Ergonomics in the Workplace: Preventing Strain and Injury 

By mid-2025, projections suggest an estimated 36.2 million Americans—about 14% of adults—will  be working remotely. Whether you’re part of this growing remote workforce or working on-site in a traditional office setting, how you set up your workspace makes a big difference. 

A poorly designed workspace can lead to discomfort, reduced productivity, and long-term injuries. That’s why, during National Safety Month this June, we’re highlighting the importance of ergonomics in creating healthier, more supportive work environments—wherever you work.  

It’s also the perfect opportunity to help your customers promote workplace safety with impactful print materials like direct mail postcards, flyers and brochures, and posters that promote workplace safety. 

What is Ergonomics and Why Does it Matter? 

Ergonomics is the science of designing tools, tasks, and workspaces to support the body’s natural posture and movements. By applying ergonomic principles, you can reduce or eliminate work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries and improve safety and productivity.  

These 5 Issues Caused Poor Ergonomic Work Space: 

1. Neck and shoulder tension from low or distant monitors 
2. Lower back pain from unsupportive seating 
3. Circulation issues when feet don’t touch the floor 
4. Wrist and hand strain from poor keyboard and mouse placement 
5. Eye fatigue from prolonged screen use 

At 4over, our Environmental Health and Safety team actively supports ergonomic awareness by providing guidance and resources to help employees work smarter, not harder, to support their comfort, focus, and overall well-being—in the office or working remotely.  

You don’t need a complete office makeover to improve ergonomics. These five simple adjustments can make a big impact.   

Adjust Your Chair and Posture 

• Push your hips to the back of the chair 

• Recline the backrest slightly to 100°–110° 

• Flat feet on the floor with knees just below hip level 

• Use a footrest if needed to maintain proper alignment 

Monitor Placement 

• Position the monitor about an arm’s length away 

• Center it directly in front of you 

Desk and Tools 

• Place frequently used items within easy reach 

• Stand up to retrieve items farther away 

• Use a headset to avoid cradling the phone 

Support Your Wrists and Arms 

• Keep forearms horizontal and elbows at 90° 

• Wrists should remain in a straight, neutral position 

• Consider a keyboard tray or wrist support 

Take Breaks and Change Position 

• Change posture throughout the day 

• Take short, frequent breaks to walk or stretch 

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds 

Turn Ergonomic Tips Into Profitable Print Solutions 

Ergonomic tips aren’t just for comfort—it’s a chance to offer your customers print products that support their safety initiatives and workplace wellness goals. Suggest incorporating these ergonomic tips into flyers and brochures to hand out to employees. Signage for workplace wellness seminars can be used to illustrate the “dos and don’ts” of ergonomics at desks or on production floors. Presentation folders filled with safety guidelines and bundled with business cards and letterhead are perfect for new hires. Postcards can reach remote employees, sharing at-home safety tips and best practices for setting up a home office. 

For team-building events or employee safety challenges, help customers boost morale high with branded giveaways like stress relievers or mini fans. Recognize participation or top performers with custom achievement certificates or awards printed on letterhead.   

Make ergonomic improvements a key part of your National Safety Month strategy. As a 4over partner, you can easily provide print solutions that help customers achieve their safety goals while positioning your business as a trusted workplace wellness resource.