Ergonomics 4: Does your workspace WORK?
(www.myorganizedbiz.com) - Artists have a reputation for being disorganized and messy. But I have a large number of clients and friends who create visual masterpieces and I’ll tell you, how they organize their workspace is serious business.
Painters and artists know that in order to create, they must have all of their essential tool within reach.
Just think – if you have a flash of an idea for a painting, you’ll lose the it while going through piles of rags and crud trying to find your sketch pad.
No matter what you create in your business, getting to your work easily is critical to your success. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, agrees with this philosophy.
Here is what they recommend when it comes to setting up a work station (i.e. a desk) that is good for your body:
- Frequently used supplies and equipment within arm’s reach
- Adequate work surface to spread out without sitting in a cramped position
- Can reach most files, supplies, etc. without bending or reaching
- Workstation has sufficient adjustability for a variety of tasks
- Thighs have clearance space between chair and desk
- Legs and feet have clearance space under desk and movement not impeded
- Telephone can be used with head upright and shoulders relaxed at all times
What about your workspace?
1. Take a good look at your desk and see if there are infrequently used items taking up precious real estate. Where else could they live so that you have more flexibility and space to work?
2. Notice how much room you have under your desk and whether you’re forcing your legs into a cramped position because “under the desk makes good storage.” Well?
3. How many times a day do you force your body into an uncomfortable position to complete a task. The location of your printer is a prime suspect. If you’re doing anything repetitively uncomfortable, it needs a fix. Or else your body will need to be fixed someday. (Hint: one of these two solutions is less expensive.)
2 Comments
These days almost all modern offices have desks that are put against the wall and the person has to work with his or her back towards everything else . Is there any thing that can be put on the desk to ward of negative energies that might come up from behind you? Pls do let me know.
In some cases there is a divider between two collegues where there is temporary wall of 4 – 5 feet which acts as a wall between the two workstations. Can this wall be onsidered a substitute for the regular concrete wall that we have – does it gives security to the person that a regular wall would give. Is there anything that could be done – since one cannot change the way an office has been designed.
regards
Elizabeth
I have had offices with my back to the door and I really disliked it. One thing you can do is use a mirror and set it where you can see the door.
You might want to check some Feng Shui books for info on how to ward off negative energy. They might have recommendations for making the best of something you can’t change or rearrange.