Office Ergonomics In The 21st Century

Ergonomic concerns have become a routine consideration when it comes to designing workspaces and purchasing equipment, and an impressive array of products have been designed to limit the stress of working long hours at desks and workstations. It is little wonder, therefore, that there has been real progress in alleviating problems ranging from eye strain and back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome. This article offers an overview of ergonomic progress in the traditional office and notes a trend toward closer examination
of ergonomics in nontraditional settings. It points out the role of company ergonomic programs in helping employees internalize ergonomics and foment improvements in health and productivity.

The article provides readers with a list of guidelines and best practices when considering ergonomics, gives an insider’s view of one company’s ergonomic efforts, and finishes with four tips for selecting ergonomic products.

Source: Mark Rowh, Office Solutions (Mt. Airy); January, 2008, v25 i1 p22