Ergonomics: Enhancing Health and Productivity in the Workplace

For a productive and healthier work life, understanding ergonomics is vital. Ergonomics focuses on the interaction between people and their workplace environment, aiming to design and arrange workspaces, tools, and systems to enhance comfort, efficiency, and safety.

In today’s competitive business landscape, ergonomics is increasingly recognized as an essential element in promoting worker health, boosting productivity, and reducing operational costs.

Ergonomics encompasses various elements, including: workplace design which involve adjusting elements like desks, chairs, monitors, and lighting to meet individual needs, thus improving comfort and efficiency.

Physical Well-being associate promoting proper posture and movement to prevent common workplace injuries like repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and back pain. Interdisciplinary approach integrates knowledge from biomechanics, psychology, and environmental physics to optimize worker well-being and performance.

Ergonomics is a significant health issue worldwide. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 647,000 workplace injuries and illnesses occur annually due to poor ergonomics.

Global statistics show that low back pain alone contributes to 21.8 million disability-adjusted life years. Additionally, ergonomics-related injuries account for over one-third of workers’ compensation costs, estimated between $15 and $20 billion.

These figures underscore the importance of adopting proper ergonomic practices in the workplace to improve both health and productivity.

In Zanzibar, efforts to address occupational health, safety, and ergonomics are guided by the Zanzibar Policy Guidelines for Occupational Health, Safety, and Well-being of Workers. These guidelines emphasize the importance of creating safe, healthy work environments through risk assessment, training, and education. However, specific data on ergonomic-related issues in Zanzibar remains scarce, highlighting an opportunity for greater awareness and adoption of ergonomic practices in both public and private sectors.

The Zanzibar School of Health, based at Mwanakwerekwe, has for the last one year introduced a three year Occupational Health and Safety course in need to address the issue of well-being of employees where they might be earning their lives through work.

Various workplace conditions can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other ergonomic-related injuries. Some key ergonomic risk factors include:

Repetitive Motion: Repeating the same movement can strain muscles and tendons, potentially causing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Awkward Postures: Working in positions that strain the body (e.g., bending, twisting, or reaching overhead) can result in discomfort and injury.

Forceful Exertions: Lifting heavy objects or using tools that require significant force can cause muscle and joint injuries.

Static Postures: Sitting or standing for extended periods can lead to muscle fatigue and reduced blood flow.

Contact Stress: Continuous pressure on a body part, such as wrists resting on hard surfaces while typing, can cause nerve and tissue damage.

Vibration: Exposure to vibrating tools or machinery can lead to conditions like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Environmental Factors: Poor lighting, extreme temperatures, and high noise levels can contribute to ergonomic, stress and discomfort.

Psychosocial Factors: Stress, job dissatisfaction, and high work demands can intensify physical ergonomic risks and contribute to discomfort and injury.

Addressing these risks through proper workplace design, ergonomic training, and regular assessments can significantly reduce the incidence of MSDs and improve worker health.

Setting Up an Ergonomic Workspace

Creating an ergonomic workspace is crucial for comfort and productivity. The following steps can help achieve an optimal setup:

Chair Adjustment: Ensure your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Adjust armrests so your shoulders are relaxed, and use a lumbar cushion if necessary for lower back support.

Desk Setup: Position your desk so your forearms are parallel to the floor when typing, with enough space underneath for leg movement.

Monitor Position: Place your monitor at or slightly below eye level to prevent neck strain, about an arm’s length away, and tilted slightly upward to reduce glare.

Keyboard and Mouse: Keep them close enough to avoid reaching. Your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle, with wrists straight and light typing pressure.

Lighting: Use natural light where possible, and install adjustable task lighting to reduce eye strain.

Accessories: Use a footrest if necessary, and position documents at eye level to avoid neck strain. A headset can help if frequent phone use is required.

Movement and Breaks: Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move around. Aim for a short break every hour to reduce fatigue.

Posture: Maintain good posture by sitting back in your chair with back support, and keep the workspace organized to enhance focus and productivity.

Enhancing Worker Health and Efficiency

Implementing ergonomic interventions is a proven way to improve workplace conditions and reduce the risk of injuries. Below are some key interventions:

Organizational-Level Interventions: Design schedules that allow for regular breaks to prevent fatigue and promote task rotation to reduce repetitive strain. Offer training on ergonomic practices and emphasize the benefits of good posture.

Cognitive Ergonomic Interventions: Balance workloads to prevent both mental and physical stress. Use intuitive software to reduce cognitive load, and implement stress management programs to indirectly reduce physical strain.

Assistive Devices: Introduce lifting aids like hoists and trolleys to ease physically demanding tasks. Provide anti-fatigue mats for employees who stand for long periods. These interventions not only improve worker health and safety but also enhance overall productivity by creating more comfortable and efficient work environments.

Ergonomics plays a critical role in ensuring the health and productivity of workers in various industries. By addressing physical, environmental, and psychosocial factors that contribute to workplace discomfort, companies can significantly reduce injuries and boost efficiency.

For emerging economies like Zanzibar, investing in ergonomic practices is not only a health initiative but a strategic business move, positioning industries to remain competitive in the global market. As workplace trends evolve, ergonomics will continue to be a key factor in maintaining healthy, productive, and engaged workforces.

Dr. Simion Samwel

Orthopedic Surgeon. (Trauma, Orthopedic Treatment, Deformity
Correction & Joint Replacement).