What are ergonomics? The expert answers
You can see the word ergonomic as a description of products everywhere, including our ergonomic chairs at Support Design. But what exactly is ergonomics? We asked Gunilla Tapper, occupational physiotherapist and trained ergonomist at Hälsolänken
"Ergonomics is about using the body as the tool it is, in a good way, 24 hours a day," says Gunilla. "It's about making your body feel good at work but also at home at the sink."
A holistic approach is therefore what Gunilla advocates, to feel and use the body in a good way both at home and at work. But ergonomics is a concept that is sometimes abused. "I see red when I see advertisements for products described as ergonomic, like shoes. All the feet look different, so how do they know the shoes are going to fit me? "
Gunilla thinks there are certain things we can all think daily to feel better and not have back pain.
"We need to start understanding how our backs work, that's the most important thing," she said. To take the time to feel, and learn what's going on in the back. If you were to take out the disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, and insert a scale there, it would measure that you have a weight of maybe 30 kg there – it is important to understand how it can affect if you put that weight wrong, and may not move it forward properly. For example, it is very good to be able to angle the seat of the chair when you are sitting and working."
Here you will find ergonomic chairs to help you feel good at work
