Seattle, WA: 206-521-5676 Olympia, WA: 360-236-8748 Portland/Salem, OR: 503-768-9742 Info@SolutionsNW.com
What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Ergonomic Workstation

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Ergonomic Workstation

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Ergonomic Workstation

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Ergonomic WorkstationErgonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

What do remote work and office work have in common? They both carry the same risk of suffering a strain injury.

We are, of course, talking about ergonomics. Without a workstation that keeps the body in a neutral position, staying comfortable is all but impossible. The only question is which part of your body will start hurting first.

Not sure how to create the best ergonomic workstation for your needs? Start by investing in these three essential ergonomic upgrades!

Comfortable Ergonomic Chair

Let’s do a small test. Sit in your chair and press your back against the backrest. Are there any gaps between the chair and your spine?

If the answer is yes, you need a better office chair. Your back has a natural S-curve, and the chair needs to support it. An ergonomic chair will also have lumbar support for your lower back and a comfortable cushion.

These desks should be considered a long term investment as it will pay off with increased comfort and safety as well as improve productivity.

Related Article: “Why Every Business Needs an Ergonomics Assessment

Ergonomic Standing Desk

When you’re working at a desk, your wrists and arms should be parallel to the floor. At most, they need to be slightly angled down toward your lap.

The issue: most desks are 28-30” high, which puts people who are 5’10” or above in an awkward position. One solution: raise your chair to keep your wrists above the desk. You can also mount a keyboard tray under your desk.

No matter what you do, though, you won’t find the optimal height for all five main office tasks. These include:

  • typing
  • writing
  • viewing your screen
  • using the mouse
  • reading documents

Since these all require different heights, your best bet is to get an adjustable-height standing desk. That way, you can switch between sitting and standing to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Related article: “Standing vs Sitting at Your Desk

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.Responsive Peripherals

The mouse and keyboard are also key parts of any ergonomic workplace. If they’re not comfortable, they’ll put stress on your wrists and shoulders.

A good mouse should fit your hand and be smooth to maneuver. If you can’t find a mouse that doesn’t cause you fatigue, consider another input device. For instance, a trackball will keep your hand in a neutral position.

As for the keyboard, look for a split model. Standard keyboards force your hands inwards, which causes you to hunch your shoulders. Split keyboards allow you to space each half and keep your shoulders relaxed.

Not a fan of split keyboards? Get a standard keyboard that either tilts forward or has a low, flat profile. Both types will help keep your wrists neutral.

Related article: “5 Benefits of Using an Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard

Setting up the Best Ergonomic Workstation

Do you or your employees spend a big part of the day working at a desk? If so, neglecting workplace ergonomics can harm one’s health. Follow the above guide and begin your journey into creating an injury free workspace.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., we understand that ensuring that you and your employees are following ergonomic workstation guidelines can be tricky. Generally, best practice is to have an ergonomic assessment done by an ergonomics consultant – and our consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. are here to help! Contact us here to schedule an ergonomic assessment or learn more about our services.

We can even help you if you have a lot of remote workers by setting up their workspaces with an affordable, virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

4 Tips to Improve Office Workstation Ergonomics

4 Tips to Improve Office Workstation Ergonomics

4 Tips to Improve Office Workstation Ergonomics

4 Tips from Ergonomics Experts to Improve Office Workstation ErgonomicsErgonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

How you approach office workstation ergonomics has a massive effect on employee health and morale.

If you’re going to have a productive workplace, you need your employees to feel comfortable. An employee with a cramped desk and poor lighting isn’t going to be as effective as one that has enough space and safe lighting. Poor ergonomics can also result in workplace injuries that cost your business.

Thus, improving office workstation ergonomics should be a major priority for every office. In this post, our ergonomics experts will give you 4 tips for enhancing your workplace ergonomics so that your productivity is always stellar.

1. Promote Work Breaks

Create a culture of comfort and watch how it improves morale as well as worker productivity. Beyond office management, you often need to save workers from themselves by promoting frequent breaks as a policy or a workplace culture.

For example, it is vital that workers get up and walk around when their job involves them sitting at a desk all day. Performing back and arm stretches will stave off nagging injuries. Taking breaks from looking at the computer monitor will help them avoid eye strain as well.

Related article: “Break Time: 5 Reasons Work Breaks Boost Productivity

 

2. Prioritize Good Lighting

Harsh office lighting is bad enough, but when there are screens in the equation, the glare can really start to affect people’s ability to work effectively.

Ergonomics consultants suggest you position your office workstations near windows to help with eye strain. That said, be sure to note that workstations should not be positioned directly in front of the window, as this could cause eyestrain from the sun while you work.

Provide your workers adjustable blinds to adjust the lighting as they see fit. It’s all about providing options for your employees to succeed.

Every office is different and every detail matters regarding ergonomics. We highly recommend hiring an ergonomics consultant to perform a professional ergonomics assessment as a best practice for office workstations.

Related article: “Set the Mood with the Right Office Lighting

 

3. Teach Posture

Promoting proper posture in the workplace, whether it’s when employees are sitting at their desks or lifting heavy objects, will go a long way. When a worker has a cramped desk or has to do manual labor, it can lead to awkward positions, which lead to injuries.

When sitting at a desk, a worker should have their arms supported by the desk, their back and head should be upright, and the top of the monitor should be at eye level. When talking on the phone, your employees should use hands-free technology or make sure to hold the receiver up to their ear without straining the neck.

Related article: “The Ergonomic Way to Sit at Your Desk and View Your Monitor

 

4. Invest in Ergonomics

Staying educated and proactive about ergonomics is just the first step. It is highly recommended that one invests in ergonomics for the workplace.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.Investing in ergonomics for your workplace pays off by preventing workplace injuries, improving employee morale, and by boosting productivity.

Furthermore, your employees can file a workers’ comp claim for injuries that result from ergonomic failures. It’s in your best interest to give them the resources they need to succeed.

There are many details to consider when setting up an ergonomic workplace and it is always best practice to hire an ergonomics consultant company for this task.

Get an Office Workstation Ergonomics Assessment

These 4 office workstation ergonomics tips will help your employees maintain physical health at work. If you feel like your workers aren’t happy with your ergonomic situation, it might be time to get an ergonomics assessment from Solutions Northwest Inc.

We specialize in ergonomic consulting, office assessments, and ergonomic training, so contact us to find out how we can improve your office today.

We can even help you if you have a lot of remote workers by setting up their workspaces with an affordable, virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

How Ergonomics Impacts Health and Safety in the Workplace

How Ergonomics Impacts Health and Safety in the Workplace

How Ergonomics Impacts Health and Safety in the Workplace

How Ergonomics Impacts Health and Safety in the WorkplaceErgonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Did you know that one out of four Americans experiences lower back pain? The same CDC report found that roughly 20% of these cases were caused by work-related reasons (however, the actual figure is likely quite higher).

If you’re an employer, you’re likely scratching your head, thinking of ways to avoid this problem. The solution lies in ergonomics. But exactly how can ergonomics impact health and safety in the workplace?

In this article, we’ll be exploring how investing in ergonomic consultation can help you prevent injuries among your employees. That way, they can remain as productive as possible. Let’s get started!

Prevent Workplace Injury and Employee Pain

It doesn’t matter if your workplace is an office or a factory; your employees can experience pain from repetitive movements.

Some common things that cause pain in the workplace include things like:

  • Bent awkward postures for prolonged periods

  • Frequent bending and reaching
  • Small seats that don’t provide any support
  • No neck support
  • A bent wrist from frequent repetitive movements

Ergonomics experts can provide solutions in the form of new products and education.

This education will give your employees the knowledge they need to reduce pain levels while working. And when pain levels are lower in means, your workers will be more productive.

Fewer Serious Workplace Injuries

Often when we think of serious injuries in the workplace, we picture traumatic injuries that result from slipping and falling. However, the reality is that serious injuries can occur just from sitting for too long.

One Havard study found habitual inactivity can result in conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and deep-vein thrombosis.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.And that just comes from sitting still. When you combine this inactivity with musculoskeletal injuries that occur from repetitive movement at work, you have a recipe for disaster.

In the best-case scenario, your worker will have to miss a few days or weeks of work.

Worst-case scenario, you lose them for a prolonged period of workers’ compensation claims. Investing in ergonomics in the office ensures that these serious workplace injuries never occur.

How to Implement Ergonomics into Your Workplace

We’ve learned why ergonomics is essential for a healthy office. But how do you go about implementing them? We recommend hiring an ergonomic expert for the task. These individuals provide a lot of different services.

First, you can engage them in end-to-end ergonomic consultations. Or, if you want to test your current ergonomic systems, you can hire them for an ergonomic assessment.

Lastly, education and training services ensure that you and your employees know proper safety techniques to minimize pain and injuries when working.

Want Health and Safety in the Workplace? Contact Solutions Northwest Inc.

We hope this article helped you learn more about how ergonomics can affect health and safety in the workplace. At Solutions Northwest Inc., we firmly believe that employers should be investing in workplace ergonomics.

Not only does it show that you care about your employees’ health and safety, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run.

Remember that injury prevention is always preferable to waiting around for injuries to occur. So, if you’re ready to provide your employees with the protection they need, contact us today.

Using remote workers?  We offer an affordable virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Back-To-The-Office: 3 Ergonomics Gadgets Every Office Worker Needs

Back-To-The-Office: 3 Ergonomics Gadgets Every Office Worker Needs

Back-To-The-Office: 3 Ergonomics Gadgets Every Office Worker Needs

Back in the Office? 3 Ergonomics Gadgets Every Office According to The Ergonomics ExpertsErgonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

With many remote workers returning to the office, now is a great time to ensure every employee has a proper ergonomically designed office setup!

Ergonomics design in the office includes everything from the number of windows to the type of mouse an office worker is given. And when it comes to workplace safety, comfort, and productivity – every detail is important!

In this blog, the ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. have provided a few gadgets they believe are essential for every office worker to have.

Read on to learn about ergonomics gadgets that will help to boost employee morale, maximize worker productivity, and maintain employee health.

1. Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard

When designing an ergonomic workspace for office workers, an easy and affordable place to start is with the tools worker’s use daily – a mouse and keyboard.

Using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse helps to ease the strain on a worker’s wrist, neck, and back. It will also help reduce issues such as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).

When investing in an ergonomic keyboard, look for keyboards that feature two separate halves as these provide a lot more flexibility and room for adjustment.

For an ergonomic mouse, you will discover many options. For example, some are designed for either right-handed or left-handed orientations. You will also be able to find an ergonomic mouse in different sizes for a more comfortable fit. Furthermore, you may want to consider a trackball mouse, where the mouse remains stationary, and a tracker ball (aka rollerball or trackball) controls the movement of the curser.

No matter what you choose, investing in a mouse and keyboard that are specifically designed for ergonomics will help to reduce wrist strain and pain compared to the status quo devices.

2. Computer Glasses

Computer glasses are designed to help relieve sore eyes caused by digital eyestrain.

Computer glasses are designed to look like normal eyeglasses and are generally affordable. These ergonomic glasses use an anti-reflective coating designed to reduce the harsh light and screen glare of one’s computer screen. The computer glasses filter out the blue light that is emitted from your screen to help reduce negative symptoms (headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes, or even neck and shoulder pain) that come from staring at a screen all day for work.

Computer glasses will make it easier to protect one’s eyes and prevent digital eyestrain when working on a computer.

3. Adjustable Sit-Stand Desk

An adjustable sit-stand desk may be pricier than the other gadgets on this list, but our ergonomics consultants remind us that any investment into ergonomics and office safety will always pay out in the long run.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.An adjustable sit-stand desk solves the “sitting vs standing at work” debate by providing both options – sitting and standing. In fact, the ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. suggest that one should alternate between sitting and standing at work around every 30 minutes to avoid workplace injury. With an adjustable sit-stand desk, a worker can easily lower or raise their motorized desk at the touch of a button.

By incorporating a routine that involves both sitting and standing while working, workers will be able to improve their health and productivity throughout the workday.

Invest in Office Ergonomics for Employee Safety, Comfort, and Productivity

The gadgets and desk your employees use should always take ergonomics into account.

The benefits of investing into any ergonomics tool or furniture will always outweigh the cost when you consider the boost to employee productivity, safety, and happiness.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., we offer ergonomic consulting, education, and training. To get an ergonomic office assessment from one of our experts, contact us today. We can help you set up a plan to examine and analyze your space.

We can even help you if you have a lot of remote workers by setting up their workspaces with an affordable, virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Creating an Ergonomic Workstation for Proper Posture at Your Desk

Creating an Ergonomic Workstation for Proper Posture at Your Desk

Creating an Ergonomic Workstation for Proper Posture at Your Desk

Guidelines for Creating an Ergonomic Workstation at Your OfficeErgonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Office design has a huge impact on an employees’ mental and physical health. From the decor on the walls to the number of windows, to the types of chairs and desks you have – every detail matters.
One of the most important aspects of ergonomic office design will be creating a safe and productive, ergonomic workspace for your employees. Designing a workstation with ergonomics in mind takes workers’ needs into account and improves the setup of the office to fit those needs.

In this post, the ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. are going to help you by giving you some ergonomic workstation guidelines designed to help worker’s maintain proper posture and avoid injuries while working.

Keep reading and you’ll know exactly how to set up your workstations to boost morale, maximize productivity, and maintain employee health.

Ergonomic Workstation Design – Posture

You can have the perfect ergonomic setup for your employees, but if they don’t have good posture, problems will still arise. It’s crucial to keep bones and joints aligned in a neutral position so that the muscles function normally. Good posture also decreases the amount of stress on the spine and ligaments.

This is how an employee should sit:

  • The back should be straight with the neck and head upright
  • The bottom and thighs should have equally distributed pressure
  • Feet should be flat on the floor
  • Minimal bend of the wrists, which should not rest on hard edges
  • Shoulders and arms should be relaxed and perpendicular to the floor

Creating an ergonomic workspace will help make it easier for a worker to feel comfortable sitting with correct posture. Every workplace is different, so investing in a proper ergonomics assessment for your employee will be crucial when trying to achieve proper workstation ergonomics specific to your needs.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.Ergonomic Desk Setup

Each workstation will have to be set up a bit differently for each worker. Filling your office with fully adjustable ergonomic equipment will make it easier to accommodate everyone’s needs.

For a basic desk setup – give the computer monitor a 10-20 degree tilt so that it’s centered in front of the eyes, about 20-30 inches away. The keyboard should be positioned an inch above the elbows for the most comfort.

The goal is to maintain the posture as effortlessly as possible.

Your employees should have everything they need within arm’s reach so that they’re never awkwardly bending or moving, which can cause injury.

Invest in Ergonomic Equipment

The furniture and equipment you give your employees should take ergonomics into account.

When it comes to an office chair, for example, it should be comfortable and supportive of the spinal curve. An ergonomic chair will be adjustable so that the worker can assume the correct posture with ease.

An ergonomic desk is also fully adjustable so that the worker can get enough clearance between the desk and their knees. If the worker prefers to stand, adjustable standing desks should also be made available.

Computer monitors should have plenty of swivel and tilt capabilities, as well as anti-glare screens. Stock your workstations with ergonomic keyboards and mouses, and make sure lighting is available at every desk.

Following Ergonomic Workstation Guidelines

Ensuring that you and your employees are following ergonomic workstation guidelines can be tricky. The best practice is to have an ergonomic assessment done and give your employees the proper ergonomic training.

An investment in ergonomics pays off in the long run. Not only will it benefit their long-term health, but it reduces the likelihood of workplace injury and boosts worker productivity.

At Solutions Northwest, Inc., we offer ergonomic consulting, education, and training. To get an ergonomic office assessment from one of our experts, contact us today. We can help you set up a plan to examine and analyze your space.

We can even help you if you have a lot of remote workers by setting up their workspaces with an affordable, virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

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