Worker Health & Safety

 

How Does Ergonomics Improve Worker Health & Safety?

Answer 

Ergonomics improves worker health and safety by systematically aligning the work environment, tasks, tools and equipment to the physical and behavioural needs of workers. This reduces the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), fatigue and discomfort while supporting productivity and wellbeing. Applying ergonomic principles including workstation design and postural variation is a proactive strategy for preventing injuries and supporting duty-of-care obligations in office workplaces.

Why Worker Health & Safety Depends on Ergonomics

Poor ergonomic design is a recognised workplace health and safety risk because it increases the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders and other discomforts that may develop over time due to prolonged or awkward postures, repetitive motions and unsuitable equipment.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect muscles, tendons, nerves and soft tissues -  especially in the neck, back, shoulders and upper limbs and are common in office work when a workstation or task design fails to fit the worker.

Ergonomics as a Health & Safety Process

Ergonomics is not just about furniture. It is a risk management process that:

  • Identifies ergonomic hazards in the work environment

  • Assesses how tasks and equipment interact with human bodies

  • Implements controls to reduce risk

  • Monitors and adjusts solutions as work changes

This proactive approach aligns with core workplace safety responsibilities that aim to reduce preventable injuries and support workers’ long-term comfort and performance.

How Ergonomics Reduces Risks

1. Fit the Job to the Person

Ergonomics starts by fitting the tasks, tools and environment to the workers, not expecting workers to adapt their bodies to poorly designed work. For computer-based work, this includes correct monitor placement, seating support, keyboard/mouse positioning and workstation layout.

This reduces cumulative strain and risk factors that contribute to MSDs.

2. Comfortable, Adjustable Workstations

A well-designed workstation supports neutral posture, minimizes awkward reach and postural stress and helps maintain comfort throughout the day. Adjustability allows workers to position their equipment in a way that matches their body size, task demands and comfort needs.

This aligns with the ergonomic office P O S T U R E™ model concept by supporting active postures that reduces static load and promotes efficiency.

3. Include Postural Variation

Static postures, such as prolonged sitting or prolonged standing without movement, increase the risk of discomfort and cumulative strain. Encouraging posture variation through movement and adjustable workspaces supports circulation, reduces fatigue and helps prevent musculoskeletal stress.

This is consistent with the human-centred ergonomic goal of managing posture, vision, reach and movement through time. The Ergonomic Office Framework

Ergonomic Controls to Improve Health & Safety

Ergonomic hazard controls work across multiple layers of workplace design and practice:

  • Engineering controls: Adjustable desks, supportive chairs, monitor arms

  • Administrative controls: Task rotation, scheduling regular breaks

  • Work practices: Encouraging posture change, proper lifting and reach habits

Proactive control strategies address physical risk factors before they result in pain or injury, reducing absenteeism and long-term health costs.

Worker Engagement and Reporting Discomfort

Healthy ergonomic practice also includes:

  • Encouraging workers to report discomfort early

  • Involving workers in workstation assessments and adjustments and  how ergonomics works in real workplace situations - explainations.

  • Providing training so that workers understand how and why to use adjustable equipment effectively

This collaborative approach supports risk identification and helps tailor solutions that fit individual needs while meeting WHS obligations.

Practical Tips for Office Workers

  • Ensure your monitor is at a comfortable height and distance.                     S E E™   Model  - Vision as the invisible driver

  • Adjust your chair so your back and pelvis are supported.                                 S E A T™ Model -  Chair comfort and pelvic support

  • Keep commonly used items (keyboard, mouse, phone) within easy reach.             A R M S™ Model - Reach and interface control

  • Vary your posture throughout the day, alternate sitting, perching, standing and movement    S P A S ™ - Sit · Perch · Active Stand

Even simple adjustments can prevent discomfort and reduce cumulative strain when combined with a thoughtfully equiped workspace.

 

                                                                                                           

Mouse/Pointing device

  • Can the mouse be placed close to you and within your optimum reach zone?
  • Is it placed just beside the keyboard? Does the mouse fit comfortably in your hand? (not too long or round or short or flat etc)
  • Can you place your fingers on the buttons without accidentally pressing the buttons?
  • Is the device at the same height as the keyboard? Are your fingers, wrist and forearm all in a straight line while using the mouse?
  • If you use the mouse a lot, do you use the keyboard shortcut keys?

Monitor

  • Is the monitor far enough away i.e you do not feel the monitor is too close? (Generally, about an arm’s length away)
  • Are you able to look straight ahead at the monitor without twisting?
  • Is the top of your monitor at or below eye height? Is the image of your monitor clear and crisp, that is, not fuzzy nor flickering? Is your monitor free from reflections?

The Ergonomic Office Framework