Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the leading causes of lost workdays, compensation claims, and long-term health impacts across industries. The physical toll of poorly designed workstations can be both costly and preventable.
Whether your team works behind desks, in warehouses, on the road, or in customer-facing roles, ergonomics plays a crucial role in reducing MSD risk and supporting long-term health and productivity.
This article shares practical tips to improve workstation ergonomics in a variety of environments, helping you reduce MSD-related injuries and build a safer, more sustainable workplace.
A proactive approach to MSD risk
One of the challenges with MSDs is that they often develop slowly and silently. What starts as mild discomfort can turn into chronic pain, reduced mobility, or the need for extended leave.
That’s why ergonomics should be seen as preventative care, not a luxury or an afterthought. Both employees and employers can take steps today that reduce risk over the long term.
Here’s how that looks across different work environments:
Office workstations
Desk-based workers often face issues like neck strain, lower back pain, and wrist discomfort. This typically is derived from poor posture and prolonged sitting.
Simple ergonomic adjustments can significantly lower these risks:
- Adjust monitor height so the top of the screen is at or just below eye level
- Use chairs with proper lumbar support, or add a cushion or backrest
- Position keyboards and mice so arms rest at 90-degree angles
- Encourage micro-breaks to stretch and rest the eyes
For employers, small investments like adjustable chairs, monitor risers or foot risers can go a long way. Even brief ergonomic consultations or workstation audits can uncover risks before they become claims.
Quick exercises you can do in a desk job
Here are some desk exercises you can do:
Seated Leg Lifts: Lift one leg straight, hold, then lower. Repeat with the other leg.
Ankle Circles: Raise your feet and rotate your ankles in circles to boost flexibility.
Neck Stretches: Tilt your head toward each shoulder, holding briefly for a nice stretch.
Torso Twists: Twist your upper body gently to each side for a quick stretch.
Retail and customer-facing roles: Supporting those on their feet
Standing for long period, especially on hard flooring, can lead to foot, knee, and lower back problems. Employees can protect themselves with cushioned, supportive footwear and by shifting positions regularly.
Employers should consider:
- Anti-fatigue mats behind counters or in service areas
- Break schedules that allow for seated rest
- Rotating tasks to reduce static posture or repetitive movements
Warehouses and industrial spaces
Manual handling tasks remain one of the most common sources of work-related MSDs. Proper lifting technique and task design are critical.
Employees should:
- Lift with knees bent, not the back
- Keep loads close to the body and avoid twisting
- Organise workspaces to reduce unnecessary reaching or bending
Employers can dramatically reduce injuries by introducing:
- Mechanical aids (lift tables, hoists, conveyors)
- Training on manual handling and body mechanics
- Stretch-and-flex programs to prepare muscles for physical work
Proactive ergonomics in warehouses is a business decision that protects your workforce and reduces injury costs.
Driving roles: Ergonomics in transit
Long-distance drivers and field staff face unique ergonomic risks, especially lower back strain, neck stiffness, and fatigue from limited movement.
Employees can adjust vehicle ergonomics by:
- Ensuring hips and knees are level and well-supported
- Using lumbar supports or cushions for back alignment
- Taking breaks every 1–2 hours to stretch and walk
Employers can support their teams by:
- Selecting vehicles with adjustable, ergonomic seats
- Building in regular rest periods
- Providing training on mobile workstation setup (even for laptop users on the road)
The cumulative impact of hours behind the wheel can be just as harmful as repetitive strain in an office.
Simplify Workstation Risk Management with AssessNET DSE Software
Managing display screen equipment (DSE) risk across a diverse, often hybrid workforce is no small task, but it’s a legal requirement, and a critical part of any MSD prevention strategy.
With AssessNET DSE Software, you can ensure employees assess their workstations wherever they’re working and easily identify concerns before they become long-term health issues.
Whether you’re supporting teams in the office, at home, or hotdesking across multiple locations, AssessNET offers a flexible, centralised platform to streamline compliance and support employee well-being.
Key benefits of our DSE Module for your business:
- Save time with configurable templates and automated reassessments
- Stay compliant with clear visibility and real-time risk tracking
- Support your people with interactive training and documentation tools
- Manage at scale using a powerful dashboard with trend insights and employee action tracking
- Ensure accessibility with a WCAG-compliant interface that works for all users
See how AssessNET DSE can help your team manage MSD risk and stay compliant wherever your people work.
