manual handling training, ergonomic assessment, activity based working office

Everyone wants to reinvent their home ‘workstation’. Some have a home office with a designated study table and chair, the kitchen table, the bedroom desk, or even the couch. We work, set assignments to teams and schedule virtual meetings – no matter where we are. 

If you want to set up an ergonomic workspace using staff ergonomic education in Melbourne – here is a list of things to keep in mind.

Ergonomics refers to the applied science of arranging and designing daily-use items so that people work safely and efficiently. An ergonomic specialist in Melbourne protects your body from pain and injury, which lets you focus better on your work and makes you a productive and happier employee. You aim to maintain a typically neutral spine, which has a naturally curved or S-shape.

If you are using a desk, use a folding table, study table or kitchen desk. It should fit the thigh, knees and feet to help you sit comfortably. The mouse and keyboard should be at elbow height when you are seated. You can adjust the keyboard tray or the desk height or use thick and heavy books to raise the system. If the table is slightly higher, staff ergonomic education in Melbourne recommends using an adjustable chair.

Most of us use a laptop, but an ergonomic specialist in Melbourne does not call them ergonomic. As the screen and keyboard are connected (even in the case of a detachable keyboard and mouse), maintaining an ergonomic position is not always possible. Keep your neck straight to view the top third of the monitor screen, and re-adjust the screen accordingly. Place the monitor on a pile of books in order to achieve the perfect height. Adjust the tilt on the screen if needed, as it achieves the proper head positioning and reduces glare. Also, try to sit in a room with indirect lighting that does not cause a harsh glare on the monitor. Keep the keyboard and mouse at a proper mouse to work efficiently.

If you do not have an adjustable chair, ensure that it supports your spine’s natural curve. Your feet should remain on the floor, sit evenly on the bottom and adjust the chair to the perfect height. Use a step stool, ottoman or footrest for the correct size. Interested in ergonomic assessment in Melbourne? Contact us at Ergoworks Consulting.