Ergonomics in the workplace

Ergonomics is a scientific discipline that aims to adapt working conditions to people's health. Ergonomic design has become increasingly important in recent decades, both in terms of living space and the workplace. Find out here how you as an employer or employee can benefit from ergonomics in the workplace and how we at ComPeri can help you with the ergonomic design of your conference room.

What does ergonomics mean?

The term ergonomics is derived from the Greek words „ergon“ (work) and „nomos“ (law). It is therefore the science of human work. It refers to the adaptation of working conditions to people, not the other way around. The first known definition of the term comes from the Polish biologist Wojciech Jastrzebowksi and was published in 1857 in the journal Nature and Industry.

Objectives of ergonomics

Ergonomics requires human-oriented work. In addition to humanity, however, economic efficiency also plays a key role. A humane design of work generally goes hand in hand with an improvement in the quality of work and a reduction in sick leave. This in turn contributes to the economic success of a company. It is therefore also worthwhile for employers to take ergonomics into account when designing their workplaces.

Ergonomics and occupational health and safety

Ergonomics in the workplace is part of preventive occupational health and safety in all occupational fields. As an employer, you are obligated to design the work system of your employees ergonomically according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In addition to the workplace and the working environment, this work system also includes the work equipment and the work organization. The aim is to reduce health risks as much as possible.

Ergonomics in the workplace

The main aim of ergonomics at the workplace is to prevent unnatural postures and forced postures. In the worst-case scenario, the latter can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. The usability of the human working environment should be optimized to enable efficient and error-free work and protect against health hazards.

Ergonomics and working environment

Environmental conditions also play a key role in reducing health risks. These include lighting conditions, the noise level and vibrations. The latter can cause long-term joint and bone damage at high intensity. Lighting affects visual performance and therefore also the degree of fatigue. Depending on its duration and intensity, light can have harmful effects on health and impair concentration.

Ergonomics and work equipment

Occupational health and safety requires trained handling of all work equipment. This includes machines and tools as well as hardware and software. Professional occupational safety requires, above all, professional instruction. Safe handling must be guaranteed.

Ergonomics and work organization

Work organization refers, among other things, to the scope of work of employees and their interaction with each other. Ergonomics encompasses not only the prevention of physical, but also psychological strain. Since 2013, the Occupational Health and Safety Act has required that mental stress be taken into account in risk assessments. Emotional and social well-being also plays a key role in this. As an employer, you must therefore also identify the hazards resulting from mental stress in the workplace.

Benefits of ergonomics for employees at a glance

• Increased job satisfaction
• Health promotion
• Reduction of stress
• Maintaining your own working capacity

Benefits of ergonomics for employers at a glance

• Less sickness absence
• Cost reduction
• Increase in productivity
• Investment in the future

Improving ergonomics in the workplace

Improving ergonomics in the workplace should be a central goal for you as an employer. To achieve this goal, the actual state of the workplace must first be recorded. This is best achieved with the help of a so-called hazard assessment. Possible measures must be evaluated, taking into account the relevant guidelines. Last but not least, the effects of such measures on ergonomics and productivity must be regularly evaluated and updated if necessary.

Modern office equipment with ComPeri

The coronavirus pandemic has brought about a change in the world of work. In addition to ergonomics in the workplace, high-quality video conferencing systems have also become significantly more important. When it comes to conference room technology, we at ComPeri are your No. 1 contact in the greater Munich area and beyond on request. Nowadays, increasing productivity requires a thought-out room concept. We are happy to support you with the set-up of your conference room and, of course, also take ergonomic aspects into account. Contact us today and see for yourself our wide range of services.