Investing in an ergonomic table is one way to decrease the chance of employees suffering from repetitive motion injuries. A reduction in these injuries can lead to decreased insurance fees, including worker’s compensation and health insurance.

Once you make the decision to invest in an ergonomic table, you have to sort through the ergonomic table types and styles to determine which is right for your business. Consider the following suggestions to help you make your decision:

1. Look into purchasing a basic ergonomic table.

2. Upgrade to a multi-level ergonomic table to make using a computer, drafting or drawing easier.

3. Consider a special use ergonomic table if your employees spend a considerable amount of time doing a specific task.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a single level ergonomic table

Single level ergonomic tables have a single work surface. Most of these tables are height adjustable. These tables are ideal to use for training tables, reading tables and writing tables. Some people may find these appropriate for use with a laptop.

I recommend: CSN Office Furniture sells single and multi-level ergonomic table models. This company offers discounted prices and free shipping on most items. Problem Solver offers numerous single level ergonomic tables. This company offers models for stationary use as well as models for mobile use.

Consider a multi-level ergonomic table

A multi-level ergonomic table has work surfaces at different heights. These are ideal for computer work, drawing and drafting. The higher work surface is usually at the back of the table. This is usually used for a computer monitor. If the table is used for drafting, a basic outline or list of requirements may be placed on this higher surface.

I recommend: ErgoSource sells various styles of multi-level ergonomic tables. This company can also custom make ergonomic tables to fit any needs, including the needs of industrial companies. Business Supply has ergonomic table kits that must be purchased piece by piece. While this may seem like a hassle, it allows for the most customized table for your needs.

Invest in a specialty ergonomic table

There are numerous models of specialty ergonomic tables. An ergonomic laptop table is ideal for people who spend a considerable amount of time working on the laptop. Some of these are for use in bed or lying down. An L-shaped ergonomic table is a good option for someone who has a lot of paperwork or items needed at a moment's notice.

I recommend: Ergonomic Concepts sells ergonomic radiology tables, as well as L-shaped ergonomic tables. This company offers numerous finishes for the tables it sells, which makes it easy to customize the table to match your decor. Down Under offers an ergonomic laptop or writing table for people who are bed bound or who need to work in bed.

An ergonomic table is just one of the many workplace tools designed to provide maximum comfort to employees who must use them for extended periods of time. Like ergonomic chairs and stools, an ergonomic table is adapted to the worker rather than the other way around. One specific feature of these tables is that you can adjust them to what the worker feels is the most comfortable working level.

Specialists in ergonomic design praise an ergonomic table for the many benefits it provides. For example, a secretary who works with electronic rather than paper documents likely spends 90% of her time in one position, which goes against the natural ergonomics of the human body. This can lead to pain and injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. By allowing her to adjust the table so that she can alternate between sitting and standing, an ergonomic table helps to avoid repetitive stress injuries. If you're not convinced, consider what other business owners have to say about ergonomic tables:

1. Get ergonomic table information so you can decide if it’s worth the expense.

2. Find ergonomic table providers for good selection and competitive prices.

3. Purchase an ergonomic table directly from an established manufacturer.

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Check recent management research studies discussing the benefits of using an ergonomic table

Since an ergonomic table costs a considerable amount more than a standard desk, you'll need to weigh the risks versus the benefits of buying one.

I recommend: Management research leader Emerald publishes studies on its website designed to help business owners decide whether new products are worthy of investment. Read Emerald’s reports from surveys done on companies that switched to ergonomic tables as a way to prevent injury to their workers. Check the International Labour Organization for information on objectives desired and results achieved by companies where workers use ergonomic tables.

Order from a dependable ergonomic table provider

Suppliers normally offer larger product selections and a trained sales force to assist you with your purchase.

I recommend: Instawares sells ergonomic tables for office and industrial use. Its website allows you to chat live with one of its trained sales representatives to get quick answers to your equipment questions. Sound Ergonomics supplies an ergonomic exam table designed especially for sonographers.

Purchase from a known ergonomic table manufacturer

Contact the companies that have made the biggest splash in the ergonomics industry.

I recommend: Ergosource has been developing and manufacturing ergonomically designed tables since 1988. You can buy one of these products ready made or purchase the pieces to make your own unique ergonomic table. Linak Group manufactures the “Deskline System” or adjustable elevated lift tables ergonomically designed for sitting or standing. These tables can mold into your existing office or industrial furniture or can stand alone.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to purchasing an ergonomic table, locate information on ergonomics exercises that your employees can do to further prevent work-induced injuries.
• •  If you're the type who must exhaust all possible avenues before making a decision, ask a supplier you know for an ergonomic table list of manufacturers or an ergonomic table directory of providers so you can explore a wider sampling of products.

An ergonomic table is any kind of table that allows for adjustment so the user is comfortable using it. Sometimes this just involves adjusting the table's height, and other times it's about various adjustable parts that help keep a computer or other work items at the right height and distance from the user.

Tables and desks come in many sizes, and ergonomic manufacturers build them for specific uses. Ergonomic table advice and ratings tell you to consider the following factors when choosing a table, workstation or desk:

1. Consider whether someone will stand or sit to use the ergonomic table.

2. Determine whether or not the user will be working at a computer, whether the computer is a laptop or desktop model, and what type of monitor the computer has.

3. Measure the height of the user, along with other body dimensions including arm length.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider how an ergonomic table and other products can make laptop use more comfortable

People often use laptops at tables not built for typing or computer use. Find out the best way to avoid discomfort when using your laptop. It's not just the height of the table, but stability, distance to the screen and other factors that affect the user's comfort.

I recommend: Read advice for ways to work comfortably with a laptop, including things to look for in the laptop itself, at Docstoc. Find ergonomic advice on using laptops in the seven-step buying guide to building a home office at CNET.

Learn how to choose the right computer workstation or ergonomic table

Tables and workstations designed for use with computers need to use ergonomics to ensure the user's comfort. The position of the keyboard, mouse and monitor with relation to the user are key distances to evaluate. Adjustability allows users of different sizes to use similarly-sized tables or workstations with equal comfort.

I recommend: Find out how to achieve a better working posture in your computer workstation or table at PostureMinder. Get tips on how to choose the right workstation and what factors to consider at Insalco. Read an editor's review of an adjustable-height worktable and its features at Ergopro.com.

Read information on what to look for in an ergonomic table or desk

Since all humans are not made with the same dimensions, all desks and work tables should not be the same size either. Learn what dimensions to pay attention to when deciding what size and shape desk or table you need for your work. Find out what factors to consider when purchasing desks and tables, both for ergonomic reasons and also for general durability.

I recommend: Find out how to evaluate desk and table quality in the article at BuyerZone. Read a chiropractor's ergonomic advice regarding desks, chairs and other considerations and their positions at Dynamic Chiropractic.

Ergonomic tables are tables designed to help make work easier and less stressful for the body of the person using the table. There are several kinds of tables that can provide these features.

Some ergonomic tables help make lifting easier for those who regularly lift heavy objects and items. Other tables have features designed to help a person working at the table be more comfortable as they work. Ergonomic table key terms can help you identify how the tables can help reduce fatigue.

Action Steps
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Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of the best ways for people to work so they reduce the risk of injury to their bodies. Ergonomic furniture attempts to reduce or eliminate certain work-related injuries.

I recommend: Find out more about ergonomics at De Marque.

Sit or stand workstation

A sit or stand workstation allows the user to sit or stand as needed. To relieve some of the symptoms of sitting constantly, a workstation that allows the user to work standing up for some of the time is a great solution.

I recommend: At Ergo In Demand, you can find out about the benefits of a sit or stand workstation.

Anti-fatigue mat

When working at an ergonomic table, especially one that requires standing, consider getting an anti-fatigue mat to limit muscle aches caused by standing.

I recommend: Take a look at many styles of anti-fatigue mats at MatsMatsMats.com.

NIOSH lifting equation

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed an equation to figure out which lifting tasks are more likely to result in repetitive lifting injuries. An ergonomic scissor tilt and lift table is one solution.

I recommend: Read all about the NIOSH lifting equation and use a special automated calculator to calculate recommended weight limits at Employers Mutual Casualty Company.

Keyboarding height, mousing height, monitor height and distance

Since not every human body is the same height, it stands to reason that each person's desk shouldn't be the same size. There are guidelines regarding the recommended height of a keyboard tray, a computer mouse, and a computer monitor. Other guidelines exist for the distance from a user to the computer monitor and other distances.

I recommend: Consult a table that lists recommended distances for positioning of office and computer tables and their elements at Ergonomic Safety Program.

Scissor lift and tilt table

A lift and tilt table has an underneath structure similar to a double pair of scissors, hinged at both ends to raise and lower the top of the table. This type of table helps for lifting heavy objects to reduce repetitive lifting strain on the human body.

I recommend: Read a description of lift & tilt tables and how they work at EasyRack.org.