Author
François Taillefer
François Taillefer holds a PHD in ergonomics, a Canadian Certification of Practitioners in Ergonomics (CCPE) and a master’s degree in kinesiology. His related skills, combined with over 20 years of experience, make him a passionate expert in human functioning and the ergonomic evaluation of workstations.
Ensuring the comfort and health of its employees is a value increasingly cherished by companies in Quebec and elsewhere. This objective inevitably involves training provided to workers, a stimulating work environment, and access to tools and equipment adapted to work tasks. Whether it’s an office job where prolonged sitting is required or postural constraints related to manual work, certain workstation adaptations may be necessary to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Various types of equipment can be made available to workers, including height-adjustable tables. Let’s see how these can be used to optimize employees’ health and productivity.
OFFICE WORK AND HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TABLES
Some statistics tend to show that nearly 30% of people aged 12 and over are usually seated in their daily life and work. At first glance, sitting work may seem physically undemanding, but maintaining this type of posture leads to a lot of fatigue among workers. Unlike tasks that require significant muscular work (construction workers, handlers, etc.), seated work involves static muscle contractions in the neck, shoulders, and trunk. This situation leads to compression of blood vessels, which significantly impairs blood circulation. Since blood is the primary and essential fuel for our muscles, this lack quickly creates a feeling of muscle fatigue and can even increase the risk of injuries in the medium and long term.
Using a height-adjustable table allows the worker to stand up whenever they want while ensuring their computer equipment remains within reach. It is therefore possible to use the phone while handling the keyboard and mouse simultaneously, all while maintaining a proper posture. Additionally, working standing up makes it easier to move around to grab certain objects or documents rather than opting for outstretched work, which can quickly cause discomfort in the shoulders and back.
MANUAL WORK AND HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TABLES
No matter the workplace, one of the main challenges often encountered is adapting the workstation or equipment to the morphology of each worker. Indeed, using certain tools on parts of different sizes can result in very demanding postures, especially for the back, shoulders, wrists, and neck.
Moreover, whether it is precision work or requiring muscle strength from the upper limbs, varying the height of the work surface can greatly facilitate the task. Using a height-adjustable table makes this adaptation easier and allows the adoption of a much more optimal and comfortable posture for all body sizes. For example, if a task must be performed on a fixed work surface using a tool by a worker measuring 160 cm and the same task is performed by a worker measuring 180 cm, it is obvious that the posture of the two individuals will be very different. Indeed, the taller worker is likely to have to bend their trunk to use the tool in question, while the shorter worker will have to compensate by raising their shoulders. In short, using a height-adjustable table allows optimal postures for the trunk, neck, and shoulders, depending on the task being performed.
THE MULTIPLE POSSIBILITIES OF HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TABLES
Height-adjustable tables can come in various shapes and sizes, depending on preferences and the necessary space. There are rectangular tables or U- or L-shaped tables for a larger work surface. As for the surface finish, it can be adapted to meet the requirements of different work environments (office, factory, etc.). Finally, there are different mechanisms available for height adjustment, such as electric mechanisms that are activated by pressing a button, or manual mechanisms, using a crank or handle. No matter the type of mechanism, height adjustment is done very easily and quickly.
EVALUATE COSTS VERSUS THE ADVANTAGES OF USING A HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TABLE
Obviously, purchasing new equipment involves costs that can be high, which may raise questions about the relevance of such a purchase. However, it is important to keep in mind that when this type of furniture is used optimally, it can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
In office work, access to a height-adjustable table offers the possibility of regularly alternating between sitting and standing postures. The inability to change posture is very taxing on the body and inevitably leads to discomfort. The level of alertness and concentration can also be influenced by immobility, particularly in a sitting posture. Thus, the possibility of working while standing enhances employees’ productivity, in addition to improving blood circulation throughout the body and increasing workers’ energy expenditure.
We should not overlook the impact of prolonged sitting. Being very inactive at work poses a risk of developing several health problems related to a sedentary lifestyle. Among other things, it is reported that workers who adopt a sitting posture are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even depression. All these physical and psychological health issues can be avoided by increasing dynamism at work.
Depending on the number of workstations requiring this type of equipment, the acquisition of height-adjustable tables can represent a significant cost. However, it is crucial to consider the positive impacts that these tables can have on workers’ health and well-being, not to mention the advantages in terms of optimizing productivity. In short, this type of investment can only increase efficiency within the company!
Do not hesitate to consult an expert for more information on height-adjustable tables and their usefulness in your sector!
