Ergonomics... What does this really mean?
Ergonomics is defined as; "designed for efficiency and comfort in the workplace". This can be in a factory, driver seat, kitchen, or your own home. Typically, the person in charge of maintaining an ergonomic workplace might fall under the responsibility of an office manager, or health and safety manager. But, when you're working from home, you have to be your own office manager and take care of your at-work health.
The workplace-related ailments can still happen while at home, but there is the added challenge of finding the most ergonomic setup, while working in a much smaller space. Although difficult, with the right tools, you can still be safe and comfortable with all the added benefits of working from home.
Here is how you can manage workplace ergonomics while working from home.
Positioning your monitor
If you are working from home, it's likely that you are working from a computer, which requires you to stare at a screen for long periods of time.
It's important that you position your monitor in the correct place to reduce any risk of tension or aches in the shoulder or neck area.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, our eyes tend to naturally look straight or in a downward angle. Looking upward has shown to be more tiring than looking downward.
The ideal position for your monitor should be inline with your normal line of sight, and not letting your eyes look downward beyond 15 degrees from the normal line of sight.
Having a proper office chair
Having a proper office chair is not a matter of aesthetics, but a matter of health. Office chairs are design for comfortable work, and having a reliable chair could make a huge difference in your productivity and health.
But what is a proper office chair? According to UNC, an ergonomic office chair needs at least 5 castors (4 was found to tip over easily), a seat that allows your thighs to be parallel to the floor, curved back that mirrors your spine.
You don't need a massive chair, or a super luxurious chair, with a dozen different adjustments in order to be comfortable at work. Having the necessities, quality made, will be more than enough for your at-home office.
Learn more about Domum's ergonomic seating solutions here
Reducing risk factors
Understanding where the risks lie in your everyday work environment is a major key in managing your at-home workplace wellness, and potentially saving you from injury down the line.
Some common work-related risk factors, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety include:
fixed posture
repetitive and forceful hand movements
high pace of work
You engage in these activities daily, from typing to meeting tight deadlines. Although it may not seem very strenuous, these activities are slowly straining your body.
The solution to managing these risks are actually quite simple;
having a comfortable work station
taking frequent breaks while typing
changing positions and posture while working
managing deadlines and workloads
Conclusion
As you can see, it does not take much in order to ensure your home office is ergonomic. You don't need a big fancy desk, or a big fancy chair. Little adjustments in your equipment and routine are what make the biggest difference in your workplace health and safety.
Ergonomics does not need to be ignored while working from home, and Domum makes it much more possible. For more information, feel free to contact our team to build a better at-home office.
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