5 Tips For Improving Computer Workstation Ergonomics
Every warehouse relies on using efficient software to keep operations proceeding at optimal levels. Setting up this computer-based work area in an ergonomically friendly manner is crucial for reducing employee injury and lost work time. Computer usage has a reputation for causing individuals to experience eye strain and perform repetitive tasks that place undue stress upon the human body. Following the below warehouse management tips will improve worker safety in this area.
1. Reduce glare
By staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time, eyes can easily become strained, fatigued, and painful. Strain can result from glare, squinting, improper lighting, and screen resolution. Glare is also known as reflective lighting. This form of lighting can easily lead to impaired vision, headaches, and distorted viewing. Placing the computer workstation in an area that minimizes glare will help. Use blinds or drapes to reduce glare. Regularly cleaning the screen of dust will reduce glare. Try placing the screen at right angles to the lighting source or window. Consider purchasing a quality, but affordable screen glare protector to make the screen more user-friendly. Choose optimum screen resolutions to improve eye health and productivity.
2. Use proper heights
The height of a computer workstation plays a crucial role in optimizing ergonomics and reducing worker injury. Reduce worker eyestrain by placing the monitor at a height which allows maximum viewing with lowered eye discomfort. A properly placed screen will keep the eyes in the central viewing position. This means the top of the monitor will be even with, or slightly below, eye level. This ergonomic position minimizes extensive upward, downward, or sideways viewing. It also allows the neck to stay properly aligned.
For seating positions, make certain the seat is at a height that allows feet to be comfortably and firmly placed on the floor’s surface. While seated, the knees will be bent to form a 90-degree angle between the upper and lower leg.
3. Promote good posture
A properly positioned body improves overall functioning. Imagine an invisible line going from the top of the head to the bottom of the spine. Keeping the spine as erect as possible will keep nerves, muscles, and the spinal column properly aligned. Make certain the head, neck, and torso are balanced to minimize injury risks. Encourage employees to keep shoulders relaxed, but not slouched.
4. Require mini-breaks
Improve computer workstation ergonomics by requiring employees to take mini-breaks throughout the workday. Mini-breaks rejuvenate and rest the body. Breaks can be as simple as looking away from the screen and blinking frequently for 10 seconds, closing the eyes for 30 seconds, or doing eye exercises.
Doing gentle stretches will improve circulation and reduce the likelihood of developing sore or stiff muscles. Promote some finger stretches, shoulder rolls, overhead reaches, or standing knee bends to keep the body fluid.
5. Organize items
All computer stations have bins for staplers, staples, paper clips, packing tape, incoming and outgoing work, push pins, pens, pencils, and other office supplies. Optimizing workstation counter-tops can go far toward reducing worker injury. Requiring the body to reach for, lift, bend, and/or twist increases the risks for injury. Reduce these possibilities by placing accessories within an easy reach of the computer.
Implementing computer workstation ergonomics in the warehouse will improve workplace safety, employee productivity, satisfaction, and overall health. Placing employee safety as a number one priority will improve a firm’s overall profitability.
