Tips for Your Office" Entrepreneur.com online magazine. [Electronic Version] Retrieved on June 18, 2006 from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,276831,00.html

Lesonsky, Rieva and the Staff of Entrepreneur Magazine, 1998, The Ergonomic Office, Excerpted from Start Your Own Business: The Only Start-Up Book You'll Ever Need, [Electronic Version] Retrieved on June 18, 2006 from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,265164,00.html

www.biomorphdesk.com

Flint, Talicia A., March 09, 2001
"Recent OSHA Law Overturned" [Electronic Version] retrieved on June 18, 2006 from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,287577,00.html