As kids begin returning to the classroom, the question at the front of our minds is: how do we make the classroom healthier for our kids? While our first concern is obviously to protect our kids from diseases such as COVID-19, it also brings up the question of other health concerns—specifically, ergonomics.
Kids spend the majority of their time in school sitting, and this prolonged sedentary lifestyle can adversely affect their health. Introducing ergonomics in the classroom is just one way we can make school healthier for our kids.
How ergonomics affects learning
Does the way our children sit affect their learning? Indeed, it does. Research has shown that poor ergonomics can lead to poor cognitive development. If children are not comfortable, they will have trouble paying attention and remembering the lesson plan. Plus, even the way we sit can impact our attention. If we’re slouching in our chairs, we’re less likely to pay attention to what’s happening in front of us than if we’re sitting upright and alert.
Improving ergonomics in the classroom
So, how do you go about creating an ergonomic-friendly environment in your classroom? Here are a few steps to get you started:
Step 1: Schedule an ergonomic evaluation
Most people know that their current set-up isn’t working, but they don’t know how to fix it. That’s where ergonomic evaluations come in. These assessments can determine where and how you can improve your classroom environment to create a more productive learning experience.
Step 2: Find the right equipment
An ergonomic evaluation will also help you find the right equipment. When it comes to classrooms, the desks and chairs are the most important. Desks and chairs should be adjustable, that way students are always sitting in a desk that fits them. You can tell if a desk fits a student by looking for the following features:
The seat’s backrest fully supports the spine
The desk is high enough where elbows rest at an angle just above 90 degrees when the arms are lying on the desk
The chair is high enough where the knees rest against the front edge and the feet lay flat on the floor
Step 3: Get up and move
Ergonomics doesn’t just stop at the equipment. For a healthy lifestyle, children should be up and moving frequently, not tied to a desk all day. Consider introducing stretches into your schedule or have activities that encourage kids to get up and walk around the classroom.
At Accredited Rehabilitation Consultants, our ergonomic evaluations can help you create a healthy and proactive learning environment in your classroom. To learn more, contact us today!
Ergonomic assessments are done to minimize the risk of injury and maximize productivity. It is also done to support the return to work of a worker who is injured and needs to minimize workplace discomfort to recover faster from their injury and prevent aggravation. Workers who are remote also need to ensure their remote work environment is safe and ergonomically designed.
The first step to making your workplace more ergonomic is to hire an ergonomist to conduct workplace ergonomic assessment. These people have experience in assessing and identifying present and possible future problems and have the necessary skills to suggest solutions for any ergonomic issue they encounter. With the guidance of these health professions, you can decide what kind of actions to take; be it to organize a workshop to increase awareness, one-on-one assessments of employee to ensure proper ergonomic setup, or to determine the equipment or higher levels of control that an injured employee may require.
Once you have identified your ergonomic issues, it becomes easier to decide what needs to be implemented, whether that be to provide ergonomic equipment or make changes to an employee’s job duties. For example, concerning issues with high-task repetition, a simple solution is to continuously cycle employees between repetitive tasks.
Other Ergonomic Benefits
These days, ergonomic trends are moving away from trying to reduce musculoskeletal injuries to the many other business benefits ergonomic change brings. Good ergonomics has reduced worker compensation claims and increased productivity since workers are happier and healthier. It has also improved employee engagement and longevity at the workplace. People can notice when you invest in them and taking steps to improve their health and well-being, which shows you care about the working conditions of your employees.
To achieve an optimal ergonomic workstation, it is important to hire a Specialist to examine your current workplace. At Accredited Rehabilitation Consultants, we can evaluate your current workspace, find ways to make it more ergonomic, and then provide and install the necessary equipment to do so. To learn more, contact us today!
Prolonged and repetitive work at your computer workstation, poor posture, lack of proper equipment and incorrect ergonomic information are all contributing factors to an improper computer setup which can lead to computer-related injuries. Computer-related injuries cover a wide variety of injuries and health problems caused by or exacerbated by computer usage. Many computer-related injuries can prevented by simply setting up an ergonomic computer workstation.
In setting up your ergonomic computer workstation, the goal is to set it up so you will be able to reach your entire work area (including your phone, computer keyboard, computer mouse, frequently used office supplies, etc.) without having to strain or twist your body. Today, numerous Universities like Cornell, Stanford, UC Davis, University of Virginia, UCLA and others have done intense studies highlighting the benefit of ergonomic computer workstations and the dangers to workers’ health arising by not following certain guidelines.
General Guidelines on Setting up an Ergonomic Computer Workstation
The following are general guidelines based on this research on how to set up an ergonomic computer workstation at the office or at home:
The chair is key to an ergonomic computer workstation because sitting, in an office chair or in general, is a static posture that increases stress in the back, shoulders, arms, and legs, and in particular, can add large amounts of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs. That is why it is important to use a good chair with a dynamic chair back that supports your lumbar region and adjust the height so your feet are flat on the floor. This keeps the knees and torso at roughly the same height. To find this height, stand by the chair and raise or lower the seat pan to just below your elbows bent between 90 and 110 degrees to promote good low back health.
Adjust the chair armrests so that your shoulders are relaxed and your elbow bends at around a 90 degree angle. Use of an armrest on your office chair is important to take some of the strain off your upper spine and shoulders, and it should make you less likely to slouch forward in your chair. However, if your armrests are in the way, remove them temporarily.
Your feet should be flat on the floor or on a stable footrest to help reduce strain on back and neck muscles.
The top of monitor casing should be 2-3″ (5-8 cm) above eye level and centered directly in front of your face (preferably no more than 35 degrees to either side). If you wear bifocals, lower the monitor to a comfortable reading level. This helps reduce the risk of eye strain and awkward positions.
To determine the proper distance for your monitor, sit back and extend your arm. The tips of your middle finger should land on your screen – between 20 and 40 inches (50 and 100 centimeters) from your face. Laptop users may want to consider height adjustable laptop stand, which can accommodate a variety of workers and work postures.
Make sure there is no glare on screen. If necessary, place screen at right angles to windows, adjust curtains or blinds or use an optical glass anti-glare filter. Don’t forget to adjust the vertical screen angle and screen controls to minimize glare from overhead lights.
Use an inline copy stand to position source documents directly in front of you, between the monitor and the keyboard. If there is insufficient space, place source documents on a document holder positioned adjacent to the monitor.
When using a keyboard/mouse/input device, your wrists should flat and straight in relation to forearms. You can also alternate left and right-sided mouse usage to reduce the effects of repetitive use.
Position your keyboard about 1 to 2 inches above your thighs and in a place where your arms and elbows are relaxed and close to body. This way, you are not extending your arms too far forward or bending your elbows too far back to type. To reach the keyboard, your forearms should bend no more than 20 degrees above horizontal (if sitting) or 45 degrees below (if standing).
Center the keyboard in front of you, so you are not reaching to one side or another to type. And, position the mouse near the keyboard, so it is easy to transition from typing to mousing. Ideally, your keyboard and mouse should be shoulder-distance apart and as level as possible.
Use a negative tilt keyboard tray with an upper mouse platform or downward tiltable platform adjacent to keyboard, so that your arms and hand follow the downward slope of your thighs.
Use a stable work surface and stable (no bounce) keyboard tray.
Place your telephone within easy reach. Telephone stands or arms can help. Use a headset or speaker phone to eliminate the awkward posture of cradling the handset.
Setting an Ergonomic Computer Workstation Alone is Not Enough to Prevent Injuries
Setting up an ergonomic computer workstation is not enough to assure the reduction of computer related injuries. You also need to take frequent short breaks (microbreaks) at least once every hour to give your eyes and muscles a break. This helps prevent eye strain and muscle fatigue. Take time to stand up, stretch and move around. Get up and get a glass of water, get some office supplies you need from the cabinet or make a phone call. Try to stand as much as possible when on the phone to help stretch out your muscles and vary your posture. Frequent microbreaks are as important to your health as any other part of an ergonomic computer workstation because they keep you awake, productive and healthy and keep you from developing Deep Vein Thrombosis and other conditions arising from not varying your posture often enough.
This OSHA Ergonomic Solutions checklist can help you create an ergonomic computer workstation. If you have questions or need further assistance in setting up your ergonomic computer workstation, call Accredited Rehabilitation Consultants at (323) 930-6599
Creating a good ergonomic working arrangement is important to protecting your health. The following 10 steps are a brief summary of those things that most Ergonomists agree are important. If you follow the 10 steps they should help you to improve your working arrangement.
How will the computer be used?
Who will be using the computer? – If the computer will only be used by one person then the arrangement can be optimized for that person’s size and shape, and features such as an adjustable height chair may be unnecessary. If it’s going to be used by several people, you will need to create an arrangement that most closely satisfies the needs of the extremes, that is the smallest and tallest, thinnest and broadest persons, as well as those in between these extremes.
How long will people be using the computer? If it’s a few minutes a day then ergonomic issues may not be a high priority. If it’s more than 1 hour per day it is advisable that you create an ergonomic arrangement. If it’s more than 4 hours then you should immediately implement an ergonomic arrangement.
What kind of computer will be used?
Desktops – most ergonomic guidelines for computer workstation arrangements assume that you will be using a desktop system where the computer screen is separate from the keyboard.
Laptop computers are growing in popularity and are great for short periods of computer work. Guidelines for laptop use are more difficult because laptop design inherently is problematic – when the screen is at a comfortable heightand distance the keyboard isn’t and vice versa. For sustained use you should consider purchasing either:
an external monitor
an external keyboard
laptop riser
What furniture will you use?
Make sure that the computer (monitor, CPU system unit, keyboard, mouse) are placed on a stable working surface (nothing that wobbles) with adequate room for proper arrangement. If this work surface is going to be used for writing on paper as well as computer use a flat surface that is between 28″-30″ above the floor (suitable for most adults). You should consider attaching a keyboard/mouse tray system to your work surface. Choose a system that is height adjustable, that allows you to tilt the keyboard down away from you slightly for better wrist posture (negative tilt) and that allows you to use the mouse with your upper arms relaxed and as close to the body as possible and with your wrist in a comfortable and neutral position.
What chair will be used?
Choose a comfortable chair for the user to sit in. If only one person is using this the chair can even be at a fixed height providing that it is comfortable to sit on and has a good backrest that provides lumbar support. If more than one person will be using the computer, consider buying and a chair with several ergonomic features. Studies show that the best seated posture is a reclined posture of 100-110 degreesNOT the upright 90 degree posture that is often portrayed. In the recommended posture, the chair starts to work for the body and there are significant decreases in postural muscle activity and in intervertebral disc pressure in the lumbar spine. Erect sitting is NOT relaxed, sustainable sitting, reclined sitting is.
Chair armrests – Having armrests on a chair can be helpful to aid getting into and getting out of the chair. Also, the armrests can be useful for the occasional resting of the arms (e.g., when on the phone, sitting back relaxing). However, it is not a good idea to permanently wrest the forearms on armrests while you are typing or mousing because this can compress the flexor muscles and some armrest can also compress the ulnar never at the elbow. Ideally, it should be easy to get the armrests out of the way when you need to have free access to the keyboard and mouse. These days most office chairs have armrests and many of them have adjustable height armrests, so look for a chair that is a comfortable fit to you and that has broader, flatter, padded armrests that you can easily move out of the way if needed is the best approach. If you are able to occasionally rest your hands on the keyboard on a palm rest and if you have a comfortable chair that does not have any armrests then this is also quite acceptable.
What kind of work will the computer be used for?
Try to anticipate what type of software will be used most often.
Word processing – arranging the best keyboard/mouse position is high priority.
Surfing the net, graphic design – arranging the best mouse position is high priority.
Data entry– arranging the best numeric keypad/keyboard is a high priority.
Games – arranging the best keyboard/mouse/game pad is a high priority.
What can you see?
Make sure that any paper documents that you are reading are placed as close to the computer monitor as possible and that these are at a similar angle – use a document holder where possible
The computer monitor should be placed:
Directly in front of you and facing you, not angled to the left or right. This helps to eliminate too much neck twisting. Also, whatever the user is working with, encourage him/her to use the screen scroll bars to ensure that what is being viewed most is in the center of the monitorrather than at the top or bottom of the screen.
Center the monitor on the user so that the body and/or neck isn’t twisted when looking at the screen. However, if you are working with a large monitor and spend most of your time working with software like MSWord, which defaults to creating left aligned new pages, and you don’t want to have to drag these to more central locations, try aligning yourself to a point about 1/3rd of the distance across the monitor from the left side.
Put the monitor at a comfortable height that doesn’t make the user tilt their head up to see it or bend their neck down to see it. When you are seated comfortably, a user’s eyes should be in line with a point on the screen about 2-3″ below the top of the monitor casing (not the screen). Sit back in your chair at an angle of around 100-110 degrees (i.e., slight recline) and hold your right arm out horizontally, your middle finger should almost touch the center of the screen. From that starting position you can then make minor changes to screen height and angle to suit. Research shows the center of the monitor should be about 17-18 degrees below horizontal for optimal viewing, and this is where it will be if you follow the simple arm extension/finger pointing tip. You actually see more visual field below the horizon than above this (look down a corridor and you’ll see more of the floor than the ceiling), so at this position the user should comfortably be able to see more of the screen. If the monitor is too low, you will crane their neck forwards, if it’s too high you’ll tilt their head backwards and end up with neck/shoulder pain.
Bifocals and progressive lens – even if you wear bifocals or progressive lens, if you sit back in your chair in a reclined posture (with you back at around 110 degrees) that is recommended for good low back health, rather than sitting erect at 90 degrees, and if you slightly tilt the monitor backwards and place this at a comfortable height you should be able to see the screen without tilting your head back or craning your neck forwards. Postural problems with bifocals can occur if you sit erect or even hunched forwards. The problem with low monitors is that they cause neck flexion and suffer more from glare. Recent studies have shown that the best position for a computer monitor is for the center of the screen to be at around 17.5 degrees below eye level. Try to align your eyes with the top of the viewing area of the screen, and this should put the center about right geometrically.
Biewing distance – the monitor should be at a comfortable horizontal distance for viewing, which usually is around an arms length (sit back in your chair and raise your arm and your fingers should touch the screen). At this distance you should be able to see the viewing area of the monitor without making head movements. If text looks too small then either use a larger font or magnify the screen image in the software rather than sitting closer to the monitor.
Screen quality – use a good quality computer screen. Make sure that the text characters on your screen look sharp, and that they are a comfortable size (you can change the screen resolution to find a comfortable and clear character size). If you can see the screen flickering out of the corner of your eye you should try increasing the refresh rate of your monitor (with a PC you can change monitor resolution and refresh rates using the Monitor control panel in your Settings folder, with a Mac you can use the Monitor control panel). You can also consider using a good quality glass anti-glare filter or an LCD display (like a laptop screen).
Eye checkup – there are natural changes in vision that occur in most people during their early 40′s. It’s a good idea to periodically have your eyes checked by a qualified professional.
If any screen adjustmentsfeel uncomfortable then change them until the arrangement feels more comfortable or seek further professional help.
Use a document holder that can be comfortably seen:
Use an in-line document holder that sits between the keyboard/keyboard tray and screen and is aligned with your bodymidline so that all you have to do is look down to see the documents and raise your eyes to see the screen.
Use a screen-mounted document holder and position this to the side of your screen that is your dominant eye
Use a freestanding document holder and position this next to the side of the screen and slightly angle it so that it follows a curve from the side of the screen.
Posture, posture posture!
Good posture is the basis of good workstation ergonomics. Good posture is the best way to avoid a computer-related injury. To ensure good user posture:
Watch the user’s posture!
Make sure that the user can reach the keyboard keys with their wrists as flat as possible (not bent up or down) and straight (not bent left or right).
Make sure that the user’s elbow angle (the angle between the inner surface of the upper arm and the forearm) is at or greater than 90 degrees to avoid nerve compression at the elbow.
Make sure that the upper arm and elbow are as close to the body and as relaxed as possible for mouse use – avoid overreaching. Also make sure that the wrist is as straight as possible when the mouse is being used.
Make sure the user sits back in the chair and has good back support. Also check that the feet can be placed flat on the floor or on a footrest.
Make sure the head and neck are as straight as possible .
Make sure the posture feels relaxed for the user.
Keep it close!
Make sure that those things the user uses most frequently are placed closest to the user so that they can be conveniently and comfortably reached.
Make sure that the user is centered on the alphanumeric keyboard. Most modern keyboards are asymmetrical in design (the alphanumeric keyboard is to the left and a numeric keypad to the right). If the outer edges of the keyboard are used as landmarks for centering the keyboard and monitor, the users hands will be deviated because the alphanumeric keys will be to the left of the user’s midline. Move the keyboard so that the center of the alphanumeric keys (the B key, is centered on the mid-line of the user).
make sure that the phone is also close to you if you frequently use it.
A good workstation ergonomic arrangement will allow any computer user to work in a neutral, relaxed, ideal typing posture that will minimize the risk of developing any injury. An ideal keyboard arrangement is to place this on a height adjustable negative-tilt tray. An ideal mouse arrangement is for this to be on a flat surface that’s 1-2″ above the keyboard and moveable over the numeric keypad. If you want a surface at the level of the keyboard base then make sure that this can also be angled downwards slightly to help to keep your hands in wrist neutral while you are mousing, and keep your elbow is as close to the body as possible while you work.
Where will the computer be used?
Think about the following environmental conditions where the computer will be used:
Lighting – make sure that the lighting isn’t too bright. You shouldn’t see any bright light glare on the computer screen. If you do, move the screen, lower the light level, use a good quality, glass anti-glare screen. Also make sure that the computer monitor screen isn’t backed to a bright window or facing a bright window so that there’s the screen looks washed out (use a shade or drapes to control window brightness).
Ventilation – make sure that you use your computer somewhere that has adequate fresh-air ventilation and that has adequate heating or cooling so that you feel comfortable when you’re working.
Noise – noise can cause stress and that tenses your muscles which can increase injury risks. Try to choose a quiet place for your workstation, and use low volume music, preferably light classical, to mask the hum of any fans or other sound sources.
Take a break!
All Ergonomists agree that it’s a good idea to take frequent, brief rest breaks: Practice the following:
Eye breaks – looking at a computer screen for a while causes some changes in how the eyes work, causes you to blink less often, and exposes more of the eye surface to the air. Every 15 minutes you should briefly look away from the screen for a minute or two to a more distant scene, preferably something more that 20 feet away. This lets the muscles inside the eye relax. Also, blink your eyes rapidly for a few seconds. This refreshes the tear film and clears dust from the eye surface.
Micro-breaks – most typing is done in bursts rather than continuously. Between these bursts of activity you should rest your hands in a relaxed, flat, straight posture. During a micro-break (< 2minutes) you can briefly stretch, stand up, move around, or do a different work task e.g. make a phone call). A micro-break isn’t necessarily a break from work, but it’s a break from the use of a particular set of muscles that’s doing most of the work (e.g., the finger flexors if you’re doing a lot of typing).
Rest breaks – every 30 to 60 minutes you should take a brief rest break. During this break stand up, move around and do something else. Go and get a drink of water, soda, tea, coffee or whatever. This allows you to rest and exercise different muscles and you’ll feel less tired.
Exercise breaks – there are many stretching and gentle exercises that you can do to help relieve muscle fatigue. You should do these every 1-2 hours.
Ergonomic software – working at a computer can be hypnotic, and often you don’t realize how long you’ve been working and how much you’ve been typing and mousing. You can get excellent ergonomic software that you can install on your computer. The best software will run in the background and it will monitor how much you’ve been using the computer. It will prompt you to take a rest break at appropriate intervals, and it will suggest simple exercises.
For More Information
Accredited Rehabilitation Consultants not only provides ergonomic evaluations and ergonomic consulting, we also can help you get set up with the ergonomic equipment you need to prevent costly injuries in the workplace. See our Ergonomic Equipment page for more information on how we can help you make appropriate ergonomic selections for your workplace. We have relationships with many manufacturers and will recommend the best options regarding ergonomic equipment on the market.
The term ergonomics is derived from the Greek words ergon [work] and nomos [natural laws]. It is concerned with the “fit” between the user, equipment and their environments. Ergonomics at work takes account of the user’s capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, functions, information and the environment suit each user. Ergonomic design is the application of ergonomic knowledge to the design of the workplace (i.e., work tasks, equipment, environment) for safe and efficient use by workers. Good ergonomic design makes the most efficient use of worker capabilities while ensuring that job demands do not exceed those capabilities.
How can ergonomics in the workplace and human factors improve workers’ health and safety?
Practicing ergonomics at the workplace and considering human factors can:
Reduce the potential for accidents, workers’ compensation and healthcare costs by reducing ergonomic risk factors;
Improve performance and productivity with work environments that are designed to allow for good posture, less exertion, fewer motion and better heights and reaches;
Improve work quality and morale by reducing the potential for fatigue and discomfort.
What is an ergonomics consultant?
An ergonomics consultant in Los Angeles and other areas, is one who helps companies by identifying ergonomic issues in the workplace and corrects those conditions or recommends changes to improve the client’s work environment or working conditions for the purpose of preventing injuries and improving the workers’ wellbeing and prevent injuries.
Ergonomist consultants participate in the design of systems to optimize overall system performance. A system is comprised of devices, tools, technologies, environments and/or organizational structures with which people interact to accomplish defined objectives. They also contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people.
Take a Break!
Did you know that frequent breaks could help lower the exposure to ergonomic injury risk?
The human body is always in movement while performing tasks. Even while seated, postural muscles are exerting tension to hold our upper body and head upright. Prolonged muscle exertion can cause fatigue, which may lead to an ergonomic injury.
Rest is a key component in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Here are some ways you can take a break without disrupting your productivity:
Move your printer somewhere that requires you to stand and walk to get your printout.
Stand up while on the phone.
Break up continuous computer time with checking phone messages, making phone calls to clients, etc.
During your 10 to 15 minute and lunch breaks, get away from the desk and use the time to take a walk or other enjoyable activity.
Like other health care fields, the ergonomics consulting field has a variety of specialties, including:
Ergonomics Safety Consultant
Work Ergonomics Specialist
Office Ergonomics Consultant
Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist
Certified Professional Ergonomist
Ergonomic consultants perform such ergonomic design services as:
Industrial Ergonomic Design
Office Ergonomics Design
Ergonomic Workplace Assessment
Ergonomic Workstation Assessment
Ergonomics Training
What are ergonomic injuries?
Ergonomic injuries are injuries caused by ergonomic risk factors relating to high task repetition, performing job duties that cause the worker to assume repetitive/sustained awkward postures, unsafe/dangerous equipment and other factors that can result in workplace injuries. OSHA often uses the term Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) to define ergonomic injuries. However, ergonomic injuries can also be defined as Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs), Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs), Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), or Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTIs). Work related MSDs (including those of the neck, upper extremities and low back) are among the leading causes of lost workday injury and illness. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, work-related musculoskeletal injuries cost American businesses $15 to $20 billion each year in workers’ compensation costs alone. Why is an ergonomic assessment important?
An ergonomic assessment by a certified ergonomics assessment specialist will reduce injuries and illnesses, which affect insurance premiums, legal expenses, employee productivity, attendance, compensation and medical costs.
Ergonomic assessments reduce stress and fatigue, resulting in greater efficiency and a better way of life for all employees.
An ergonomics assessment by top ergonomics specialists in Los Angeles will assist in assuring regulatory compliance by providing employees with a safe and productive work environment, free from recognized hazards.
A comprehensive ergonomic assessment benefits the worker by improving efficiencies and comfort while maximizing safety at a justifiable cost.
What does an ergonomic assessment from a certified ergonomics assessment specialist include?
Ergonomic assessments take many human factors into consideration, including:
Job task and its demands on the worker (physically, mentally, emotionally)
Equipment used (size, shape, weight, etc.) and appropriateness for the task
Task-related information and how it is presented, accessed, used and changed
Physical environment factors such as noise, temperature, humidity, vibration, lighting, etc.
Culture and social environment factors such as team work, proximity of co-workers, management attitudes and support, etc.
Worker physical aspects such as height, weight, fitness, strength, sensory acuity (i.e., vision, smell, hearing, touch) and potential for stress and strain on muscles, joints and nerves
Psychological factors such as mental abilities, personality, knowledge, work experience
Once the assessment is completed, the certified ergonomics assessment specialist will either implement or help implement:
On-site workplace ergonomics seminars for employees, supervisors and managers, ergonomic equipment recommendations and installations
Ergonomics program development (designed to address the specific needs of the client company)
What is an ergonomic risk assessment?
The ergonomic risk assessment is an examination of the aspects of a task that may expose workers to an increased risk of injury. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm. Risk identifies the likelihood that the harm will be done and details the severity. The risk assessment determines if enough has been done to control the risk or if any further measures need to be taken to reduce the risk
What does an ergonomic design consultant do?
An ergonomic design consultant evaluates the workplace, the workspace and the tasks an employee must accomplish as part of an ergonomics assessment. After making these observations, the consultant with then apply their knowledge about human abilities, limitations, and other characteristics to make recommendations that are relevant to the design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs and environments for safe, comfortable and effective human use.
What does an office ergonomics consultant do?
Office Ergonomics is the branch of ergonomics dealing specifically with the office environment. Office ergonomics consultants provide many services to help make the office environment healthy and safe for workers. Services include:
In-depth analyses of the set-up and design of all workstation components, work tasks, and postures adopted, which are typically provided when an employee is working in discomfort, is returning to work from an injury, and/or has a requirement for a job accommodation.
Generating an ergonomics evaluation report that provides recommendations to reduce any risk factors that may be contributing to the worker’s discomfort.
Helping workers understand how to set-up and adjust their existing workstation components while also identifying areas of concern and opportunities for improvement to reduce discomfort and improve performance.
Teaching workers basic office ergonomics, which can include teaching workers about office ergonomics hazards and teaching them proper work postures.
What does an ergonomic safety consultant do?
An ergonomic safety consultant plans and conducts projects and programs to ensure compliance with federal, state and local safety and health statutes and regulations. They conduct safety and health related investigations and provide consultative direction to managers and supervisors for actions and decisions. Additionally, ergonomic safety consults provide compliance based training and they recognize, monitor and make recommendations to ensure workplace safety hazards are corrected, through audits, ergonomic assessments and interventions.
What does a work ergonomics specialist do?
A work ergonomic specialist performs OSHA-compliant ergonomics analysis applicable in the industrial, healthcare, and office workplace to identify potential hazards that contribute to occurrences of musculoskeletal disorders. They also implement or assist with the implementation of cost-effective, high-impact solutions for workplace injury prevention.
The Best Ergonomic Consultants in Los Angeles
Accredited Rehabilitation Consultants, Board Certified Professional Ergonomists, identify ergonomic risks and offers solutions to reduce these risk factors and eliminate ergonomic injuries. We conduct comprehensive worksite assessments, analyze ergonomic variables in disability case management in order to develop individualized high impact solutions and workspace improvements.
Our goal is to create a Culture of Safety and Responsibility for effective and sustainable health, wellness, safety, comfort, and production in the workplace. We take a four-phased approach with our ergonomic consulting evaluation services:
Phase 1 – Ergonomic Assessment – assessment of known high-risk areas for the purpose of eliminating current/potential complaints
Phase 2 – Ergonomic Evaluation – formulate and analyze workplace specific evaluations in order to make appropriate ergonomic recommendations.
Phase 4 – Orientation & Training – Employee ergonomic training to assure employees have the necessary skills to achieve and maintain correct ergonomics to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
Expert Witness Services – Expert consultation, opinions, reports and testimony for litigation.
Job Analysis – Independent (unbiased) modified and alternative position job analysis.
Ergonomic Equipment – providing a variety of ergonomic furniture and accessories such as ergonomic chairs, articulating keyboard trays, lighting, monitor arms and more.
For more information about our services and ergonomic equipment, please call 323.930.6599.
