Ergonomics is the science that allows people to work in an efficient and healthy way in the workplace. In order to create the ideal space, which complies with the ergonomic standards, a series of lighting, environmental, organizational, etc. conditions must converge, which will need to be found and generate a perfect balance.
Ergonomics must be given the importance it deserves, since without it, operators would not be able to carry out their work effectively as they would have to focus their attention on other aspects, such as trying to achieve the best comfort in their work space. job. The health and well-being of the operators is essential for the proper functioning of the control center; the performance, efficiency and skill of these is largely dependent on the technical furniture that is implemented in the workspace.
Although a correct ergonomics in the design will not only be reflected in the tangible results of the control room, but the major physical pathologies that operators commonly suffer and, consequently, absenteeism in the workplace would be avoided. In this article you can read recommendations to improve performance in the control center through the health of the operators in addition to ergonomics, a fundamental aspect that is covered in this article.
Ergonomic study of the environment and technical furniture
When GESAB begins to develop a project the team of engineers and architects carries out a preliminary study of the control room with the aim of designing, together, all the elements that will compose it and will achieve that balance that gives the workers the best conditions to develop their work. In this way, ergonomic, lighting and interior design studies encompass some of the actions that are carried out to achieve the most appropriate result for each sector, company or market.
It is essential to consider visual health when conducting an ergonomic study, since the use of computers and screens greatly facilitates the performance of an innumerable variety of tasks, but at the same time, causes symptoms related to its prolonged use and can lead to complications. such as eye strain and other problems.
Eye strain is considered the most common complaint among computer users. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health indicated that 70.6% of workers who use computers in their workplace suffer from this symptom.
The chair, the furniture and the ergonomic arms would influence on the angle and distance of the worker from the computer, making it essential to find the optimal placement of the screen. Operators who received an ergonomic chair and ergonomics training reduced visual symptoms and the effect was maintained for up to twelve months after the intervention, increasing productivity by 17%.
But the concept of ergonomics goes beyond designing the composition of the space, since from GESAB this concept is the basis for the designing of its own products. All the control consoles that GESAB has in its portfolio have in their design the basic precepts of ergonomics: they respect the minimum dimensions recommended in the UNE-EN 527 standard, they are adjustable in height, their edges are rounded and their structure keeps all the connection and wiring components to guarantee safety, among other ergonomic concepts.
The possibility of arranging the console at different heights allows operators to work both standing and sitting, facilitating the change of posture and avoiding injuries and muscle fatigue. In critical environments, where tension is almost the continuous norm, having adjustable systems translates into better accomplishment of tasks and information management. To learn more about the advantages of having a sit & stand system in the control center consoles, do not hesitate to read this article.
The main objective of ergonomics in the workplace should focus on two key aspects: the ability to adapt to the user in terms of measurements and distances to ensure that they can comply with the recommended ergonomic positions, and the duty to allow and even motivate the postural change and small body actions. Changing the posture is as important as a correct position.
Within the workstations and control consoles, 3 fundamental pillars must be considered: work console, ergonomic chairs and visualization systems.
These 3 axes are essential to offer a complete ergonomic solution, as this ecosystem works optimally working together to offer the greatest range and adjustment options for each person.
Ergonomic accessibility
Ergonomics is also a key point in accessibility, understanding it as the facility of the operator to access to the components of the console or the connections. Also for any worker who has to interact with it, not only the operator, but the maintenance or cleaning team.
To speed up the work with the control consoles, GESAB installs a PersonalDock in the work area envelope with various connectors, as well as a lower beam. In addition, it facilitates having a clean and organized work area so as not to create distractions for the operator by arranging hidden wiring and connections or a cover flush with the envelope.
Ergonomics is not only important for the operator, installers and maintenance technicians also benefit from a good ergonomic design of the consoles. The convenience of access to the technical area, as well as the segmentation and organization of wiring in the installation of equipment help to improve the health of all potential users of technical furniture.
Design for ergonomics can be applied to all elements of the control room: 24/7 chairs, articulated arms for monitors, auxiliary furniture, visual ergonomics, etc.
All the ergonomic accessories that complement the technical furniture facilitate the daily task of the operators, since they allow them to adopt different postures during the day avoiding body fatigue. Being able to sit more upright or inclined, putting the monitor higher or lower so that they can see the environment as well, having a chest of drawers that provides extra storage without having to get up from the chair, are some examples of how a suitable composition helps well-being of the users of the room.
In the end, it is about optimizing the relationship that is established between people, machines and the environment to achieve improvements in the efficiency, safety and well-being of the workers.
GESAB considers all these bases when designing and executing any project for its rooms and control centers, as well as its data processing centers.