The Importance of Workplace Ergonomics
Workplace Ergonomics
An ergonomically designed work environment increases employee performance and helps prevent health issues. Especially for people working in offices and spending many hours in front of a computer, tension in the shoulder and neck area, along with headaches and back pain, is common. Workplace ergonomics can help reduce employee absenteeism due to illness.
What is Workplace Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of human work. It focuses on designing workplaces in a way that allows employees to use their tools efficiently and perform at a high level. The goal of ergonomics is to protect both the physical and mental health of workers. This applies to employees in companies, those working from home, and even self-employed individuals.
Why is Workplace Ergonomics Important?
An ergonomically designed workplace has a positive impact on health, performance, and overall productivity. Employees are more motivated when they can work comfortably and experience greater job satisfaction.
Work can lead to health issues if the work environment is inadequate. The term "ergonomics" is often associated with office work, especially at computer workstations. People who spend long hours in front of a computer frequently suffer from headaches, eye strain, or pain in the shoulder and neck area if their computer, desk, or office chair is not properly adjusted. Prolonged sitting also increases the risk of various health problems. Proper workplace design is essential to prevent these issues. However, ergonomics is not limited to office environments—it also applies to jobs involving machinery and industrial workplaces.
Workplace ergonomics not only helps prevent illnesses, but it also provides other benefits, such as:
- Prevents premature fatigue
- Improves concentration
- Reduces workplace accidents and injuries
- Enhances employee well-being
- Decreases sick leave and absenteeism
Employer Responsibilities
Employers benefit from workplace ergonomics as their employees perform better and take fewer sick days. Additionally, revenues can increase when all workstations in a company are ergonomically designed.
The legal foundation for workplace ergonomics includes workplace regulations such as the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG). Employers are required to design workplaces in a way that ensures the safety and health of their employees. The work environment must allow for varying postures and movements. Proper lighting, temperature, and ventilation are also crucial, as they contribute to a comfortable working atmosphere.
Humanity and Economic Efficiency
The two main objectives of workplace ergonomics are humanity and economic efficiency. Humanity refers to designing workplaces so that employees are neither overworked nor under-challenged. Economic efficiency means creating a work environment that improves productivity while maintaining a company’s competitiveness.
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