An ergonomics assessment should make your work life better, but simple mistakes can prevent that from happening. At Ergo Global, we’ve seen how common pitfalls can undermine the whole process. Here’s what to watch out for to make sure your assessment is truly effective.
1. Overlooking a Personalized Approach
A generic checklist for ergonomics simply does not work for every individual. A significant misstep is applying a one-size-fits-all assessment tool that fails to consider the unique needs, body types, and job responsibilities of each worker.
Every role has distinct physical demands. An effective ergonomics assessment must be tailored to the specific person and their tasks, taking into account factors such as:
- The individual’s height, reach, and any physical limitations
- The type of equipment being used daily
- The duration of specific tasks throughout the workday
- Environmental conditions like lighting and temperature
A truly effective assessment dives deep into the individual’s interaction with their workspace, avoiding generic solutions that often fail to resolve the root of ergonomic issues.
2. Disregarding Employee Feedback
Another major oversight is failing to actively listen to employees during the assessment process. They are the ones who spend their days in the chair, at the desk, and using the equipment. They understand where the discomfort and strain originate. Ignoring their input can lead to recommendations that miss the mark and result in poor adoption of any changes.
During an ergonomics assessment, it is important to:
- Ask employees about any discomfort, pain, or symptoms of repetitive strain.
- Involve them in the hands-on evaluation of their workstation setup.
- Foster an open conversation about the challenges they face in their work environment.
A collaborative approach not only produces better, more targeted solutions but also increases employee buy-in when it comes time to implement adjustments.
3. Underestimating the Importance of Training
Providing someone with an ergonomic chair or a sit-stand desk is a positive step, but without proper training, its benefits can be completely negated. A common error is assuming that new equipment alone will solve all ergonomic problems.
In reality, employees need to understand how to:
- Adjust their chair to their specific body dimensions for optimal support. This includes seat height, seat pan depth, backrest angle, and armrest position.
- Organize their desk setup, positioning the monitor at the correct height and distance, and placing the keyboard and mouse within easy reach to maintain neutral wrist postures.
- Effectively alternate between sitting and standing to promote circulation and reduce static muscle loading.
- Incorporate regular micro-breaks to stretch and move, combating the effects of prolonged static postures.
Without this knowledge, even the most advanced workstation can lead to discomfort. This is why education is a critical component of any comprehensive ergonomics assessment.
4. Focusing Solely on the Chair and Desk
When people think of ergonomics, their minds often jump directly to the office chair and desk. While these are certainly significant components, a thorough assessment looks at the entire work system.
Focusing only on the primary furniture means missing other opportunities to reduce musculoskeletal risks. A holistic assessment considers:
- Posture and movement patterns throughout the day.
- Placement of accessories like phones, documents, and second screens.
- Lighting and screen glare, which can affect posture.
- The overall workflow and whether it encourages awkward positions.
A comprehensive assessment examines all factors that influence how a person interacts with their environment, ensuring no contributing factor is overlooked.
5. Treating Ergonomics as a One-Time Fix
Ergonomics is not a “set it and forget it” solution. A final common mistake is conducting an assessment once and never revisiting it. Work environments are dynamic; they evolve with new technology, changing job roles, and staff turnover.
To maintain a truly ergonomic workspace, it is beneficial to:
- Periodically reassess workstations, especially when new equipment is introduced.
- Review ergonomic setups when an employee’s role or tasks change.
- Update practices to align with new ways of working, such as hybrid or remote models.
Regular reviews ensure that your ergonomic solutions remain effective and continue to support the health and productivity of your team.
For an effective assessment, it’s best to work with a qualified professional who can identify risks and provide tailored solutions that actually work. Getting ergonomics right is a direct investment in your team’s health and productivity.
At Ergo Global, our experts provide practical, individualized assessments and training to ensure the changes you make are effective and sustainable.
Ready to create a better work environment?
Learn more about our Ergonomics Assessments and Ergonomics Training.
