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Proper Posture, Peak Performance!

As an employer you may be aware that there are no specific regulations that you are required to meet regarding workstations and seating. However, the Occupational Health and Safety Act does state that the employer has a duty of care to its employees to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

So are you providing desk and seating solutions that are ergonomically sound and promote proper posture? You may think that being seated all day would be the safest way to work but extended sedentary work and poorly setup desks are a hazard to your team. These could lead to:

  • Sore muscles
  • Spinal curvature
  • Subluxations
  • Blood vessel constriction
  • Nerve constriction

And obviously any of the above are going to impact performance, efficiency and the frequency of sick leave.

Here we have provided some tips and tricks to make each workstation in your office environment ergonomic and ensure your staff are setup for proper posture whilst at work:

  • When someone is sitting at a desk, they should be able to place their feet firmly on either the ground or a footrest, thighs should be parallel to the floor and the chair should have lower back support.
  • The chair should be able to be wheeled freely around the workstation without any obstructions
  • Lots of chairs for sale are marketed as ‘ergonomic’ when in actual fact they are not. So when purchasing chairs, ensure that it conforms to Australian Standards
  • The workstation should be setup so you do not have to twist, reach or bend too often
  • Getting up and stretching or walking around reduces fatigue and allows the employee to adjust their posture
  • Have your staff adjust their chair to perfection! Height is to be adjusted so shoulders are relaxed, not slumped. And make sure they follow the elements of correct posture
  • Consider the option of having height adjustable desks that allows your team to stand and work to encourage movement throughout the day

All the above are simple but very effective in improving work posture and general wellbeing. This in turn ensures you are setting your staff up for success and peak performance.

Published on May 8, 2018 by Progue

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