Ergonomics is about changing the environment to suit the user.  People come in all different shapes and sizes an these aspects must be considered when setting up the work environment.  Ergonomic aids are readily available in the form of office chairs, mice, flat screens and document holders; however if they are set up incorrectly they can do more harm than good. Consequences of an incorrect workstation can include:  

• Tension headaches.

• Back, Neck and Shoulder pain

• Overuse injuries

• Carpel Tunnel, Tennis Elbow

• Associated time off and compromised productivity

• Interference with our daily lives

The most common causes relate to poor posture and length of time spent at the work station without stretching or having a change in task.

Why use our Occupational Therapists

An Occupational Therapist is a qualified Allied Health Professional with specialist training in ergonomics and a thorough knowledge of injuries, causes and their management.  Services that we can offer include: 

• Individual work station assessments and follow up report.

• Prescription of appropriate ergonomic office chairs and other ergonomic equipment including mice.

• Specialist’s advice on risk management.

• Prescription of evidence based stretching programme for a group or individuals.

• Specialist advice on new developments or office refits.

• Group training in ergonomics by qualified trainer and assessor.

Benefits for Employers and Employees

• Minimise lost time relating to muscular skeletal disorders.
• Facilitate earlier and safe return to work for those with injuries.
• Improved office moral.
• Ergonomic training has been proven to reduce the incidence of overuse injuries.