Ergotheraphy - ergonomics business sense

HR departments have in the past tended to overlook a critical component of preventing and managing common workplace injuries – ergonomics.

Defined as the science related to man and his work and obtaining a correct match between the human body, work-related tasks, and work tools, ergonomics is an important aspect of workplace health.

“Ergonomic principles allow you to adapt your workspace around you,” explains physiotherapist and Managing Director of Ergotherapy Solutions, Gary Arenson. “Individuals who adapt their work areas ergonomically are more productive and are less at risk for common work-related injuries.”

Arenson points out that, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, OSHA, work-related lower back disorders will affect between 60 and 90% of people during their working lives.

Furthermore, back pain is second only to the common cold as the cause of staff absenteeism. By addressing and preventing the causes of work-related injuries, Arenson believes that companies can lower employee absenteeism, increase productivity and decrease medical costs. “Poor ergonomics is expensive!” he asserts.

Desk-bound staff, including secretaries, call centre staff and data capturers, are especially at risk of developing common workplace complaints such as lower back pain and chronic headaches because, according to Arenson, the human body is designed for movement, not sitting in the same position for hours.

“Problems occur when movement is restricted or incorrect,” he says. “And the link between workplace characteristics and occupational injury is significant. Research by the International Labour Organisation shows that companies not applying ergonomic principles may find that their costs are higher in terms of absenteeism, increased injury, medical costs, decreased productivity and even higher turnover of skilled employees than those companies addressing ergonomics in the workplace.”

Through an in-depth understanding of ergonomic principles and knowledge of the human body, Arenson and his team of physiotherapists and biokineticists at Ergotherapy Solutions aim to effect change in companies with minimum (or even no) expense.

“We look at areas like sitting postures, desktop layout and equipment, vision problems, work patterns, time management, work breaks and stress management,” says Arenson. “We encourage behavioural change, but nothing too drastic. We generally help people to find the best ergonomic way to use what they have and give them a few simple exercises to do during the day while at work. These seemingly small interventions actually make an impressive difference.”

The basic rules for ensuring an ergonomically effective workspace include making sure that your chair is at the correct height so that your feet can rest on the floor and positioning your monitor so that the top of the monitor is in line with your eyes and the monitor is about an arm’s length away from you.

“Everyone can make ergonomic improvements simply by knowing how to best use the equipment they already have,” says Arenson. That said, Ergotherapy Solutions has also created an ergonomically designed office chair called GET ONE that makes it easier for office workers to correct their sitting posture.

“We wanted to design a quality chair that would do the work for you,” says Arenson. “It’s customisable and affordable and makes employees’ time in the office more comfortable and efficient.”

Endorsed by the Chiropractic Association of South Africa, the GET ONE chair is customisable and has a five-year guarantee. Ergotherapy Solutions also provides training on how to use the chair to its best with every GET ONE installation the company undertakes.

Arenson encourages businesses to investigate the benefits of addressing ergonomics. “Your staff will thank you and your bottom line will benefit,” he says.

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About Ergotherapy Solutions and the GET ONE chair:

Ergotherapy Solutions (Pty) Ltd was started by physiotherapist Gary Arenson in 2001 as a response to the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries he encountered in clinical practice. He saw the need for an ergonomic solution to address work-related injury and discomfort and so Ergotherapy Solutions was born.

Arenson developed a training programme comprising easy to implement, sustainable ergonomic solutions that increase both comfort and performance in the office environment. He also set himself the task of designing an ergonomic office chair that would offer lower back support, flexibility, ease of use, superior quality and an affordable price. The GET ONE chair was launched in 2006.

GET ONE chairs offer a five-year guarantee (on all parts excluding fabric) and are easily customisable in terms of colour and style. They are endorsed by the Chiropractic Association of South Africa as well as the Osteopathic Association of South Africa and installations are overseen by a trained Ergotherapy Solutions physiotherapist or biokineticist to ensure that the chairs are used to the best effect possible.

GET ONE chairs are available in three different models and can be purchased directly from Ergotherapy Solutions, selected physiotherapy practices and various industry partners.Visit www.ergotherapy.co.za for more information.

While GET ONE chairs are designed to fit the majority of users, Ergotherapy Solutions is able to tailor chairs to fit for those who fall outside of the normal height range.

For more information about Ergotherapy Solutions, the company’s training programme and the GET ONE chair, visit www.ergotherapy.co.za.