Did you know that there is a reason employers in most developed countries make only adjustable seats available in offices? Well if you didn't, then it would not be far fetched to ponder on why only MD's in your various organizations and senior managers get brand new seats before they resume their office (they get a seat tailored to their height), while the rest of us get to "manage" whatever size of seats we find at our work station. Nigeria is one of the countries where most employers have the lowest workplace ergonomic considerations in the world. Did you know that cramping your 6'3 inch self into a seat originally built for a 5'6 inch person (or fiting you 5'6 inch self onto a seat originally built for a 6'3inch person) are the leading causes of workplace musculoskeletal disorders nationwide? Musculoskeletal disorders present with pain as the major symptom. It may be pain in the muscles, joints, or tendons. The nerves in the affected area can only translate the discomfort as pain. Other symptoms may include: redness and swelling, stiffness, feeling of needle pricking sensations in affected areas. Areas most commonly affected are the: lower back (areas close to the spine), neck, shoulders, knees, and elbows (as sitting in wrong seats and working on computers can be highly uncomfortable). Well I cant profer a solution for these seats at our various work stations - the organizational managements may be unwilling to change them just because eby's weekly blog spot made an observation, I can only suggest 2hourly or 3hourly "walk-and-stretch" breaks and recommend the undisputed help of small cusions(small pillows) either to lift/raise your self with (if you are too small for your work seat or your table is too high in proportion to your seat) or to lean your lower back on (if your seat doesn't curve in to give your lower back somewhere to lean on). Feel free to drop comments regarding particular problems you experience with your work seats.
And here I was thinking it's d difficulty of my work that was giving me all kinds of ache... itaf reach let somebody buy his own chair to be using in the office oh
ReplyDeleteHahahaha
DeleteAnd here I was thinking it's d difficulty of my work that was giving me all kinds of ache... itaf reach let somebody buy his own chair to be using in the office oh
ReplyDeleteHahahaha@Ray.
ReplyDeleteNice one Eby.
Thanks Freddie
ReplyDeleteSo what criteria does one look out for when procuring office seats?
ReplyDeleteCos a lot of pple are feeling this but have been attributing it to other factors.
I also believe mattresses are culprits too.
So thoughtful of you (as usual).
Buy a seat that corresponds with your height and fits closely to the curve of your back.
DeleteHmm, when you go to HMOs to complain about pains after work, they tell you it's malaria and typhoid. My waist cannot stop hurting because of these Stupid chairs. Solution, I wee goan exchange my own with my boss' own so that he will enjoy it small. Eby th
ReplyDeleteHahaha you sure u love your job abi
DeleteHmm nice one, quite interesting too. Some of us are aware of this challenges and possible solutions but can't help it as the type of work you does will never permit that. Some employers are aware too but will never pay attention.
ReplyDeleteWill u buy a foam and add to stool or a tellertype a seat . will u walk around wen there re many customers before u beefing uv
Dont you ger up to ease yourself?
ReplyDeleteThis write up is well-timed and nicely put together. Kudos Ebele. In corollary, I agree the sedentary lifestyle is an insidious but gradual killer of employees physically and psychologically. The suggestions offered above can at best offer temporary relief to this particular pressing concern of Nigerian employees. While I would not excuse the fact that government has so much to do in terms of establishing and "enforcing" (quoted for emphasis; enforcement of regulations is a big problem in these parts) labour regulations to cater to the labour force, I believe we have our quota to contribute as well. So many 'graduates' keep quiet in the workplace about such pressing needs as this out of fear of losing a job which is 'killing' them. I believe as Edmund Burke rightly stated "Evil prevails when good men do nothing".
ReplyDeleteI believe there are rules already in place to govern work place rights : Labour laws - which encompases the government, trade union and employers on behalf of the employee. There are even workman compesnation laws for when an employee is lost or suffers injuries. But the problem is, who enforces them?
DeleteThank you Eby for drawing our attention to this. I hope employers make provisions for the right kind of seats for their staff. What would be your take on employers(some banks) that mandate their employees (Tellers) to stand for long hours while attending to customers?
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DeleteTellers have seats at their work stations. But these seats are often times uncomfortable and that is why you find them standing most of the time. So its basically the same topic we are tackling today. Bad work station steats.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is a serious one and it calls for urgent attention. I hope someone would gleam this write up in the eyeballs of those responsible for enforcing labour laws. Hmm, what can I say! Ebele, keep up the good work.
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