COMMON PROBLEMS IN OFFICE ERGONOMICS Name Name of Institution Name of Instructor Date of Submission Problem Statement Workplaces today have experienced a radical shift in design and arrangement. This can partly be due to the cultural shift, increasing interaction and cohesion amongst people therefore leading to blends of different backgrounds in one place as well as adoption of new technologies and ideas that are aimed at enhancing respective management styles in offices around the world. This has meant that the general principles regarding office equipment, for example chairs, computers and telephones are bound to change from time to time with respect to the factors aforementioned. As a result, the disabled, such as those who are blind and partially blind may find themselves in a difficult position to cope with the work environment plan and designs. Introduction Majority of workers in developed countries do their work while seated. This means that poorly designed furniture at the office can lead to devastating implications in health, ranging from mild to severe. These health effects may range from back pains and headaches to extreme orthopedic conditions. The general principle of that aims at countering these problems at the work place is what is called office ergonomics. There are several factors that can be taken to consideration when developing a comprehensive scheme that is meant to counter these problems and some of them include, adoption of effective sitting positions or postures, adjusting height of chairs and tables to suit the needs of the worker (Amic et al., 2012). By improving the safety of the work environment then we are bound to reduce the health risks associated with poor office design and arrangement and therefore lead to improved performance at work despite bringing with it a number of benefits too. This paper looks at the common problems in office ergonomics and proposes ways of solving them or adjusting ourselves to counter them in the event that we find ourselves in such dangerous situations, especially those that affect the blind. Blind Workers Should Not Be Affected The average office chair can end up being unfair for workers with special needs such as those who are blind. This is because the everyday furniture at the office can be dangerous since they are obsolete. The reason is quite simple, although these chairs are upholstered; they are as rigid and as stiff as a park bench and thus prevent natural movement (Horrey et al, 2012). This leads to the horrifying statistics of 40% of all sick leaves, taken by sedentary workers because of debilitating back pain. Occupational Health Research has proven that unless the chair allows – indeed encourages – a wide variety of movements and at the same time provides comfortable support, back pain and other health problems are very likely. To be able to classify a chair as being ergonom...