Avoiding Ergonomic Workplace Hazards (Before They Hurt Productivity)

Nothing derails productivity faster than uncomfortable office equipment. Most of us have experienced it firsthand: chairs that never quite feel right, desks at awkward heights, and keyboards that strain your wrists within minutes. Although these issues may look minor, they’re real ergonomic workplace hazards that can lead to chronic discomfort, reduced focus, and long-term employee dissatisfaction.

But solving ergonomic issues in the workplace takes more than Googling “ergonomic chair.” Office managers need to know how to spot bad ergonomic products and what makes a product truly ergonomic before investing.

Why Is Ergonomics Important in the Workplace?

Ergonomics is the science of designing a workplace that supports comfort, safety, and productivity. It’s not just about posture — it’s also about creating an environment that minimizes strain, fatigue, and long-term injuries.

When ergonomic hazards in the workplace go unchecked, they can lead to:

• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Fatigue and discomfort
• Decreased productivity
• Increased absenteeism
• Higher healthcare and insurance costs

Investing in smart, ergonomic design creates a ripple effect — boosting efficiency, protecting employee health, and improving your bottom line.

Download the FREE Ergonomic Office Equipment Guide Ready to eliminate ergonomic workplace hazards and boost productivity? Download our free guide to discover how smart workplace design and certified ergonomic equipment can improve comfort, safety, and ROI.  Don’t let poor ergonomics slow your team down — make informed decisions today!

Common Ergonomic Hazards in the Workplace 

Let’s explore some common examples of bad ergonomics and how to recognize them before they become serious issues.

1. Non-Adjustable Workstations

Work surfaces that don’t adjust to the user are a recipe for discomfort. Desks set at the wrong height, chairs lacking lumbar support, and inflexible monitor arms are all examples of ergonomic workplace hazards that can lead to discomfort and long-term injury.

This leads to repetitive strain injuries, poor posture, and long-term health concerns. Adjustable desks, monitor arms, and chairs should be standard components of your ergonomic office safety checklist.

Examples of ergonomics in the workplace done right include:

• Height-adjustable desks that can accommodate sitting or standing
• Monitor arms that pivot, tilt, and swivel
• Chairs with adjustable lumbar support and seat depth
  
  

2. Bad Ergonomic Products That Pretend to Help

Many so-called ergonomic accessories are actually bad ergonomic products in disguise. Some bad ergonomic examples include keyboard trays that are fixed in place, footrests that slide around under the desk, or bulky sit-stand desk converters that take up valuable real estate.

To avoid being duped:

• Research manufacturers before buying
• Look for third-party certifications like ANSI and BIFMA
• Read user reviews, especially those from people in similar roles
• Ensure products are adjustable and made from quality materials
  
  

3. Lack of Weight-Mitigation Technology

Although commonly associated with industrial environments, ergonomic hazards in the workplace related to heavy lifting or movement exist in office settings too. For instance, IT staff may need to access large servers, or employees might need to handle office equipment or supply boxes.

Without weight-mitigating features, these tasks can result in back, neck, or wrist injuries. Investing in products like hinged covers or carts with lift assistance can prevent accidents and support office safety.

4. Poor Ergonomics Training

Providing ergonomic office furniture is only half the battle. Ongoing employee education is a vital part of maintaining ergonomic office safety. If your staff doesn’t know how to use it correctly, they’ll continue practicing unsafe behaviors.

Every office manager should implement ergonomic workplace assessments and employee training that covers:

• Proper lifting techniques
• How to adjust chairs, desks, and monitors
• Best practices for posture
• Proper footwear for standing roles

Use free or paid resources, like OSHA ergonomic training courses, to educate your team.

Examples of Bad Ergonomics in the Workplace

Here are some examples of bad ergonomics that office managers should avoid or correct immediately:

Sit-Stand Desk Converters

While sit-stand desks are a good investment, the popular desk converters that sit atop traditional desks can cause more harm than good. They often:

• Limit desk space 
• Create awkward typing angles
• Require users to twist or strain to see their screens

Better option: Invest in fully integrated sit-stand desks with electronic or manual lift mechanisms and third-party keyboard tray and mouse tray compatibility.

Monitor Arms Without Articulation

Static monitor arms or poles are another offender. Without articulation, users can’t easily adjust monitor height, distance, or tilt, leading to ergonomic issues in the workplace like: 

• Eye strain
• Neck stiffness
• Poor posture

Better option: Choose monitor arms with a full range of motion that can support different screen sizes and multiple users.

Ergonomic Chairs Without Lumbar Support

Chairs marketed as “ergonomic” but lacking lumbar support, adjustable arms, or tilt functionality are common examples of bad ergonomic products that contribute to workplace injuries and decreased concentration.

Better option: Look for chairs with customizable settings, including lumbar adjustment, seat tilt, and armrest height.

Computer Carts on Wheels (COWs) Without Adjustability

Mobile computer carts (COWs) are common in healthcare or education settings, but many fall short. Carts without adjustable keyboard trays, monitor heights, or quick-adjust features can lead to physical strain.

Better option: Select COWs with quick-release, tool-free adjustments that accommodate users of varying heights and needs.

Home Office Ergonomic Hazards

With hybrid work now the norm, many employees work from home — often without access to safe and ergonomic setups. Kitchen tables, couches, and cheap chairs contribute to poor ergonomics in the workplace, even if that workplace is remote.

Tips for improving remote ergonomics:

• Provide or subsidize ergonomic chairs, desks, and monitor arms
• Share resources for setting up a home office properly
• Conduct virtual ergonomic workplace assessments to identify risks
  
  

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Ergonomic Workplace Hazards

The long-term consequences of ergonomic workplace hazards are serious. When workers are uncomfortable or in pain, their productivity, job satisfaction, and overall wellness decline.

Here’s what you risk with bad ergonomic design:

• Increased worker’s compensation claims
• Higher rates of absenteeism
• Frequent equipment replacements
• Turnover due to chronic discomfort
  The bottom line? Investing in good ergonomics saves money in the long run — and shows your team that their health matters.
  
  

How to Stay Ahead of Bad Ergonomic Design

Unfortunately, replacing all poor ergonomic products at once isn’t always feasible. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with bad ergonomics forever.

Step 1: Only Buy Certified Equipment

Stick to products that meet ergonomic standards like:

• ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
• BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association)
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

These certifications verify that the product has undergone rigorous testing for quality, durability, and ergonomic safety.

Step 2: Involve Your Employees

Sometimes, only the people doing the job can recognize the true ergonomic hazards in the workplace. Invite employee feedback on comfort, pain points, and product performance. You might discover a chair that looks fine is causing neck strain or a monitor that’s always tilted the wrong way.

Step 3: Conduct Regular Ergonomic Assessments

Routine ergonomic workplace assessments help uncover potential hazards before they lead to injury. These assessments can be done in-house or with the help of an ergonomic specialist.

FAQs: Addressing Ergonomic Office Safety Concerns

Q1: How can I evaluate a product’s ergonomic design online before purchasing it?

Check for high-quality product images, user manuals, and videos. Read reviews from verified buyers, particularly those working in similar roles. When in doubt, opt for products with a return policy to allow for testing in your environment.

Q2: What ergonomic certifications should I look for? 

ANSI, BIFMA, and ISO certifications ensure that the product meets recognized safety and comfort standards.

Q3: What are the most common ergonomic mistakes companies make? 

Companies often overlook user diversity and fail to provide training. Make sure your ergonomic strategy accounts for different body types and educates employees on using products correctly.

Investing in Ergonomics: The Path to a Safer, Healthier Workplace

Poor ergonomic choices can quietly sabotage your workplace, but understanding and addressing ergonomic workplace hazards significantly improves productivity, employee health, and overall satisfaction. Prioritize ergonomic assessments, invest in quality-certified products, provide regular training, and continuously engage your employees in ergonomic discussions.

Start improving your office today. Need more help? Download our Manager’s Equipment Guide to ensure every purchase enhances safety and productivity.