What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of designing products in order to enhance and improve their functionality when used by people. The workplace is an area where there are increasingly more products that are ergonomic such as work stations including chair and desk design.
Ergonomics puts human anatomy and behaviour at the heart of design through focus on; Comfort, Performance, Satisfaction, Health and safety.
When someone has to be seated for extended periods of time a chair that is rigid and with no lumbar support could cause problems.
Good ergonomic design is required in order to prevent repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis
Back Pain
Ganglion Cysts
Good Posture
People often underestimate the importance of good posture. We all know that poor posture, such as slumping and slouching, can cause aches, pains and injuries. Research has shown that posture can also affect how we feel, think and behave. One study found that good posture can help us feel more positive and recall positive memories more easily.
Body language is important: when we stand or sit tall, we feel more confident, powerful and alert.
Correct sitting postures help to ease and prevent back pain at work. Correct posture is not limited to a single position. It is actually healthier for your body and mind to switch posture and move about regularly throughout the day.
Backpain
Most of us will get back pain at some point in our lives. In the UK, back pain is currently the largest reported reason for absence from work due to sickness.
The most common cause of back pain is soft tissue damage which can be caused by poor posture or injury.
Sitting in the wrong position can aggravate back pain so it is advised to avoid sitting for long periods. This may not be possible in the workplace if your job is office based or involves working on a computer.
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Changing your position regularly while sitting is the best way to maintain good posture in the workplace.
Check your posture when sitting, using computers.
These changes in position are key to good posture which can be a good way to prevent or alleviate back pain.
Existing Conditions
Ergonomics is also extremely important for those already diagnosed with physical disabilities or disorders. In a lot of cases pressure that is insignificant or imperceptible to those without a disability or disorder by may be very painful for those who are.
Ergonomic chairs and products are used or recommended to treat or prevent disorders, and to treat pressure-related chronic pain.
Access to Work
Although employers have an important role in helping employees with back pain to return to work, and to reduce the risk of further episodes of back pain, the Access to Work Government grant scheme can help to fund specialist equipment for anyone with a disability of illness.
VELA Tango
At Mobility Scotland we are constantly looking for innovative solutions for our customers and as such, we are delighted to bring VELA ergonomic chairs to Scotland.
VELA Tango is a series of work chairs developed to enable the user to keep the usual level of activity and independence at home and at the work place – despite the user’s disability.
VELA ergonomic chairs have four smoothly running and direction-stable wheels make the chair easy to ‘walk. There is also an unique central brake which ensures that the chair remains completely stationary when the user stands up or sits down,
Referred to by VELA as ‘activity’ chairs, these ergonomic chairs allow the user to ‘walk’ the chair thereby increasing activity and mobility.
Highly versatile
Improved sitting posture
Choice of electric lift or manual lift
A brake for greater safety
If you have any questions about VELA life enhancing chairs or would like a demonstration, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.