The keys to having an ergonomic workspace

In our working life we all try to be the best we can and to progress as far as we can in whatever vocation we are in. This means being more focused, more productive and 'fit for purpose' and healthy at work. A critical key to this is having the right Office Chairs and Desking, that collectively offer the range of ergonomic features you require. 

In this article we reveiw a series of key steps to help set up the optimum ergonomic workspace and a support video to break down these steps so the optimum ergonomic workspace is created.

Check out this Video to help make it safe and healthy at work - then review the summary of key steps below;

Adjust your chair

An ergonomically designed chair should be comfortable to sit on with no pressure points and should have seat height, back height, lumbar support and seat angle adjustability to enable the best sitting posture. Having features such as armrests and seat slide (for taller users) is dependent on individual circumstances.

Find your ideal sitting posture

Your feet should flat on the floor, your knees should be lower than your hips, so your thighs are angled downward. The ideal sitting posture is having your thighs sloped 5-10 degrees forward and your torso sloped 5-10 degrees backward. This allows your spine, pelvis, and hips to be supported in a neutral posture where they are naturally balanced.

Adjust your desk height to suit

Fixed height slab end desks can have height adjusters added and many other fixed height desk have adjustable feet. If these features still don't meet the desk height you require you may need to consider a height adjustable desk. This will allow you to adjust the height to the position where you can sit with your feet flat on the floor and your desk will be at elbow height.

Adjust your keyboard and mouse

This seems a simple adjustment to make but it is important. The keyboard and mouse should be set at elbow height with the forearms parallel to the floor and the arms alongside the body, with your forearm support 10-12 centimetres in front of the keyboard. Over-reaching to the mouse is a common problem and if not addressed could result in Reptitive Strain Injury. Chair armrests can assist in forearm support and these need to be height an width adjustable to suit your bodies dimensions.

Adjust your screen

Another simple, but often overlooked factor in creating the ideal ergonomics for your workspace. Your screen/s should be centred around the midline with the screen toolbars level with the eyes and the working area of the screen approximately 10 degrees below horizontal. This allows our eye muscles and our head and neck posture to be in their most balanced positions. Height adjustable Monitor Stands are available to facilitate the ideal position for your monitor/s 

What accessories will enhance the ergomonics of your workspace

Intensive keyboard and mouse users may need an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Using headphones or a headset for phone calls to free up your hands for multi-tasking will also add to the ergonomics of your workspace. Document holders for paper based tasks are also available assist with good posture.

Stretch and exercise regularly!

Even the ideal posture requires regular activity and variation to keep your body subtle and healthy. A common problen is the tendency to slouch after long periods of sitting. A chair such as the Buro Mentor will encourage regular movement while maintaining good posture and support. Combine this with standing, stretching and walking - at least every 30 minutes. This will benefit circulation, and keep muscles and joints moving.

Office Products Online's experience staff can help you with choosing the most cost effective ergonomic products for your situation and you can view a huge range of those products online now or email shop@officeproductsonline.co.nz for assistance