Often the ways in which workstations are planned do not give
full consideration to employee health, safety, and ergonomics.
Principles of ergonomic workstation design are concerned not
only with the actual job tasks but with the entire job process and the
employee's interactions with all components of the job and the workplace
environment.
Given that the workplace consists of employees with different
needs adjustability is a critical
feature of all workplaces. Improvement in productivity usually occurs
simultaneously with increased user comfort and reduced musculoskeletal fatigue.
In addition, it also provides an effective disability
prevention method.
Our Ergonomic Evaluation takes these factors into account and
integrates ergonomic design and techniques into each person's work environment.
Since one workstation is often used by more than one employee,
adjustable features can help accommodate the same workstation to more than one
user. When designing a workstation it is important to consider:
- Physical work demands i.e. writing postures, reach distances,
location of tools and materials, desk height, static and dynamic work
components, etc.
- Visual work demands as these can contribute to visual fatigue
and stress that often results in musculoskeletal postural stress and strain,
especially if corrective lenses are indicated.
- Psychological work demands as an employee's overall general
mental health and well being is important from a holistic point of view. As a
result of repetition, attitudes, job demands, scheduling, deadlines and
organizational issues, cumulative effects of mental stress and fatigue often
occur.
AVTA has experience with the design of:
- Individual computer workstations
- Reception Areas
- Home workstations
- Student study areas
The importance of a comfortably fitting and supportive chair
cannot be ignored for all employees who perform sedentary work (this includes
wheelchair users as well)
Chairs need to provide:
- Adjustable height mechanism
- Adjustable back support
- Padded seat
- Seat fabric that breathes
- Swivel post and padded forearm supports (in most cases)
Because many desk heights are often fixed the chair is usually
the easiest workplace item to adjust. In many cases, employees are either
unable to adjust their chairs or are unaware that they can do so, and therefore
educating employees about how they can adjust their chairs can help improve
comfort and productivity. The cost of purchasing new chairs with fully
adjustable features is relatively minor when compared to the
benefits.
