Ergonomics is not new to commercial fitouts but it’s becoming increasingly important because both the Green Star – Interiors rating tool and the WELL Building Standard offer credits and features for ergonomics. So what are the requirements and how can you help design teams meet them?
What is ergonomics?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it’s “the scientific study of people and their working conditions, especially done in order to improve effectiveness”.
In an article posted by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), called “A new world of working” (insert link to article), Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors at La Trobe University, David Caple states:
Ergonomics – or the study of people's efficiency in their working environment – is a complex field that brings together the principles of engineering, psychology and medicine to explore and influence workplace wellbeing.
It’s an interesting article and I would suggest you read it if you’re curious about the state of play in commercial workplaces. The article picks up on agile working environments, the wellbeing of building occupants and what companies, particularly larger ones, are doing differently to ensure their staff have the best and safest work environments.
THE WELL BUILDING STANDARD and Ergonomics
I’ve posted a number of articles and blogs about the WELL Building Standard on the Sustainable Business Matters website – to recap:
WELL is a global rating tool, launched in 2014, that focuses exclusively on the health and wellbeing of building occupants. WELL is a performance based system for measuring and certifying buildings across seven categories, or concepts, of wellness. These concepts include Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind.
BACKGROUND to the WELL Ergonomics credit
Overuse of the same muscles and ligaments while trying to adjust to static furniture or equipment over time can cause discomfort and strain the body, especially in occupational environments that require repetitive tasks. Under such conditions, the effects of even slight visual or physical discomfort are compounded, leading to decreased occupant comfort and focus.
Ergonomics falls under the Comfort section of the WELL Building Standard. The intent is to reduce physical strain and maximise ergonomic comfort and safety. Bottom of Form
Ergonomic requirements include:
- Visual ergonomics – i.e. height-adjustable computer screens
- Desk height flexibility – workstations that have the ability to alternate between sitting and standing positions
- Seat Flexibility – compliance with BIFMA guidelines
- Standing support workstations – amenities to help aid occupants who are required to stand for extended periods i.e. foot rests and anti-fatigue mats or cushions
For a full list of the ergonomic requirements, visit the WELL website.
Green Star RATING TOOLS and Ergonomics
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has also incorporated an Ergonomics credit into the Green Star - Interiors rating tool and, like the WELL Building Standard, the Ergonomics credit recognises the provision of equipment and spaces that provide good user comfort and avoid stress or injury. The design or selection of work settings, equipment and furniture must be shown to address the ergonomic needs of the user specific to that work setting.
The ergonomics of furniture and equipment must address, amongst other things, adjustability, size and comfort. Common equipment that must be addressed in the work settings includes telecommunication equipment, computers, keyboards, screens, cash registers, and medical or laboratory equipment. This credit does not address furniture and equipment provided for the use of visitors to the fitout.
NB: The Design and As Built Green Star rating tool includes ergonomics under their Innovation credit – 30E GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY/Green Star Interiors/Ergonomics.
KEY TAKEWAYS
If you want your products to have a competitive edge by being specified for Green Star or WELL projects, then ensure they have ergonomic benefits.
· Consider ergonomics in the design phase of furniture
· Consider engaging a specialist ergonomist
· Talk about your ergonomic benefits in your marketing communications
· Introduce ergonomics into your office to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of your staff
(Visit the QLD Worksafe website - they have some great resources to assist you with understanding office ergonomics).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
QLD WORKSAFE guides - Learning the art of office ergonomics
Sourceable article on agile working environments
List of qualified ergonomists – Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia Inc.