There are a variety of ergonomic office supplies available that have been designed to help prevent common stresses and injuries that occur in the workplace. These ergonomic office supplies include ergonomic office furniture such as desks, chairs, foot and arm rests, and well-lit work stations. In addition, there are many ergonomic computer products, such as computer keyboards, ergonomic mice, and monitor risers, as well as general office equipment and tools designed to make office work more comfortable.
The most commonly thought of ergonomic office supplies are the desks, chairs, lights, and work stations where employees spend up to eight hours a day performing work duties. Employees who sit for long periods of time need plenty of overall body support to prevent injuries to the back, torso, and neck. Ergonomic office supplies can include chairs and desks that can be adjusted for the comfort of each worker, well-lit cubicles or offices to prevent eye strain, work stations that allow for ease of use of computers and other hand-held office equipment, and computer keyboards and mice that can be used without straining the back, arms, or neck.
In some workplaces, employees are required to stand or walk for long periods of time. Ergonomic office supplies for these workers may include floors that are padded or carpeted in high traffic areas to prevent back and leg injury. Overhead lighting should create a work environment where all employees can see in all areas of the workplace to prevent injuries. In addition, work areas can be kept free of hazardous objects where falls can occur. Office equipment such as copy machines, phones, fax machines, registers and common computer workstations can be placed at eye level so that all employees can reasonably access them without having to reach or stretch unnaturally.
Workplaces that take care to create an ergonomic environment will likely have fewer workplace injuries. Offices where employees need to lift heavy objects, such as boxes and packages, should have hand lifts and reaching tools to help employees do their work without putting additional strain on their backs. Chairs that sit high and include foot rests can also be used in an office environment where there are high counters to prevent back, neck, and eye strain on the job.
