Ergonomics in the workplace: your path to a healthier workplace
In this day and age where most of us spend a significant part of our day at work, ergonomics is becoming an increasingly important topic. In light of the recent Back Health Day, we're taking the opportunity to dive into redesigning ergonomic workstations today - let's work together for an upgrade that will boost your productivity and love your back. Implementing ergonomic principles is not just a matter of convenience, but also a legal requirement that has a significant impact on well-being and efficiency in the workplace.
What exactly does ergonomics mean?
Ergonomics involves much more than just choosing a comfortable office chair. The aim is to adapt the working conditions so that they are optimally suited to our natural posture and movement sequences. This minimises the risk of pain and long-term health problems. In other words, ergonomics ensures that the workplace suits us, and not the other way round.
A comfortable workplace takes into account the individual needs of each person. Because each of us is unique - different bodies require different adjustments. Whether it's the perfect adjustment of the office chair or the height of the work surface, the basic idea is that nobody has to force themselves into an uncomfortable or unnatural posture. This applies to office workstations as well as manual tasks in production. Optimising the working environment creates a situation that benefits everyone: Employees experience less physical strain and can fully utilise their potential. At the same time, the company's productivity increases.
But ergonomics is not just a matter of common sense; it is based on scientific findings and is even prescribed by law. The term itself, composed of the Greek words "ergon" (work) and "nomos" (law), indicates its meaning: it is the science that deals with the laws of work and their effect on people.
Regulations and standards - we're in the thick of it too!
We are also in the process of designing our new office space, and the regulations of the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) play a major role in this. The DGUV Rule 115-401 and the regulations of the DGUV 215-410 are just a few examples of what needs to be considered in order to design a safe and ergonomic office.
However, ergonomics is particularly important for physical activities. It plays a decisive role in skilled trades or on construction sites. Imagine how carpenters and women organise their toolboxes so that they don't have to constantly bend or stretch, or how lifting aids are used on a construction site to move heavy loads in a back-friendly way. These examples show how important a body-friendly design is in any working environment in order to prevent injuries and increase work efficiency.
Employer obligations in the area of ergonomics
The importance of ergonomics in the workplace is enshrined in key legal texts such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) and the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV). These regulations stipulate that employers must ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. This is not only about physical health, but also about protection against mental stress.
For example: a poorly organised working environment can lead to chronic back pain, which in turn can lead to stress and mental exhaustion.
§Section 3 ArbSchG therefore explicitly obliges employers to design the working environment in such a way that health risks are minimised.
The German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) formulates the requirements even more precisely:
Implementation of ergonomic principles: Directives and regulations
The details of what an ergonomic workplace should look like are defined in more detail by the Workplace Ordinance and the Occupational Safety Ordinance. These stipulate that employers must observe user-centred and occupational health standards when setting up workplaces. This includes measures such as the provision of sufficient space for movement and the selection and arrangement of work equipment.
For the practical realisation of these requirements, the "Technical rules for workplaces" (ASR) and the "Technical Rules for Operational Safety" (TRBS) valuable orientation aids. Although they do not have the force of law, they act as recognised guidelines for the fulfilment of legal requirements. For example, the ASR A1.2 Minimum standards for room dimensions and movement areas to ensure that workstations offer sufficient space and prevent forced postures.
Overall, the statutory regulations and the supplementary guidelines and standards make it clear that the creation of an ergonomic workplace is a fundamental obligation of the employer.
A healthy workplace is therefore an essential building block for the productivity and well-being of the workforce
5 tips for an ergonomic VDU workstation
With the aim of avoiding pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hands and legs and creating a comfortable working environment, here is a 5-step plan to make the workspace more ergonomic.
The cornerstone of ergonomics: the right office chair
You should start with the centrepiece of the workplace, the office chair. It is important that the entire seating surface is used and that an upright posture is adopted, with the upper arms hanging naturally alongside the body. The feet must be in full contact with the floor to support a stable and healthy posture. If the sitting position is too high, a footrest helps to ensure contact with the floor.
Fine adjustment of the office chair
The basic adjustment is followed by the fine adjustment of the office chair. The height of the armrests should be adjusted so that they support work at the keyboard without the shoulders having to be raised. The lumbar support should be positioned so that the lower back is optimally supported and the adjustable backrest promotes dynamic sitting.
Set the optimum desk height
The desk must be adjusted so that the arms are relaxed and there is a right angle between the upper and lower arms. This prevents tension in the shoulder area and promotes a back-friendly posture. In the case of non-adjustable desks, underlays can help to achieve the ideal height.
Positioning the keyboard and mouse
The keyboard and mouse should be positioned so that they can be reached without stretching the arms or raising the shoulders. The palms of the hands must be able to rest relaxed on the work surface, both when typing and when using the mouse, in order to minimise strain.
Alignment of the screen
The position of the screen is crucial: the top line should be at or slightly below eye level and the screen should be about 50 to 90 cm away to optimise visibility and reduce eye strain. Reflections and direct backlighting should be avoided.
Ergonomics in production
Ergonomics is also of central importance in the production environment. Height-adjustable workbenches enable a flexible change between standing and sitting and provide significant relief. The ability to save individual height settings and call them up at the touch of a button further optimises working conditions. Reach space is also important: tools and materials should be arranged in such a way that they can be reached without straining to avoid unnecessary strain. Ergonomic work chairs with adjustable seats and backrests as well as special castors promote dynamic sitting and support a healthy posture.
Conclusion:
Implementing ergonomic principles in the workplace is crucial for promoting a healthy and productive working environment. By following the legal requirements and customising each workplace, employers create a basis for the long-term health and well-being of employees. From correctly adjusted office chairs and optimally positioned screens to flexible work tables in production - all of these elements contribute to improved workplace ergonomics. A comfortably designed workplace not only reduces the risk of pain and long-term damage to health, but also increases the efficiency and satisfaction of the workforce. Ultimately, both employees and employers benefit from investing in workplace ergonomics.
FAQs:
What guidelines apply to ergonomics in the workplace?
The German Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) and the German Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) are decisive for ergonomics in the workplace. These stipulate that employers must ensure the health and safety of their employees by designing workplaces ergonomically. In addition, the "Technical Rules for Workplaces" (ASR) and the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) provide practical guidance.
How do I carry out an ergonomics check at the office workstation?
An ergonomics checklist should include the following points: correct adjustment of the office chair, optimum desk height, comfortable positioning of the keyboard and mouse, correct alignment of the screen and adaptation of the working environment to avoid unnecessary strain. Regular breaks and exercise are also important aspects.
What does the DGUV say about ergonomics in the workplace?
The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) provides rules and regulations on how workplaces should be designed to be safe and healthy. DGUV Rule 115-401 and Regulation 215-410 are specific examples that cover ergonomic aspects in the workplace and provide guidance on the prevention of work-related health hazards.
How can I improve ergonomics in the office?
To improve ergonomics in the office, start by adjusting your office chair and desk correctly. Make sure that your work equipment is arranged in a user-friendly way and supports your posture. Invest in work-friendly aids such as monitor stands, ergonomic keyboards or footrests. Also consider the lighting and room design to create a pleasant working atmosphere.
How is ergonomics implemented in the workplace in industry?
In industrial working environments, the application of ergonomic principles is crucial to reduce stress and increase safety. Important measures include
- Customisable workstations: Use of height-adjustable tables and user-orientated tools.
- Material handling: Use of lifting and carrying aids to avoid manual lifting of heavy loads.
- Tool selection: Use of ergonomically designed tools and machines.
Breaks and exercise: Encourage regular breaks and physical activity. - Employee training: Raising awareness of physically appropriate work and health-conscious behaviour.
Sources:
https://www.bueromoebel-experte.de/ratgeber/ergonomie-ratgeber/ergonomie-am-arbeitsplatz/
https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Regelwerk/ASR/ASR-A1-2.html
https://www.baua.de/DE/Die-BAuA/Aufgaben/Geschaeftsfuehrung-von-Ausschuessen/ASTA/ASTA_node.html
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/arbschg/
https://www.baua.de/DE/Die-BAuA/Aufgaben/Geschaeftsfuehrung-von-Ausschuessen/ASTA/ASTA_node.html
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/betrsichv_2015/BJNR004910015.html
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