Common Ergonomics Misconceptions Debunked
Kristan Rosetto | ERGO Inc | 9AM PST 20 September, 2023
Kristan Rossetto, R.Kin, HB.Sc.HK, GradCert.ESLM, CCPE | LinkedIn
Kristan Rossetto is Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE) and a Registered Kinesiologist with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management from Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Kristan has over 7 years of workplace ergonomic and clinical exercise experience in various settings, including manufacturing, automotive, food preparation, warehouse, retail, correctional facilities, and healthcare.
As an Ergonomist, Kristan has developed and delivered customized ergonomic training workshops, including ergonomic best practices and safe handling for a Distillery, e-learning and safe patient handling for a hospital, a stretching program for a warehouse, and injury prevention strategies and proper computer workstation set-up for office workers. Kristan has presented at the Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association (OMHRA) conference and the Schedule 2 Employers Group conference on how employers can use PDAs and CDAs to meet their legal requirements in the return to work process.
For computer users, Kristan conducts office ergonomic assessments to ensure employees’ computer workstations comply with CSA Office Ergonomic Standards and are set up to fit their needs and reduce their risk of discomfort.
Kristan helped to design and administers post-offer pre-employment testing for various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing.
Kristan is experienced at conducting physical and cognitive job demands analysis, ergonomic risk assessments, and job suitability assessments to provide employers with comprehensive information about the functional and physical requirements of a job to prevent workplace injuries and for the effective return to work of employees. She has assisted with control room design for correctional facilities and patient intake for hospitals.
- Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management from Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
- Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin.)
- Professional Member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association
- Associate Ergonomist (AE) with the Canadian College of Professional Ergonomists
Common ergonomic misconceptions can have a significant impact on individuals’ health, productivity, and overall well-being.
These misconceptions often lead to improper work setups, incorrect body postures, and inadequate practices, which can contribute to various musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues. What’s more these ergonomic misconceptions can also have significant impacts on businesses.
They are costing you money!!! They are costing you productivity!!! And they are costing you employees!!!!
- Incorrect posture: One prevalent misconception is that maintaining a fixed posture is the key to ergonomic comfort. However, sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods can strain muscles and joints, leading to discomfort and potential injuries. It is important to encourage dynamic movements and posture changes throughout the day to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and promote blood circulation.
- Improper workstation setup: Another misconception is that having an ergonomic chair alone is sufficient for a comfortable and healthy work environment. However, proper workstation setup involves multiple factors, such as desk height, monitor position, keyboard and mouse placement, and lighting conditions. Neglecting these aspects can lead to awkward postures, eye strain, neck pain, and other issues.
- Ignoring breaks and movement: Many people mistakenly believe that taking breaks and incorporating movement into their work routine is a waste of time or reduces productivity. However, regular breaks and movement are crucial for preventing muscle fatigue, reducing eye strain, and promoting overall well-being. Short breaks and simple stretches can help relieve tension and improve focus, leading to increased productivity and reduced risk of injuries.
- One-size-fits-all approach: Assuming that a standard ergonomic setup will suit everyone is another common misconception. Every individual has unique body proportions, preferences, and requirements. Ignoring these differences and assuming a one-size-fits-all approach may lead to discomfort and health issues. It is important to consider individual needs and make ergonomic adjustments accordingly.
- Lack of awareness: Many people are unaware of the potential risks associated with poor ergonomics or the benefits of proper ergonomic practices. This lack of awareness can result in individuals neglecting ergonomic principles and inadvertently subjecting themselves to musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, headaches, and other health problems.
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By addressing ergonomic misconceptions and implementing proper ergonomic practices, businesses can create a healthier and more productive work environment. This can contribute to improved employee satisfaction, reduced healthcare costs, enhanced employee retention, and a positive impact on the overall bottom line of the organization.
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With the transition to permanent hybrid work models, and with 65% of employees working two or more days/week remotely, Ergonomists are seeing employers fail to grasp easy opportunities to provide guidance and make improvements to hybrid workstations. These failures not only put employees at risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injuries, but can negatively impact employee productivity, job satisfaction and increase absenteeism and turnover; which ultimately impacts an organization’s bottom line.
By presenting real life case studies, we will reveal common and costly mistakes to avoid, including:
- The lack of a hybrid work policy
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Upon completion, Sit / Stand Ergonomics and Back Safety Toolkit cards will be provided to all participants.
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