Work has changed over the past century. Many days are spent sitting in a chair, at a desk, staring at a computer screen, inside of a cube. The whole scenario is slightly depressing and the results of this set-up isn't so much better. Injuries from repeating the same muscle movements over and over are becoming more common place. The office furniture we purchase can help or hinder how we work.

Ergonomics became a buzz word in the nineties, but has been in existence since as far back as Ancient Greece. Namesake of the hippocratic oath - Hippocrates extolled the virtues of a properly organized work place and instrument layout for use by surgeons of the day.

The fit of a worker to their job and equipment is the essential definition of ergonomics and is necessary to prevent the repetitive injuries often seen in computer workers over time, and which can lead to long-term disability.

Assessing the needs of a worker ergonomically means looking at the equipment (size, position, etc.) and its interaction with the employee. Worker stress and health is a serious issue and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration implements a four pronged approach to ergonomics to prevent musculoskeletal disorders through guidelines, enforcement, a national advisory committee, and outreach/assistance.

A reactive or proactive approach is up to the business at hand. However, being reactive and only taking care of problems as they arise is what contributes to millions upon millions of dollars toward worker's compensation. A proactive approach stressing the prevention of problems isn't difficult and, in fact, can be mostly accomplished through the purchasing of the right office furniture.

Many people suffer from back problems and although standing at work would help in easing back pressure, that is not an option for many and as such the bulk of a person's body weight is brought down onto the seat as well as the backrest, armrest, and floor. Redesigned chairs to redistribute body weight will ease pain on the back by taking pressure away from spinal discs.

Backwards inclines coupled with lumbar support can alleviate some back problems as can kneeling chairs. While these chairs give off the appearance of putting pressure exclusively on a person's knees that is not the case. The overall body angle is lowered, but pressure is distributed evenly and taken on by the chair. These chair can be purchased anywhere that office furniture be it on the internet or at actual retail outlets.

Keyboards can come in a number of iterations and character spacing that takes away from the stress on a person's wrist. Again, these types of keyboards can be purchased anywhere computer accessories are sold. Computer monitors should be able to be lifted and moved so that the angle of contact with a worker's eye causes the least amount of strain, especially when coupled with a screen to diminish glare.

Having a desk that can adjust height is also beneficial to a person's posture as well as helping decrease back pain. If a worker is able to raise a desk so that they stand for a few hours a day, the benefits to their health will be two fold.

Office furniture isn't just something to look at, it should be functional and beneficial to your employees. Ergonomic design will increase a business's bottom line and promote the reduction of missed work days.

Office furniture requires more thought that the furniture we populate our homes with. Getbound Where a comfortable and soft chair would be perfect in your living room, it wouldn't work in the confines of an office where workers sit for hours a day. Doing your homework and bringing functional elements into the workplace will increase productivity.

The Irishmen On The Hudson is a leading supplier of New York office furniture. They have been servicing the office furniture business for over 25 years. Personal and friendly service provided by their expert staff.