The best posture is the next posture… or is it?
by Joanne Allpress – Senior Ergonomics Consultant If you’ve ever looked into ergonomics or musculoskeletal health, you’ve probably come across the phrase: “The best posture is the next posture.” It’s a message that has become increasingly popular, particularly amongst healthcare professionals specialising in musculoskeletal health, and for good reason. The idea is simple: our bodies are designed to move, and staying in one […]
The Changing Pace of Work (Part 1): How task analysis has evolved
by Joanne Allpress – Senior Ergonomics Consultant When people think of a DSE assessment, they often think about chairs, desks, screens, and posture. However, one of the most important aspects of any ergonomics assessment is understanding the task itself. In fact, one of the things I find myself explaining most often during assessments is that I […]
Reasonable adjustments for DSE users – it’s not always about the chair or desk
When discussing Display Screen Equipment (DSE) adjustments, the conversation can quickly focus on chairs, desks, or specialist peripherals. While equipment can absolutely play an important role, effective reasonable adjustments are often broader than furniture alone. In many cases, the biggest improvements come from changing how someone works, rather than simply what they work with. Reasonable adjustments can include: Flexible break […]
The Ghost at the Desk: Britain’s Presenteeism Crisis and What We Can Actually Do About It..
By Eilidh Stewart-Barritt, COO Inspired Ergonomics Every day, millions of people drag themselves to work, physically present but mentally somewhere between their bed and a GP waiting room. Whether you run a five-person accountancy firm in Sheffield, manage a hospice in Hertfordshire, or lead a team of 5,000 in a Whitehall department, the cost of […]
“Homeworker Chair” Explained: What It Really Means (and Should You Use One in the Office?)
Blog written by Joanne Allpress, Senior Ergonomics Consultant A “homeworker chair” isn’t just a post-COVID trend, it’s a practical, cost-effective type of task chair that became far more visible during the rise of remote work. Designed to balance affordability, comfort (and often home-friendly aesthetics), these chairs also meet strict UK fire safety standards typically using CMHR […]
Back straight, knees bent – Does it make a difference?
by Antony Hylton – Back straight, knees bent – Does it make a difference? Manual handing injuries are common, accounting for around 17% of the 680,000 non-fatal injuries that occurred at work in 2024-25. That’s about 115 000 people. They cause significant time off work, with financial and social consequences, not to mention the […]
Keyboard trays – essential tool or legacy habit?
by Joanne Allpress – Keyboard trays – essential tool or legacy habit? Requests for keyboard trays still crop up regularly, particularly in organisations with US links where they’re often seen as standard. But in practice, they’re rarely a requirement and sometimes they solve the wrong problem. Are keyboard trays required?Usually not. The priority is achieving […]
Comorbidity in the Workplace: Why Biopsychosocial Perspective Matters
Comorbidity in the Workplace: Why Biopsychosocial Perspective Matters By Eilidh Stewart-Barritt The Biopsychosocial Model at Work The Biopsychosocial (BPS) model, originally proposed by George Engel M.D 1977, formulated that health and functioning arise from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Still referred to today and applied in a variety of modalities, Ergonomists and Human Factor specialists use this model in occupational contexts to examine, interpret and provide solutions in how […]
Do You Treat Your Body Like Your Car?
Today’s post might be a a wake-up call to some people. The way we treat our bodies at work is often shocking! So many people are quick to pamper their prized possessions, be it a vintage record collection, a cherished car, or a beloved piece of artwork. They go to great lengths to preserve their […]