SOME ERGONOMIC MISCONCEPTIONS

Most of us learn early that if something is good for us, it may not be pleasant. Unfortunately, the same logic has trickled into our ideas about healthy workplace posture and behavior.

Despite what your mother said sitting up straight is not good for you. And despite what the old ergonomic theories proposed, sitting with your body at 90-degree angles is not the healthiest way to spend a workday. In terms of workplace ergonomics, the startling truth is that comfort and health are synonymous. If you're not comfortable at your desk, it's because you're probably sitting and working wrong.

More adjustability doesn't necessarily mean more ergonomic. While the ability to adjust is a critical component of most ergonomic products, workers may unwittingly adjust themselves into bad postures and positions. Products should be adjustable within a safe operating range to keep un trained users from putting themselves at risk. Since most people know precious little about ergonomics, when workers set up their own work stations, the position of the keyboard, mouse, monitor and copy holder is typically determined by available desk space, in which case the likelihood of an ergonomic workspace is next to nil. .Not all products labeled 'ergonomic" are actually good for you. There are currently no laws or governing bodies overseeing the use of the "ergonomic" label. This means anyone can call any product "ergonomic"-from toasters to baby pins to steam-proof mirrors. As a result, the term has been overused and watered down. Bottom line, ergonomics in the workplace is serious business, and product claims and functions must be backed up by serious research and testing.

Not all products labeled 'ergonomic" are actually good for you. There are currently no laws or governing bodies overseeing the use of the "ergonomic" label. This means anyone can call any product "ergonomic"-from toasters to baby pins to steam-proof mirrors. As a result, the term has been overused and watered down. Bottom line, ergonomics in the workplace is serious business, and product claims and functions must be backed up by serious research and testing.