Definition of Workstations
Types: Office workstations and control room workstations.
Importance: Ergonomics in office design is crucial for health, safety, and wellbeing.
Key Considerations in Office Workstation Design:
Ergonomics minimizes health risks and improves efficiency.
Match human capacity (physical & psychological) to workstation design.
Includes considerations of anthropometry to reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Postural Influences:
Posture affected by task requirements, workspace design, and personal factors.
Assessments should include tape measures, musculoskeletal surveys, and photographs to document worker postures.
Workstation Heights:
Ideal desk height for keyboard work: 640-690mm, average 670mm.
Common desks height: 700-730mm, often too high for many users.
Ensure equal knee/elbow angles and neutral neck position.
Common Measurement Considerations:
Desk height and depth, leg space, seat pan dimensions.
Positioning for relaxed shoulders and neutral eye height.
Work Surface Layout:
Arrange tools based on usage frequency and importance.
High-frequency items should be easily accessible to minimize neck and body strain.
Lighting:
Adequate illumination, reduction of reflections, and glare management are critical.
Understand WHS legislative requirements regarding lighting in workplaces.
Definition and Impact of Sedentary Work:
Sitting for over 30 minutes continuously can impact health negatively.
Increased prevalence of sedentary roles due to technological advances.
Risks of Prolonged Sitting:
Leads to poor blood flow, muscle stiffness, and potential chronic diseases (cardiovascular issues, diabetes, etc.).
Static postures can exacerbate musculoskeletal disorders.
Design Recommendations for Workstations:
Design should encourage movement and vary posture throughout the day.
Sit-stand workstations are a solution to mitigate sedentary risks, allowing alternation of sitting and standing positions.
Guidelines for Effective Use of Sit-Stand Workstations:
Aim for a sustainable mix of sitting and standing; recommended not to exceed 4 hours of continuous standing.
Educate employees on proper ergonomic practices for workstation height.
Avoid using mats with sit-stand desks due to potential hazards.
Overall Workplace Strategy:
Monitor posture and frequent adjustments to promote health and wellbeing.
Encourage training in correct workstation settings to prevent discomfort and injury.