Ergonomics in the Accounting Office

Source: Journal of Accountancy

The Encarta World Dictionary defines ergonomics as “the study of how a workplace and the equipment used there can best be designed for comfort, safety, efficiency, and productivity.”

The objective is to improve performance and reduce injuries. Ergonomics can help improve recruiting and retention. Ergonomics may seem silly, but according to Leita Hart, CPA in Austin, Texas, “They suggest real and practical ways of increasing comfort and reducing clutter so you can think more clearly and be a better worker.” Here are some ideas on introducing ergonomics into your office:

• Create a committee that:
  • Asks people about physical problems.
  • Researches ergonomic programs and training.
  • Discovers whether some areas of the office have more incidents of RSI (repetitive stress injury).
  • Organizes meetings to create consciousness.
  • Monitors progress of the ergonomics program.
• Buy properly designed chairs and teach employees how to use them.
• Investigate these products:
  • Adjustable keyboards.
  • Keyboards with numbers on the left.
  • Mice that are used closer to the person.
  • Left- and right-handed mice, or use of two mice, which allow workers to rest hands.
  • Footrests.
  • Keyboards with adjustable height.
  • Armrests with adjustable heights.
  • Software that reminds workers to take breaks and instructs them in stretching exercises.
  • Squeeze balls to relieve stress.
  • Adjustable workstations that allow employees to stand or sit.
  • Chairs with lower back supports and rounded cushions (no sharp edges behind knees).
• Employees should learn how to use keystrokes instead of the mouse, e.g., Ctrl+P to print.
• Make sure lighting is sufficient, distributed evenly, and does not create glare. Lighting should be parallel to line of sight. Reduce light around computer screens, but increase it in writing or reading areas. Remove the middle light of a fluorescent fixture if the area is too bright.
• Keep temperature between 68 and 74 degrees in winter and 73 and 78 degrees in summer.
• Buy adjustable work surfaces to accommodate people of varying height.
• Monitors should be at eye level, directly in front of workers, and properly distanced to prevent leaning forward or backward.
• Urge employees to remove clutter from their desks and keep no more than one project on their desks.

From Journal of Accountancy, December 2006, http://www.aicpa.org/pubs/jofa/joahome.htm. For the complete article, click on the following link: http://www.aicpa.org/pubs/jofa/dec2006/baron.htm#You%92re.