Have you ever considered the impact of ergonomics on your daily work life? Ergonomics has a significant impact on your health, comfort, and productivity at work.
Ergonomic errors, such as poor posture, an unsuitable chair, or incorrect screen positioning, can lead to physical pain, increased fatigue, and decreased concentration over time.
Understanding ergonomic errors and correcting them is therefore an important step in improving your well-being at the office.
What is an ergonomic problem?
An ergonomic issue is a problem that occurs when a workstation is unsuitable for the user's physical and cognitive needs. By designing an ergonomic workstation, we aim to optimize employee comfort and efficiency while minimizing the risk of injury or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Why is poor ergonomics a problem?
Poor office ergonomics can have a significant impact on employee health and well-being. Prolonged poor posture can lead to back, shoulder, neck, and wrist pain, as well as chronic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
In addition to the physical impacts, ergonomic issues at work can reduce concentration and productivity, increasing errors and fatigue. It is therefore essential to design an ergonomic workstation, whether in professional spaces or when working remotely.
The most common ergonomic mistakes in the office
Bad sitting posture
Poor posture, such as a hunched or rigid back, is a major source of ergonomic problems at work. This can lead to lower back pain and muscle tension.
In France, approximately 70% of employees report having experienced back pain linked to poor posture at work, and nearly 3 million working days are lost each year due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
This is why it is important to adopt healthy working habits and invest in suitable ergonomic solutions.
Solutions:
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Use a suitable ergonomic seat.
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Learn to maintain good posture.
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Reduce tension by alternating between sitting and standing postures.
Poorly adjusted desk and screen height
An improperly positioned monitor, whether too high or too low, can cause neck pain and tension. Poor placement can lead to increased discomfort in the neck and shoulders, making prolonged work difficult and painful. According to studies, nearly 70% of employees suffer from pain related to poor monitor positioning, which directly affects their productivity and well-being at work. Therefore, properly adjusting the height and angle of your monitor is essential to promote a healthy and comfortable posture.
Solutions:
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Place the screen at eye level, 50-70 cm from the face.
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Adjust the desk height so that the elbows are at 90° when sitting, in accordance with ergonomic advice for a well-appointed workstation .
Unsuitable or poorly adjusted seat
An unergonomic or poorly adjusted seat is a common cause of back pain, especially in the lumbar region. Lack of proper support can put increased stress on the spine, leading to chronic or acute pain.
In addition, incorrect seat height adjustment can prevent the feet from touching the ground or, conversely, cause the knees to bend excessively, which disrupts blood circulation.
In the long term, these improper postures worsen ergonomic problems and contribute to decreased comfort and productivity.
Solutions:
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Choosing a suitable ergonomic seat such as the Bloon balloon seat.
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Adjust its height to allow optimal alignment with the desk.
Poorly positioned arms and wrists
Incorrect arm and wrist position when typing can have serious health consequences.
According to a study , about 60% of office workers suffer from pain related to poor posture, and among them, nearly 10% develop musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
This syndrome, caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, can lead to pain, numbness and even loss of strength in the hand.
These problems are often aggravated by prolonged use of a keyboard or mouse without adequate arm and wrist support.
Solutions:
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Position the keyboard at the correct height with straight wrists.
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Use an ergonomic wrist rest and an ergonomic mouse to limit tensions.
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Maintain a natural posture of the arms and wrists.
Lack of movement and prolonged static posture
Sitting for too long can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders and muscle stiffness. These ergonomic issues are particularly prevalent when working from home. When the body remains in a static posture for long periods, muscles and joints are subjected to excessive strain, which can lead to chronic pain.
Solutions:
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Take regular breaks every hour.
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Alternate positions with a sit-stand desk.
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Realize light exercises and stretching to relieve muscle tension.
Poorly adapted lighting
According to recent studies, approximately 50 to 90% of office workers report experiencing some form of visual fatigue , often linked to inadequate lighting or prolonged exposure to screens.
Poor lighting can lead to headaches, blurred vision, or eye pain, exacerbating ergonomic issues at work. These symptoms not only reduce visual comfort, but also daily productivity and concentration.
Solutions:
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Use soft natural lighting whenever possible.
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Install adjustable lamps to avoid glare.
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Reduce blue light exposure with screen filters.
FAQ: All about office ergonomics issues
What is an ergonomic problem?
An ergonomic problem occurs when the work environment, tools, or postures adopted create discomfort or health risks. This can lead to physical pain, fatigue, or decreased productivity.
What are the 7 ergonomic risk factors?
The main ergonomic risk factors are:
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Uncomfortable or prolonged postures.
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Repetitive movements.
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Excessive force applied.
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Vibes.
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Localized pressures.
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Extreme temperatures.
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Inadequate lighting.
What are the ergonomic constraints?
Ergonomic constraints include physical (postures, repetitive movements), organizational (schedules, work pace) and environmental (lighting, noise, temperature) aspects.
What are the 3 types of ergonomics?
The 3 types of ergonomics:
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Physical ergonomics: Focused on the human body and its biomechanics.
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Cognitive ergonomics: Concerning mental processes, such as concentration or decision-making.
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Organizational ergonomics: Focused on work systems and methods.
What is ergonomics at work?
Ergonomics at work consists of adapting the workstation, tools and work environment to the employee's abilities and needs, in order to prevent injuries and optimize performance.
What are the three PSs of ergonomics?
The three PS of ergonomics are: Physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics. Cognitive ergonomics.
How to improve workstation ergonomics?
To improve workstation ergonomics:
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Adopt correct posture with good back support.
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Adjust the screen height to avoid neck strain.
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Use an ergonomic and adjustable chair.
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Take regular breaks to move and rest your eyes.
What ergonomic factors have a negative impact on a person's well-being?
Static postures, poor lighting, unsuitable tools, or even stress linked to unhealthy work rhythms can harm well-being.
How to have an ergonomic office?
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Optimize desk layout for natural posture.
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Reduce glare by adjusting lighting.
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Choose ergonomic equipment such as suitable keyboards and mice.
What is good ergonomics?
Good ergonomics integrates comfort, safety and efficiency to prevent injuries and improve quality of life at work.
What does office ergonomics mainly aim to reduce?
Office ergonomics primarily aims to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and physical or mental fatigue linked to poor working conditions.
What are the limits of ergonomics?
Limitations of ergonomics may include the cost of ergonomic equipment, resistance to change, or a lack of awareness among employees and employers.
What are the tools of ergonomics?
Ergonomics tools include ergonomic chairs, sit-stand desks, monitor stands, ergonomic keyboards and mice, and footrests.
Why is office ergonomics important?
Office ergonomics is important because it prevents pain, improves employee well-being, and promotes greater productivity and job satisfaction.
Ultimately, if you try to correct your ergonomic errors by taking into account our solutions and advice, it is possible to considerably reduce your ergonomic problems at work, whether in the office or working remotely.
