Weber Knapp Blog

When most people hear “ergonomics,” they picture office workers at desks. But ergonomics – designing or modifying the working environment for the worker’s health and comfort – is just as important in the construction industry.

When most people think of Weber Knapp, one thing might come to mind: hinges. And it makes sense. For decades, the company has been a trusted source of precision-engineered motion control solutions, especially heavy-duty and counterbalance hinges. But here’s the thing – hinges are used in such a wide variety of applications.  

A stiff neck, sore back, or aching wrists after a long day at your desk isn’t just annoying; it’s a warning sign. With more people working in front of screens than ever before, the health risks of poor workstation habits are on the rise. The key is applying OSHA ergonomic guidelines – simple adjustments that protect employees' bodies, keep them comfortable, and help them perform at their best.

When you walk into a hospital, it’s easy to notice the advanced medical equipment, high-tech monitors, and life-saving devices. Just as important, though often overlooked, are the chairs, tables, cabinets, and beds that fill each room.

When it comes to ergonomics and computer screens, it’s all in how you look at them. One thing is beyond dispute: If you want an ergonomic workstation setup at the office or in a university setting, there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to do it.

Office design has always balanced space efficiency with employee well-being. As businesses evolve, so must workspaces — making collaborative workspace design more important than ever. Hot desking is one of the most innovative evolutions within this category, enabling businesses to optimize their space through flexible, shared office environments.

Gone are the days when office furniture was simply about desks and chairs. 

Today, ergonomic furniture design plays a pivotal role in the health, happiness, and productivity of your workforce. If your current setup leaves employees hunched, strained, or uncomfortable, you’re likely paying for it — in lost productivity, increased sick days, and higher turnover. But how can you be sure your office equipment actually supports ergonomic principles?

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.

Picture this: An employee sits at their desk for eight hours a day, hunched over a poorly positioned monitor, straining their wrists on a rigid keyboard, and shifting uncomfortably in a chair that offers zero support. Over time, discomfort turns into chronic pain, productivity declines, and absenteeism rises. This isn’t just an individual issue — it’s a workplace-wide problem.

Workplace ergonomics is more than just comfort — it’s the foundation of a productive, healthy, and sustainable work environment. Whether you're in an office, a manufacturing facility, or working remotely, bad ergonomics in the workplace can lead to serious consequences, from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to increased turnover and financial losses.

By prioritizing ergonomic solutions, businesses can protect their employees from injury, increase efficiency, and stay compliant with OSHA and other regulatory guidelines.

As workplaces change and technology moves forward, innovative ergonomic solutions are making a big difference in creating healthier, more comfortable spaces for employees.