Ergonomic Consultants and a Philosophy of Comfort, Part II

Introduction

In my previous article, I discussed the deeply practical question about how we view ergonomics in the workplace. What is the nature of office ergonomics? I asked. Is good ergonomics part of our essential nature, an instinct if you will, that requires us to work with ease? Or, is our desire for comfort in the workplace a higher-level function, something that as intelligent human beings we should have to boost productivity and wellness? In this sense, good ergonomics is not necessarily a need, but a perk that promotes employee morale.

I believe that at times, ergonomics is an essential need. Occasionally, however, it is simply a perk to improve productivity.

Where Ergonomic Consulting is a Need

During an onsite ergonomic assessment, I oftentimes meet clients who experience such discomfort that they have to regularly take off time or cannot even come to work. Whether returning to work early from back surgery or experiencing chronic pain from tendonitis, employees simply cannot perform their daily duties. Recommending ergonomic products and redesigning a workstation is not simply a perk for these people. In these cases, good ergonomics fills an innate need.

 Where Ergonomic Consulting is a Perk

In those cases, however, where ergonomics is simply used to improve productivity and repetitive strain injury is not a risk, ergonomic consulting is simply a perk.  Oftentimes, I will come into an office space and clients will report that nothing is bothering them. They sit and/or stand with good body mechanics and interface appropriately with their computer products. They simply want to improve productivity. In this case, an ergonomic assessment is simply a perk.

The “Grey Areas” of Ergonomic Consulting

What about those grey areas, where employees can go to work, complete all their daily tasks, but still feel pain during their job tasks? In this case, is good ergonomics an innate need or is it a perk to improve morale?  Furthermore, what about those cases where a poorly set-up workstation is not presenting any immediate problems, but does present a potential risk? I believe that in these grey areas, ergonomics solves an innate need.  The one thing about repetitive strain injuries, current or eventual, is it gets worse over time. The more we sit with improper posture or the more we repeat a repetitive task, the more an employee risks increasing their symptoms. A visit to the doctor and/or an onsite ergonomic consultant should be initiated to ensure that this problem does not get any worse and lead to a situation where the employee can no longer work. Besides for the drop in productivity that results from discomfort, ergonomic based solutions need to be implemented to create an environment where productive work can be performed. The potential for discomfort and medical leave is present, and ergonomic solutions need to be put in place.

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent Occupational Therapist, MA, CEAS Lead Ergonomic Specialist at Ergonomics Advance