Healthy at work

Did you know that April 28 is Workplace Health Day? It's great that there is a special day dedicated to this important topic.

We humans are not made to sit still all day. If we sit incorrectly, problems with our back, neck, shoulders and tension are inevitable. This is also confirmed by the annual reports of health insurance companies.

Companies are obliged to provide their employees with a healthy workplace under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ordinance on Workplaces. Of course, each individual employee is also responsible for their own health, whether working from home or in the office.

So how can the workplace be ergonomically designed to counteract or prevent health problems?

#1 The working environment

There are a few basic rules that should apply when designing the workplace:

The door should never be at the employee's back. There should be 1 meter of free space around the workstation. The optimum temperature at the workplace is 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, the humidity is between 40 and 60 % and it is no louder than 55 db(A). 55 db(A) corresponds to radio/TV at room volume.

#2 The right desk

A desk has the right working height if it is between 66 and 71 centimeters high, measured from the floor. Ideally, a height-adjustable desk should allow you to switch between a standing and sitting position. This not only relieves the spine, but also the intervertebral discs.

It should also be at least 80 centimeters deep and 160 centimeters wide. The distance between the seat and the table is also important. This is perfect if the lower arms rest horizontally on the desk and you have enough room for your legs under the table top.

#3 The ideal office chair

The office chair is just as important for ergonomics at the workplace and must be adjusted to the employee's needs. Height adjustability, a flexible backrest and adjustable armrests are mandatory. An adjustable seat is desirable.

When adjusting the sitting position, care should be taken to ensure that the upper and lower leg as well as the upper and lower arm form a right angle. The soles of the feet should be parallel to the floor and the forearms should rest on the desk.

#4 The screen

The "Bildschirmarbeitsverordnung" regulates for companies that their employees are not at risk in terms of health and safety. This applies to physical and mental stress.This applies to physical and mental stress.

It is therefore important that the monitor does not flicker, has good contrast and a high-resolution LCD. The minimum size is 22 inches.

There are also a few things to consider when positioning the monitor: The keyboard and shoulder axis should be parallel to the screen. As it is more relaxing for the eyes if the visual axis is tilted slightly downwards, the top edge of the monitor should be slightly below eye level.


#5 The optimum light

It's all about the mix. The perfect lighting consists of direct and indirect light, i.e. daylight and artificial light. For illumination, it is best if the light falls on the side of the desk and is no brighter than natural daylight. Ideal lighting conditions are given when the workstation is aligned parallel to the window.

The advantages of an ergonomic workplace are quickly summarized:

• An ergonomic workplace prevents occupational illnesses and minimizes the risk of accidents.

• If you already suffer from complaints, these can be minimized and your well-being at work can be increased.

• A beautiful, healthy workplace is a sign of appreciation, which has a positive effect on the employee’s productivity and attitude towards the company.
  
  
  

Even if employees are working from home, companies should address the health aspects of the home office workplace and play a supporting role in its design.

Interested in finding out more? Then stay tuned!