What is an Ergonomic Assessment and Why is it Important?

Working as a physio you tend to see the whole spectrum of injuries, aches and pains. A lot are the result of sporting mishaps, or weekend warriors who push themselves too far, but in the last few years, we’ve been seeing a lot more people who pick up injuries while sitting in front of a computer at work. That’s right - their desk ergonomics can, over time, result in chronic, nagging injuries.

Damaging Desk Jobs

Human beings aren’t designed to sit at a desk for 40 hours a week. If that’s not enough, there are lots of us who go home after work and continue to sit watching TV, or playing video games. It’s simply not healthy. Many of these people report to physiotherapists with muscle strains like sore necks and backs, wondering how they got injured.

This effect can snowball over time leading to regular neck and back pain, headaches and other ailments. Fixing the problem is a two-stage process. First, we examine the workstation for ergonomics, then we assess the client’s posture for cues that their body isn’t moving the way it should be.

What is an Ergonomic Assessment?

An ergonomic assessment is an audit of a person’s workstation to ensure it is designed to promote a healthy posture and minimize injury. The assessment is typically carried out by a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist. It examines several key factors that can impact a person’s posture. These factors include:

• Height of desk
• Location of keyboard and mouse
• Workstation design and equipment being used
• Posture of the individual while they work
• Environmental factors such as lighting and ambient noise

After viewing these individual factors in the flesh, a physiotherapist will make recommendations to reduce strains, lessen injuries and promote a healthier and more productive member of the team.

The Benefits of an Ergonomic Assessment

Businesses wishing to perform an ergonomic assessment of their teams’ workstations will improve their workplace environment and minimize stress on individual team members. It’s an awesome perk to offer to team members that will also benefit the business in several ways:

• Reduce Absence - A healthier team means fewer sick days, workplace injuries and a happier team free of aches and pains.
• Improved Employee Morale – investing in people is always a positive move in the workplace. A HR department that takes pro-active interest in employee health shows they care.
• Improved Productivity – team members will enjoy the added energy and reduced stress of a healthier life, freeing them up to be more productive in the workplace.

Find Out More

Interested in booking an ergonomic assessment for your workplace? To find out more, or book an appointment, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.