Workplace safety has, and will, always be a subject of high-level importance within many spheres in Nigeria. Although, it has to be stated that the dynamics of workplace safety is virtually similar globally, as every nation has segments within its economy, where operations that predispose the citizen to low and high-risk situations progress regularly. As a matter of fact, the results of widespread employee surveys (conducted globally) have constantly identified high levels of MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders) risks at these operations.
This sole reason makes a strong case for societies to not only embrace Ergonomics but hand it pride of place in the grand scheme of things
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance- it basically studies people in their working environment.
The ergonomist designs or modifies the work to fit the worker, not the other way around. The ultimate idea is to get rid of the discomfort and risk of injury due to work. In essence, the employee is the first priority in analyzing a workstation- making his job easy, ultimately increasing productivity to the immense benefits of the organization.
In all, ergonomics attempts to always ‘fit the job to the man’ having realized the limitations and capabilities of man.
When evaluating a job, experts look for three main characteristics known as Ergonomic Stressors: the force required to complete a task, any awkward or static working postures adopted in completing a task, and the repetitiveness of a task.
Any of these factors, or any combination of these factors, may place someone at greater risk for discomfort.
To this end, top Ergonomics organizations work to create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment for their clients’ employees.
They provide information and education to allow any employee to avoid injury- basics of ergonomics. So they would not only be able to help themselves at work but also apply to homes, hobbies or help friends and coworkers who may have similar issues.
Some even go to the extent of providing an online self-assessment tool. This tool walks the individual through self-evaluation and provides the user with recommendations to modify their workstation.
One remarkable brand that is championing this cause in Nigeria (and Africa) is Thekan Ergonomics Solutions. Based in Lagos, they are a leader in all aspects of Ergonomic Solutions, being one of the most sought after Ergonomics brand designers, manufacturers and distributors around.
They service a broad range of high-quality office furniture solutions for all types of businesses and institutions. Their focus is on human factors within the client’s workplace environments to balance user’s health, comfort, performance and ultimately the company’s bottom line.
Thekan knows the average worker spends eight or more hours a day sitting positions, and, that having a comfortable office chair is not negotiable- for the health of the back and other body parts. They know one’s physical health can be greatly jeopardised if one sits for long periods in a chair that is not ergonomically designed.
To this end, they pay utmost attention to the design of their chairs in a bid to eliminate a host of ailments such as poor posture, fatigue, back pain, arm pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and leg pain.
Here are the top features they consider, in ensuring the most comfortable office chairs.
1. Backrest
To them, a backrest can either be separate or combined with the seat. If the backrest is separate from the seat, it must be adjustable. You should also be able to make the adjustments to both its angle and height. The height adjustment provides support for the lumbar portion of your lower back. Backrests should ideally be 12-19 inches in width and designed to support the curve of your spine, especially in the region of the lower spine. If the chair is manufactured with a combined backrest and seat, the backrest should be adjustable in both forward and backward angles. In such chairs, the backrest must have a locking mechanism to hold it in place once one has decided upon a good position.
2. Seat height
Thekan knows the height of a good office chair must be easily adjustable; it should have a pneumatic adjustment lever. A good office chair should have a height of 16-21 inches from the floor. Such height will not only allow you to keep one’s thighs parallel to the floor but also keep your feet flat on the floor. This height also allows one’s forearms to be level with the work surface.
3. Seat pan characteristics
The lower area of the average person’s spine has a natural curve. Extended periods in a seated position, especially with the right support, tends to flatten this inward curve and places unnatural strain on this sensitive area. The person’s weight needs to be evenly distributed on the seat pan. Look out for rounded edges. The seat should also extend an inch or more from both sides of your hips for best comfort. The seat pan should also adjust for forward or backwards tilt to allow room for posture changes and reduce pressure on the back of one’s thighs.
4. Material
A good chair should be made of strong durable material. It should also be designed with sufficient padding on the seat and back, especially where the lower back makes contact with the chair. Materials that breathe and dissipate moisture and heat are the best.
5. Armrest benefits
Armrests help reduce pressure on one’s lower back. Even better if they have adjustable width & height to help support several tasks such as reading and writing. This will help ease shoulder and neck tension and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome(numbness and tingling in the hand and arm caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist..)The armrest should be well-contoured, broad, properly cushioned and of course, comfortable.
6. Stability
They propose workplaces get office chairs on wheels that swivel to avoid too much twisting and stretching of the spine. A 5-point base won’t tip over when reclining. Looking for hard casters that will allow stable movement even when the office chair is reclined or locked into different positions
Below are some of Thekans well-sought after Products
PEGGY
PRIDE
EMPEROR
SILK
This concludes the introductory part of this multiple article series on Thekan and their quest to redefine the landscape of ergonomic solutions in Nigeria
