Are you “ergonomically correct”? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk.

The purpose of ergonomics is to design the work environment around people, and not vice versa. Jennifer Hohne, corporate ergonomist for Haworth, Inc., an office furniture design and manufacturing company, expresses concern for a large segment of today’s work force that ignores the basics of this important science.

“As computers confine office workers to their chairs for longer periods of time, these people need to think more about how they’re sitting, reading and typing,” says Hohne. “So many people today suffer from muscular strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, impaired blood circulation and back problems that could be prevented by following simple ergonomic guidelines.”

“The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health estimates that by the year 2000, one-half of all workers may suffer from problems related to poor posture. If you want to avoid becoming a statistic, you’ve got to act now.”

As a stepping stone to healthier sitting, Hohne offers the following five tips:

? Read the instructions! Good ergonomic chairs always come with instructions on how to use the adjustments. Many chairs today even feature built-in instructional cards. Read them, so you know how to properly adjust and use your chair.

? Don’t worry about breaking it! People often view chairs in the same manner as they do computers: “If I test it too much, I might break it.” The truth is that there isn’t a whole lot that you can break. In the slim chance you do damage something, the chair is most likely under warranty.

? Forget mom’s advice! Contrary to what mom told you about sitting up straight, if held for a long period of time, that is one of the most strenuous positions for your back. Ergonomists agree that seated workers should follow their natural tendency to shift, fidget and move. According to Hohne, the best posture is the next posture.

? Exercise your chair! Well-designed ergonomic chairs allow for a wide range of up and down and forward and backward motion. There’s even one that lets you rock sideways. Taking advantage of these features means you’re also stretching and exercising your body.

? Stand up! People need to get up and move at least every hour. So walk over and talk to a colleague instead of calling or sending an e-mail. Hand-deliver a memo rather than sending it through inter-office mail. At the very least, stand up and stretch in your office!

Though seating is critically important to office workers’ comfort and productivity, Hohne stresses that there is much more to practicing sound ergonomics in the workplace.

“Ergonomics involves other factors like lighting, temperature and noise, and even psychosocial influences like stress and motivation,” says Hohne. “Light should be adjusted to prevent glare on your computer screen, and task lights should be used to brighten work surfaces. The top of your computer screen should be 20 to 30 degrees below your normal line of sight. Distance yourself as far as possible from sources of noise like photocopy and facsimile machines and printers.”

On a final note, Hohne recommends that workers who are uncomfortable tell their supervisors.

“Your employer is concerned about your physical and mental well-being. But only you know when you’re uncomfortable or in pain,” says Hohne. “So speak up! Chances are your boss will be more than willing to take the necessary steps to make you more comfortable.”

Nicole Tallman is with Haworth, Inc. Haworth produces and markets a variety of office furniture and accessories designed to improve worker health, comfort, and productivity. For more information, contact 616-393-3819.