When designing a workplace and organizing work, diversity in both postures and movements must be considered in order to reduce the risk of strain symptoms. Goals should be set for diversity and taken into account when formulating the workplace and determining the content of jobs.
To enable employees to work in suitable work settings the working conditions need to be organized well, offer diversity and be adaptable to each individual.
To ensure suitable working postures, it is necessary to ensure that the working facilities are suitable for employees. Suitable posture at work is best when the employee can work with a straight back, relaxed shoulders and elbows as close as possible to the body, whether they’re working standing, sitting or moving. There must be enough space so that it is easy to access the task and change postures, whether working sitting or standing.
Working height must take into account the nature of the tasks, for example whether it is precision work, light work or strenuous work. Equipment must be within reach and at a good working height so that employees can easily work in a suitable posture. Tools and equipment must be selected in consultation with employees and correct use ensured. It is also important that the tools and equipment is easy to adapt to the work environment and different needs.
When designing and organizing workstations, a risk assessment must be carried out, that is, analyzing and evaluating work processes and individual work components with physical strain in mind. It is important to think holistically and ensure that employees can work in suitable working postures. It must be considered whether one or more people will use the same work facility. Requirements for equipment to be easily adjustable increase risk for physical overload significantly if there are more users. It is also necessary to consider the content of work with the goal of ensuring diversity in tasks and physical exertion.
When designing a workstation and when choosing tables and other equipment, the tasks to be worked on must be taken into account, and it is therefore necessary to carefully examine the needs beforehand. When arranging equipment, it should be assumed that the employees have the devices and equipment that are most used for work within a suitable reach to reduce the likelihood of stretching and twisting.
Devices and equipment must be designed so that good working postures and working movements can be applied and that the physical strain created by their use is appropriate. At the same time, the design must take into account man’s ability to perceive, process and understand information. This applies, for example, to the design and placement of controls and signals on a screen.
It is important that there are tools and equipment available that allow for different capabilities and limitations of users. For example, women and men have different criteria due to differences in body size and muscle strength. The design must also take into account the use of the device/equipment, for example whether it is a prolonged and/or frequent use.
When working with a computer, it is important that all equipment can be adapted to the employee so that they can work in comfortable positions. When selecting equipment and planning the work environment, consider for how long the computer will be worked on.
In the design and organization of workplaces, a risk assessment must be carried out, that is, to analyze and evaluate work processes and individual work components with regard to physical exertion. Efforts should always be made to take organizational measures and/or use equipment in such a way as to avoid the need for employees to lift, carry, push and pull.
If the handling of loads cannot be avoided, equipment should be used and employees should be trained and educated on its use and proper physical exertion.
Working in a home can be physically difficult, as working conditions are different and not designed with services in mind. Services provided at home can include cleaning, personal assistance, home nursing and/or training. Usually one person is providing this service and it is not easy to get assistance if needed.
Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of absences from work in Europe and are one of the most common causes of disability. It is therefore important to promote greater awareness of the importance of preventing work-related musculoskeletal problems in all work.
Attached is a summary of helpful tips on the work environment and physical exertion at work that should benefit everyone and it is good to remind yourself of them regularly.
The Work Environment