What does ergonomics mean?
Ergonomics, the science of human work, is made up of the two Greek words "ergon" (work) and "nomos" (law, rule). Ergonomics aims to create the most suitable workplace for people, where they are not exposed to one-sided stress.
This applies to jobs on assembly lines, where the same hand movements are always carried out, or sedentary activities, such as working in front of a computer. All areas of the workplace are taken into account, and ergonomics also considers humane work design. The focus is on protecting people's individual health, because incorrect sitting posture due to poorly adjusted chairs and tables can cause significant health damage. Ergonomics in the workplace means looking at people as a whole and creating a work environment for them that is adapted to their individual needs.
Ergonomics at the workplace
A person who feels good is also more productive and has fewer absences. The science of ergonomics is becoming more and more popular in the office sector. Employers are increasingly investing in ergonomic office equipment, not for humanitarian reasons, but purely to increase profits. Work conditions should be adapted to the person and not the other way around. This is the insight that leads to improved performance and consequently to increased profits. In the office, ergonomics in the workplace also includes the ergonomic mouse , the ergonomic keyboard , the ergonomic office chair and much more. Above all, however, the office chair deserves mention because most problems that arise from sedentary activities are caused by unsuitable seating. This can cause everything from back pain to a slipped disc. Even less dramatic health problems such as neck pain and general tension are usually caused by a poorly fitting and uncomfortable office chair. An ergonomic office chair can remedy this without much effort.
Ergonomics for children
However, ergonomics is not just limited to the design of the workplace, it has a much wider scope. Since people have noticed how beneficial ergonomic sitting is at work, this knowledge has also been applied to other areas. For example, for ergonomics at home , such as housework, where ironing or cleaning takes several hours a day and thus one-sided postures are required.
This also applies to our children. They sit for many hours a day on very uncomfortable chairs. Ergonomics for children – that was an absurd idea a few years ago. But it has now been recognised that children can suffer exactly the same health damage from incorrect sitting as adults. Healthy sitting is even more important for them because if they suffer permanent damage they will not be available for the job market. This is more tragic than a slipped disc after 30 years of office work. That is why more attention is now being paid to children and their needs are being catered for. After all, children are our future; they have a right to child-friendly treatment and a school that allows them to learn comfortably. This does not just refer to the chairs and tables in the classroom, but, as is usual with ergonomics, to the general well-being in the classroom.
However, if you don't have the opportunity to implement ergonomics at work or at home, you can always go to back school. There you can learn specific exercises that help strengthen your muscles and largely reduce or even eliminate back pain.
