When you think about workplace injuries, you might think of a trip or fall in a warehouse, or an accident with a piece of machinery. But for those who work in an office environment, there are plenty of opportunities for injury as well. This is why it is best to understand workplace ergonomic solutions. This will help prevent long term injuries. Learn what a premier ergonomic workplace looks like, top tips for an ideal workspace, and how physical therapy in Cheyenne, WY and all other locations can help.

What is an Ergonomic Workplace?

Those working in an environment that is designed to help maintain proper posture and other elements are working in an ergonomic workplace. Each person is different, as should be their workstation. A workspace that is ergonomically designed not only helps to avoid employee fatigue throughout the day, but also discomfort and eventually injuries. This can be improper seating that leads to poor posture, or a keyboard arrangement that causes a person to sit in the wrong position throughout the day. Long-term and poor use can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, known as MSDs, that impact a person’s movements. Multiple areas are affected from daily, repetitive motions, such as muscles, ligaments, nerves, and more.  

Tips for an Ergonomic Workspace

Are you wondering if your workspace is ergonomically designed to accommodate your individual needs? There are a few key elements. First, your seat and posture must encourage you to keep your head straight and forward. This includes having a monitor at eye level and an arm’s length away so you are not looking up too high or low. The keyboard placement should be directly in front of you so you are not over-extending your arms. For chair height, make sure you can easily have both feet on the floor. There are footstools available that help you to sit in the proper position. Learn more about an ergonomics approach to avoiding workplace injuries and illnesses from the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Over time, when sustaining an injury due to a poorly designed workstation, you may notice elements you think are normal—but aren’t. Go-to signs include an inability to move certain areas the same, tingle or numbness, swelling or joint pain, and more. Utilizing the help of a local physical therapist can work with a staff to educate on workplace ergonomics and assist employees with each station. Since each person is different, a physical therapist can assess each person’s situation and help a company develop best practices to help employees use proper posture and techniques to avoid injuries.

For a quality physical therapist to help you learn more about workplace ergonomics, North Platte Physical Therapy has you covered. It is also important to learn about overall workplace safety and how Casper physical therapy can help with work related injuries, too. Once working with a physical therapist, you and your coworkers will work in a safe environment and know the best way your individual setup must be arranged. To get started, contact us today.