Ergonomic Workstations

1012_stretching-office_650x455-300x210A healthier workstation makes for a healthier work day.

Office ergonomics is about creating a work environment that minimizes your pain, discomfort, and risk of injury on the job. Proper ergonomics will help you increase productivity and job satisfaction, as well as make your body feel great!

An understanding of ergonomics can be broken down into four key areas:

Ergonomic workspace

Having an ergonomic workspace means you have evaluated the components of your work area (furniture, surroundings, lighting, work habits, etc.) to reduce fatigue, discomfort or any potential injury.

Equipment

You have equipment relating to ergonomics.  Examples include your desk, chair, keyboard, mouse, and monitors. You may not need to purchase equipment in order to improve your workspace. Sometimes all it takes is learning how to adjust the equipment you already have.

Safety

Making your workspace ergonomically friendly means you are working healthier and safer. Proper ergonomics will reduce your risk of pain and injury.

Wellness breaks

Even if you have an ergonomic workspace, working for long periods of time can lead to health problems. Knowing when to take a break from your work is a very important component of ergonomics.

The Safety Department at Syracuse University provides quality services in ergonomics to effectively assist the workforce to increase comfort and safety on the job, increase productivity and job satisfaction, and reduce overall occupational injuries. Ergonomic interventions allow employees to work safely and comfortably while reducing injuries. To request an ergonomic consultation/evaluation of your workstation, please contact John Rossiter at jarossit@syr.edu or 315-443-5475.

OSHA Computer Workstation eTools