A Guide to Ergonomic Desks

How an Ergonomic Desk can improve workplace ergonomics and employee safety.

An ergonomic desk can be a huge factor in improving employee comfort and productivity. Employees are often asked to work 8-10 hour shifts at cramped workstations that require them to perform multiple tasks. This type of overexertion can be detrimental to the health and safety of the employee as well as the company’s bottom line. It is important to keep yourself and your employees safe and comfortable.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration define an ergonomic desk as having the following attributes:

• Provides adequate leg clearance
• Avoids contact stress
• Minimizes awkward postures and exertions

Provides adequate leg clearance

It is important to have sufficient space underneath the work surface without objects impeding repetitive movements in order to perform task comfortably. Unnecessary objects can cause the user to sit too far or too close to the work surface. This can cause pain and soreness in the shoulders, back and neck due to the unnatural reaching and bending caused by the awkward sitting position. Inadequate leg clearance can also restrict circulation and cause fatigue because of the users inability to move and change postures.
Try: 

Avoid old, cumbersome desks that have built in shelves and drawers that will be a nuisance when tasking. Try to find modern style desks from ergonomic office furniture manufacturers like RightAngle Products, Knoll, and  Steelcase. For more information visit the OSHA underdesk ergonomics page.

Avid contact stress

Contact stress is caused by hard, angled desk edges placing stress on areas like the forearm and wrist. This continuous stress can eventually lead to tingling, sore fingers and will often affect blood vessels in the region.
Try: 

Visit the OSHA Workstation page for detailed pictures and diagrams of what poor positioning looks like. Also visit the Iowa State Health and Safety and Berkley’s Laboratory Ergonomics page for in-depth descriptions of contact stress.

Minimizes awkward postures and exertions

An ergonomic desk will allow for sufficient work surface space for all tasks and objects that will be performed in a close proximity. Poorly placed equipment or a desk surface that is too small can cause the user to reach awkwardly often resulting in pain and stiffness. Most ergonomic work station set-ups will have an adjustable monitor arm and keyboard tray to maximize desk space. It is also important to be working at the correct height in relation to your chair height. Height adjustable desks allow the user to work in a seated or standing position which helps to alleviate stress put on overused muscles.
Try: 

Try finding an adjustable desk with enough space on the surface to handle all of your supplies and tasks. If more space is needed, then look into adding an LCD monitor arm or keyboard tray from online ergonomic furniture stores like: 1ofm.com, brownis.com, beyondtheofficedoor.com, and unicahome.com.

• Look for modern, new aged designs that will be adjustable and suitable for the long term.
• Buy from reputable sellers and high quality manufacturers. Look for a warranty if buying new items.
• Do the proper research needed to find out your particular needs or the needs of your entire office prior to purchasing.

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