Starting a home business is an excting time in anyone's life, but there are some things you need to be aware of when you want to run your business from one. One of those things is proper ergonomics, and the use of ergonomic office furniture to reduce repetitive stress injuries and home office injuries. With the use of ergonomic office furniture, home business owners can make their offices more comfortable and even reduce the chances of a debilitating injury.
Home Office Injuries
People who work at home may suffer more repetitive stress and injuries to their bodies than people working in offices.
People who work from home may try to cut corners when buying office furniture, resulting in poor posture and a variety of aches and pains. Home business owners who frequently use their computers may find that their backs, arms, necks, and wrists are very sore, or that they have headaches and eye strain that make being productive difficult. Repetitive stress on wrists can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, while poor posture can aggravate existing conditions or create new ones. Home office workers should investigate ergonomic office furniture as a means of reducing these physical stresses.
Ergonomic Office Furniture
Ergonomics is the science of work, or more specifically, how a work environment impacts workers. Home business owners who do not practice proper ergonomics may find themselves in pain or unable to continue working because of muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, and vision problems. Some furniture designers now combine form with function to help reduce physical stress on the body while still maintaining an acceptable level of productivity. Adjustable keyboard trays are one example of how ergonomic office furniture has been designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. The best adjustable keyboard trays can be moved up or down, and left to right to accommodate their users. Adjustable office chairs are another example of ergonomic office furniture. Being able to adjust the height of your office chair can help you to avoid stooping or straining to reach your desk, making it more comfortable for you to complete your work.
Benefits of Ergonomics
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are several benefits of ergonomics. The ones that most apply to home office workers are increased productivity, decreased injury risk, and increased efficiency. The complete list of ergonomic benefits can be found on the Georgia Tech Web site at