Five ergonomic issues impacting employees

1. Sitting for more than one hour without taking a microbreak
One of the most common issues we see is prolonged sitting without a break. Many employees remain seated at their desks for over an hour at a time without moving or stretching. This sedentary behaviour contributes to musculoskeletal discomfort, reduced circulation and increased fatigue. Over time, it can lead to chronic back pain and other serious health problems.

2. Seated height too low for desk / Desk too high for stature
A frequent problem is a mismatch between the employee’s seated height and the height of the desk. When employees sit too low relative to their work surface, they must elevate their arms, shoulders, and neck, leading to strain. Conversely, if the desk is too high, shorter employees may experience similar discomfort, exacerbating musculoskeletal risk over time.

3. Inadequate seating
Many employees continue to use chairs that do not provide proper support. Whether due to poor cushioning, lack of lumbar support, or limited adjustability, inadequate seating can cause a range of musculoskeletal complaints, particularly in the lower back, neck and shoulders. Poor seating often forces individuals into awkward, unhealthy postures for long periods.

4. No external peripheral devices
Employees working directly on laptops without external keyboards, mice, or stands are at heightened risk of discomfort and injury. This setup typically leads to hunching, reaching, and awkward neck and wrist postures, all of which can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders if left unaddressed.

5. Overuse of the right upper limb
A final concern is the overuse of the dominant right hand and arm. Regular mouse use and repetitive tasks concentrated on one side can lead to strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Over time, these imbalances place employees at greater risk of chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Recommendations for risk reduction

Addressing these issues is vital for employee wellbeing, productivity, and injury reduction. Here are the five recommendations to support risk reduction:

1. Take microbreaks every 30–45 minutes
Encouraging employees to take regular microbreaks can make a significant difference. Ideally, workers should stand, stretch, or move around every 30 to 45 minutes. These short breaks help to reduce muscle fatigue, improve circulation and refresh focus throughout the day, lowering the risk of musculoskeletal strain.

2. Increase chair height or provide a footrest
Adjusting the chair height so that employees are properly aligned with their desk is critical. Ideally, elbows should be at roughly a 90-degree angle when typing and wrists should remain neutral. If raising the chair causes feet to dangle, a footrest should be provided for stability and comfort.

3. Introduce alternative seating or use foam back supports
Providing alternative seating options with better lumbar support, seat height adjustment, and tilt functionality can greatly improve comfort and posture. Where chair replacement isn’t possible, simple foam back supports can enhance existing seating and encourage healthier spinal alignment.

4. Supply laptop stands, external keyboards and mice
Setting up workstations with external keyboards, mice and laptop stands promotes better posture by bringing screens to eye level and ensuring neutral wrist positions. This ergonomic improvement dramatically reduces awkward postures and repetitive strain risks.

5. Promote the use of compact keyboards and vertical mice
Switching to compact keyboards helps to keep the mouse closer to the body’s midline, reducing the need to reach. Vertical mice encourage a more natural handshake position for the wrist and forearm, reducing muscle strain and protecting employees from repetitive use injuries.

Identify and reduce ergonomic risks with Healthy Working

Cardinus Risk Management’s award-winning ergonomics program, Healthy Working, helps organisations quickly identify the ergonomic risks facing each employee, regardless of where they work. It provides tailored interventions that empower individuals to take ownership of their musculoskeletal health and make immediate improvements.

You can try Healthy Working free of charge with up to 5% of their workforce, gathering initial MSK data and identifying risk trends across their business. Start your Healthy Working free trial today.