Anthropometrics in the Workplace: Life in a Cubical

I will never forget the first day I started working at my current employer. I was so excited to make the transition to a career specific position from working a Wal-Mart. All I could think about was the fact I was getting my own place in a "real" career. My own desk, with my own desktop setup with dual monitors. Little did I know, life from a cubical was not what it was cracked up to be.

Don't get me wrong I love my job but I didn't realize the stresses that are put on a persons body because of a desk job. Try doubling that by being a full-time college student as well! My life from about 6 am until 11 pm on 5 days a week consists primarily of sitting. I probably do not sit properly to add to my pain and pressure points. I now know how unhealthy this is. Carpal Tunnel is not my friend, backaches and circulation issues plague my existence.  In a little over a year I have finally done a few things to help with my issues, which I will come back to later in this post.

Before, I often wondered if I was just complaining for no reason and if any one else had the same issues. Now, I know that these are common problems amongst many others. Anthropometrics should be considered by every employer for any type of position! From factory workers to cashiers and office positions, they all have the tendencies to form bad habits and other ergonomics issues. What is Anthropometrics? Ergonomics? They are both the study of human dimensions and measurements and how they relate to their surroundings. Ergonomics specifically refers to the relationship between a human and an inanimate object, considering repetition, function and action being enforced.

My carpal tunnel stems from cake decorating and working in a deli for two years. Using a mouse and keyboard only made it worse. Little did I know, they actually make special mouse pads and mouses to help with wrist issues such as carpal tunnel. Chairs now are designed to the dimensions of the human body. They have lumbar support and encourage proper stance and posture within the individual or worker. These two things help create proper angles of the body, enabling better blood flow and making it less likely to have issues. Employers should encourage employees to stand up and move around every so frequently to improve circulation and stretch muscles. I have found that little things like this make a huge difference in my career. If employers make a move to correct these issues before they are issues, it can decrease the chance of accidents and injuries amongst their employees that may prove more costly in the long run.