Steve Jobs once said, ” Design is not just what it looks like, Design is how it works.”

Jobs gave this statement in relation to Apple. But if we look at it closely, it stands true for many things. 

Let us consider a chair, for example. If a chair looks extremely good but is not comfortable to sit in, it is of minimal use. Thus, the Design should look great but also work excellently; that is when it is a success.

Well, thanks to Steve Jobs and many other thought leaders for such insights that it can help to get a closer look at ergonomic safety. 

What does Ergonomics actually mean?

Ergonomics is fitting a job according to a person. Basically, it means providing an environment to a person with less or no physical exertion. 

For example, providing comfortable furniture to a person doing office work, proper equipment for heavy lifting, proper training to use the machinery, and more are all part of ergonomics.

Did you know that musculoskeletal, back, and joint pain is one of the top reasons employees call in sick, after the flu? Therefore, it is high time that organisations put in all the efforts to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

But when it comes to ergonomics, there are common myths that organisations or individuals have. Having said that, we are here to break them down and give you the facts so you can genuinely and purely care about your employee’s health.

Common Myths and Actual Facts

Myth: Ergonomics is all about furniture

You must have heard the statement, “Yes, our office is ergonomics friendly. We have all the necessary chairs, tables, and workstations designed accordingly.”

Proper furniture is a part of ergonomics but not the whole ergonomic system. 

Ergonomics means providing minimum physical strain at a workplace. It includes providing proper furniture, stress management programs, physical activities, noting an employee’s health, and much more.

Myth: Correct Posture is Ergonomics

Again, sitting, standing, or working in the correct posture and maintaining the physical activity protocols is a part of ergonomics. But again, posture must be supported with the proper furniture, equipment, and regular breaks. Sending periodic reminders about doing stretches and taking breaks from the same physical posture is also a part of ergonomics. 

Myth: One Size Fits All

Every person is unique. Thus, every individual has different workplace physical needs. The same exercise regime, stress program, and furniture may not suit all. Therefore, there must be a certain kind of personalization for every person considering ergonomics.

Myth: Ergonomics culture is expensive

If you have read the above myth, you might think that personalised programs, types of furniture, and health programs for every team member sound like expensive things. But the honest truth is that It Is Not! 

There are ergonomics companies that make industry and work-specific ergonomics. Designing and giving you practical ergonomics is not difficult if they study your work culture. 

Additionally, it is not about furniture. It is about promoting the best and healthy culture.

Myth: Ergonomics Eliminates Back and Joint Pain

Ergonomics promises a healthy work culture, but it does not mean that it will completely eliminate the employees’ joints, muscles, or back pains. 

Ergonomics ensures that the work environment is safe and pushes towards a healthy lifestyle. It involves workers being safer and more vigilant through regular ergonomics assessments. 

For example, a contractor who works on an industrial site needs to walk a lot. These extended hours of walking can cause multiple body aches. So, to reduce the pain, the contractor must be reminded to take adequate rest, drink more fluids, and wear comfortable shoes. These things will ease their pain and ensure that the body is not getting physically pushed beyond limits.

And You Know It

We have explained that ergonomics is more than objects and practices at a workplace. It definitely is a compilation of everything that needs to be physically comfortable, convenient, and healthy!