As resourceful creatures, we’ve created thousands upon thousands of useful tools to make our lives easier; however, much of time, designers focus more on looks than safety and ease of use. Still, there’s a movement to make tools easier to use, which is a part of the science of ergonomics. Read on to learn more about ergonomics and how it affects daily life. 

What is ergonomics?

The word “ergonomics” comes from the Greek words “ergon,” meaning “work,” and “nomoi,” meaning “natural laws.” It is the science of making tools, conditions, and practices more naturally suitable for the human body—the main goal of ergonomics is to avoid injury by doing away with practices that cause injuries and inefficiency. The proper lifting technique is an excellent example of ergonomics, as is learning the proper posture. 

How it affects you 

Most inventions are ergonomic in some sense—for example, a chair can be considered ergonomic because it accommodates the natural inclination to rest. However, things can always be more ergonomic. What we call an ergonomic chair, for example, goes beyond the simple design of a normal chair and fits the shape of your back to allow for a more comfortable sitting experience. In an office setting, where efficiency is important for success, there are plenty examples of ergonomic furniture and equipment; an ergonomic keyboard has slanted keys that correlate with the way our arms and hands are positioned, putting less strain on our wrists. If you notice a piece of equipment that causes you strain, find a way to make it more ergonomic and avoid injury. 

If you’re looking to make your office more ergonomic, then come by Office Expo Atlanta, Atlanta’s #1 furniture resource. We have a wide selection of ergonomic office furniture and equipment, including chairs, tables, desks, and more. Don’t suffer through the strain, give us a call at (770) 455-0440—your body will thank you!