The Ergonomic Workstation – It’s Personal
Posted on Jan 18, 2010 | Comments 0
By definition, Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment[Ergonomic equipment], and workplace to fit the worker, with the accent on the individual worker.
While some of us are five feet nothing and others tower over others at well over 6 feet, and while some of us may be suitable for the featherweight category, others among us are more suited to the heavyweight categories. Consider the fact that you are unique, that there is no one else exactly like you in the world.
So, it follows that ergonomics is not an object science, rather it is a subjective one, and its requirement changes from person to person. What may work really well for a coworker may be all wrong for you and vice versa. Finding out what does work for you may take some effort, but in the long run, this will be effort that is well worth it.
When you talk about ergonomic designs with specific reference to you in the workplace, it isn’t as if you are talking about having things custom made for you. Rather we are talking about choosing from among items that are best suited to your physical dimensions and requirements.
When things are designed, they are usually done so with an eye to a particular generic group rather than an individual obviously, and with some careful research you can find ergonomically suitable items that work for you.
So while things are not possible to have custom designed for every individual, it is possible to choose that which works best for you.
In the event a series of workstations that are identical to each other, but a large number of workers who are far from identical to one another, is not an ideal situation.
So then should each work station, each cubicle is individually designed as per personal specifications? Well in an ideal world perhaps, but in the real world that is neither cost-effective nor even practical. For instance what about the next employee that comes along?
What can however be done is to have a variety within the work environment, so that there is something for everyone. Also it should be possible to make small adjustments and modifications that could end up meaning a lot!
Consider that good ergonomics is not just about stress and injury prevention, it is also about optimizing output. An employer who is reluctant to invest in ergonomics may gently be reminded of the saving that may accrue from workman compensation at a later date if prudent investments are made today!
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Posted in: OFFICE ERGONOMICS
