Get the proper education Ergonomics is big business: Many resources and consultants exist to help you pain-proof your workplace. Let them show you and your staff how to work safely, through online education on on-site visits.

I recommend:  Ergonomics consultant firm Ankrum Associates created an office ergonomics training Web site addressing common problems and solutions, including a handy checklist to troubleshoot problems. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has ergonomics etools, including another troubleshooting checklist. Find a qualified professional ergonomics consultant at the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics web site. Ergoweb offers both on-site and computer-based ergonomics training.

Get the proper equipment Knowing proper positioning to avoid repetitive stress and other injuries is vital. But this task is more difficult on poorly designed equipment. Know where to shop to get the most body-friendly gear.

I recommend:  Healthy Computing created extensive buyer's guides for every office area. The "my workspace" section of the 3M Web site features an office evaluation, info on types of products and purchasing information.

If problems arise While prevention is at the core of any ergonomic workplace, you or your employees may be experiencing pain without realizing its source. Learning common medical conditions associated with workplace ergonomics makes great business sense.

I recommend:  The Healthy Computing lists causes of discomfort, conditions and treatments, and basic preventative exercises. A physical therapist is trained to analyze and treat chronic pain or injuries; find one through the American Physical Therapy Association (but get a medical exam and insurance referral first).

Weigh the benefits of ergonomic furniture Beneficial to employees and employers who spend hours at desks and computers, ergonomic office chairs and other ergonomic business furniture help relieve stress and tiredness in joints and muscles. The results are fewer injuries, which then translates into fewer sick days, fewer workers compensation claims, more productivity and improved motivation by workers comfortable in an environment conducive to work. Ergonomic office and computer furniture will help prevent injuries caused by forceful, repetitive or prolonged exertion of hands and prolonged awkward postures. Besides proper posture and positioning of hands, ergo office chairs and computer chairs assist in promoting proper blood circulation/flow in the users' legs.

I recommend:  Don't sacrifice looks to get the comfort and benefits of ergonomic chairs. Visit CSN Office Furniture to view the huge selection of office, desk and task chairs with ultra-modern and contemporary styles. Find companies like OfficeDesigns.com that let you compare ergonomic products side by side, making it easier to get the best product for your money.

Grasp the principles and theories behind ergonomic furniture Ergonomic furniture does make a difference because designers and manufacturers build furniture that equalizes a worker's physical capacity and the demands of the job or task. They believe that when workers need muscular force to accomplish tasks while using ergonomic furniture, they'll be able to do so with the largest appropriate muscle groups. Forefront in their minds is the principle of performing work activities with the lease amount of joint strain. Adjustable ergonomic furniture is best, so employees can customize their furniture for the greatest comfort, and ability to change positions during the workday.

I recommend:  Always research prior to buying office furniture. Start with companies that understand ergonomic principles like RightAngle Ergonomic Products. When setting up any computer stations, follow the 12 steps that Ergo In Demand adapted from Cornell University studies.

Find ergonomic furniture and office supplies Ergonomic desk chairs, office chairs and computer chairs make excellent investments for your company because of all their benefits. Look for chairs with pneumatic height adjustment, adjustable height arms and arm width, independently adjustable and lockable seats, back tilts and adjustable lumbar support and proper seat depth. Adjustable-height desks make a great addition when multiple people share a desk. Footrests make ergonomic sense for non-adjustable height desks or when users don't have ergonomic seating. Task lighting makes work easy on the eyes, and accessories like an ergonomic mouse and keyboard keep hands/wrists free from injury and from tiring too quickly.

I recommend:  Humanscale, a leading manufacturer of ergonomic office products, creates products that marry function and aesthetics with ease of use. Look for ergonomic office supplies, furniture and accessories at Ergonomic Resources. For adjustable desks, check out the selection of interactive desks from biomorph.