Ergonomics looks at the relationship between people and their work. It seeks to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suits each worker. There are five aspects of ergonomics – safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and aesthetics.
Physical ergonomics is concerned with the human body as it relates to physical activity. This includes working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout and health and safety. All the osteopaths at The Avenue Clinic are trained to recognise, assess and treat ergonomic impact on workers.
Ergonomics in the workplace has to do largely with the safety of employees, both long and short-term. Ergonomics can help reduce costs by improving safety – which would significantly decrease the money paid out in workers’ compensation by employers each year. In Guernsey one of the most common ergonomic problems arises from poor office and workstation layouts in the islands many offices. The osteopaths at the clinic each year treat dozens of patients suffering from the effects of ergonomic stresses and strains.
Workplaces may either take the reactive or proactive approach when applying ergonomics practices. Reactive ergonomics is when something needs to be fixed, and corrective action is taken. Proactive ergonomics is the process of seeking areas that could be improved and fixing the issues before they become a large problem.
The Avenue Clinic now is delighted to offer on-site ergonomic assessments. Whether you are a one-man-band concerned that your home office is not properly set out, or a larger office with 100’s of employees – The Avenue Clinic can provide experienced ergonomic assessors for your situation. For more information please call the clinic on 728798, or email dimi@avenueclinic.co.uk