If you’ve worked in an office for any extended period of time, you’ve probably heard your colleagues mention “ergonomics,” but you may only have a vague sense of what it means.
What Does Ergonomics Mean?
In its simplest form, ergonomics is the science of creating workspaces that fit employee bodies and behaviors, prevent injury and increase comfort so that everyone can focus on their work, not their pain. The most common ergonomic errors found in the office space include keyboard trays that are too low, cramped workspaces, a lack of elbow and back support, screens sitting either too high or too low, and keyboards that force the hands into unnatural positions. Without an ergonomic fix, these conditions can lead to back and neck problems as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and other Repetitive Strain Injuries.