It is important that appropriate tools and equipment are available for the tasks being carried out and are designed to help reduce strain
It is important to take a holistic approach and ensure that employees are able to work in suitable working positions. When designing a workstation, consideration should be given to whether it will be used by one or multiple employees, as the need for equipment to be easily adjustable increases with the number of users.
Simultaneously, job content must be evaluated to ensure a diversity of tasks and physical demands.
When designing a workstation and selecting tables and other equipment, it's essential to consider the tasks to be performed. Therefore, thoroughly researching the needs beforehand is crucial.
When arranging equipment, aim to place frequently used parts and tools within convenient reach to minimize the risk of strains and twists.
Tools and equipment should be designed to enable good working posture and appropriate levels of physical exertion during use.
It's also important to ensure that floors are not slippery and that walkways are free of obstacles like thresholds, pipes, and cables.
Also, in regulation on housing of workplaces, you can read about arrangements for employee's facilities.
It's important that the table can be easily adjusted for both sitting and standing heights
A helpful tip is to adjust the working height according to the nature of the project
A working height that is too high or too low can cause strain on the shoulders, back and neck.
A chair must be suitable for the task at hand and for the employes who use it.
It is recommended that chairs are easily adjustable to increase variety and reduce fatigue.
It is the user's responsibility to utilize the chair's features and ensure it is always adjusted to suit the tasks being performed.
There are chairs with unconventional shapes, such as balance chairs and standing stools. These can serve as alternatives to traditional office chairs
Adjusting the chair
It is best to adjust the chair while sitting in it.
The seat: It is recommended that the seat provides good support under the thighs. Feet should rest on the floor without the front edge of the seat pressing against the thighs or knees. If employees cannot reach the floor with their entire leg while seated, a footstool is beneficial. Aim for a gap of about three to five fingers between the front edge of the seat and the knee. Seats should also be spacious enough to allow for free movement and comfortable sitting positions.
The back of the chair should provide good support, particularly for the lower back. Most chairs allow the height of the support to be adjusted to suit individual needs.
Armrests should be adjustable to support the forearms. Since the suitability of armrests varies, it's advisable to choose chairs with removable arms or those that can be easily moved back to avoid interfering with the table.
Chair legs: If the chair has wheels, ensure they are suitable for the surface.
When selecting computer equipment and designing the work environment, it's important to consider the duration of time spent working on the computer.
It is crucial that equipment can be adjusted to fit the users, allowing them to work in positions that do not cause pain or discomfort.
It is important to take regular breaks from computer work or change your posture to prevent monotonous strain.
Computer screen
The screen should have sharp, clear symbols and be free of flickers.
A computer monitor should be easy to adjust in height, rotate, and tilt according to the user's needs.
It is important to ensure that the employees know how to adjust the monitor.
For many people it is suitable to adjust the height so that there is a direct line of sight to the upper part of the screen.
Those who wear bifocals or multifocal glasses need to adjust the screen according to their needs.
It is best to position a screen so that light from a window comes from the side. It is also important to minimize glare and reflections from the screen.
You can also find various information about screen work in rules for screen work.
Laptop
The screen on laptops is usually too low, which can cause strain on the shoulders, neck, and back. Therefore, it is recommended to connect a laptop to an external monitor and/or use an external keyboard and mouse if possible.
It is not advisable to work an entire day solely on a laptop, as the screen and keyboard cannot be properly adjusted to the individual.
Keyboard and computer mouse
It should be recognised that various types of keyboards and computer mice are available, and different types may be better suited to different tasks.
The positioning of the keyboard and mouse should be considered to ensure good working posture during use.
Keyboards with a matte finish are recommended to reduce glare.
It is also recommended that keyboards are placed flat on the desk or at a slight incline to reduce strain on the wrists.
Where appropriate, keyboard shortcuts should be used to reduce reliance on the mouse.
Tablet and smartphone
It is not advisable to work on a tablet for extended periods.
Ensure that tablets are not too heavy or large if they need to be held during work. Larger tablets are easier on the eyes but are also heavier and bulkier. Holding a tablet for a long time can strain your fingers, hands, and shoulders. It's a good idea to place the tablet on a table or other flat surface when possible.
There are various types of adjustable cases for tablets, some with keyboards, to make work easier and reduce strain on the body.
Hand tools are used for a wide range of tasks, from fine precision work to rough jobs that require significant power.
A good hand tool has a handle that enables workers to operate it without putting excessive strain on their hands.
A handle should be designed to fit as many users as possible when the same tools are used by multiple people.
Consider whether the tool causes vibration in the hands and/or body, as vibration can lead to both discomfort and permanent damage.
Efforts should always be made to implement organizational measures and/or use lifting aids to avoid employees having to lift heavy weights.
If lifting heavy objects cannot be avoided, use lifting aids suitable for the job.
Choose devices that are appropriate for the task and fit into the workspace.
Employees must be trained and educated in the proper use of assistive devices and good body posture.
Assistive devices are essentially devices that make our work easier.
Examples of assistive devices include forklifts, trolleys on wheels, patient lifts, hoists, rotating sheets, conveyor belts, rotating discs, good handles and much more.
Common reasons why technical equipment or lifting aids are not used in the workplace:
A lack of suitable equipment or an insufficient number of devices to meet operational needs.
Inadequate information, instruction and training in the use of the equipment.
Limited space or workplace conditions that hinder the use of the equipment
Time constraints.
Negative attitudes towards the use of the equipment.
Service provider
Administration of Occupational Safety and Health