Picture this: It's 3:00 PM on a Tuesday, and half your team is unconsciously rubbing their necks, shifting in their chairs, or stretching their backs. What looks like ordinary afternoon fatigue may actually be the early signs of strain from an unsupportive workspace.
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) claim the top spot for workplace lost-time injuries every single year. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints—often developing gradually from repetitive motions, awkward postures, and prolonged sitting or standing.
The Real Cost of "Just Dealing with It"
When we "just deal with" workplace pain, there's a price to pay. MSIs develop over time when the body is repeatedly stressed beyond its natural limits:
• The Desk Trap: Hours of sitting in poorly adjusted chairs, reaching for keyboards, or craning necks at badly positioned screens
• The Repetitive Strain Build-Up: Thousands of mouse clicks and keystrokes with wrists bent at unnatural angles
• The Static Posture Prison: Bodies locked in position for hours, cutting off circulation and compressing joints
The result? Chronic pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and wrists that reduces focus, affects quality of life, and can lead to time away from work.
Your Workplace Danger Zones
Look around your workspace right now. Are you or your colleagues:
• Slouched forward with chins jutting toward screens?
• Using laptops as their primary workstation?
• Sitting in chairs that haven't been adjusted in years (if ever)?
• Typing with wrists bent upward?
If you spotted any of these scenarios, they represent potential MSI risks that affect everyone in the workplace.
The Ergonomics Solution
Strategic ergonomic investments prevent injuries and boost productivity.
Essential Equipment:
• Adjustable Office Chairs: Real lumbar support that fits each person's spine
• Sit-Stand Desks: Keep muscles active and joints mobile throughout the day
• Monitor Arms: Screens at eye level eliminate neck strain
• Ergonomic Keyboards & Mice: Maintain neutral wrist positions
• Footrests: Support proper circulation and spinal alignment
Smart Daily Habits
Equipment needs smart habits to work:
• 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Movement Breaks: Stand and stretch for 2 minutes every 30 minutes
• Neutral Positioning: Keep elbows close, wrists straight, avoid reaching
Beyond Compliance: Building Healthier Workplaces
When workplaces prioritize physical well-being, everyone benefits. Employees stay comfortable and focused, while organizations see improved productivity and reduced injury rates.
At Dicks and Company Basics, we've seen how the right ergonomic solutions transform Newfoundland and Labrador workplaces. Whether you're an employee advocating for better conditions or a leader investing in your team, ergonomics creates wins across the board.
Ready to create a healthier, more productive workplace? The investment in ergonomics benefits everyone for years to come.l
