Why Control Room Ergonomics Should Be a Top Priority

There is a direct correlation between control room ergonomics and operator performance. The days of basic office furniture in your mission control center are long gone. Today’s hard-working operators need something that will provide them comfort and support all day. Here’s why function and design are essential when updating your command center.

Better Control Room Furniture Reduces the Risk of Injury

First, lower back pain, pinched nerves, and neuropathy are all symptoms of poor posture. Your operators spend hours upon hours completing repetitive tasks, so sitting in an uncomfortable office chair may cause severe pain. Similarly, muscle spasms can become chronic, and a slipped disc may require back surgery. Unfortunately, work injuries are one of the leading reasons operators call in sick.

Consequently, creating an ergonomic command room is one of the easiest ways to prevent injuries. Every piece of furniture should be fully customizable. In addition, look for chairs with adjustable arms, moveable headrests, and added lumbar support. Consoles should also conform to each user. Choose a console design that minimizes arm movement. As a result, ergonomic furniture reduces the risk of repetitive motion injury and increases operator comfort.

Improved Posture Prevents Command Center Fatigue

Secondly, the command room is the only line of communication between aircraft and ground control. Operators direct pilots and ensure the safety of all passengers. There’s never a dull moment. So, you need your operators to remain alert at all times. Fatigue is inevitable if your team spends hours hunched over a poorly-designed console. A sleepy operator is more likely to make a mistake—and there’s no room for error in your flight center.

An ergonomic design will help reduce fatigue. Consoles should adjust to the height of each user, while chairs need to offer plenty of back support. Even changing the location of the monitors will help to reduce eye strain and neck pain. Make sure every part of the room is operator-friendly. When your team has better posture, they are less likely to doze off on the job.

Comfort Creates Happy Operators

You want your operators to enjoy coming to work; an enthusiastic crew performs better. You can boost worker morale by simply updating the control room. Adding comfortable seating and adjustable desks will help keep your operators happy. In turn, you’ll have a lower turnover rate and spend less time training new hires.

Keep the comfort of your operators in mind when you design the command center. Look for products that will improve the workday for your entire crew. Chairs with back support and tilting consoles are a great place to start.

A Well-Designed Ergonomic Control Room Is Key

Every command center has different requirements. You should choose a layout that suits the needs of your team. Changing the design can help lessen worker pain and tiredness. You should consider all aspects of the room, including furniture and design. Trust us—your operators will thank you later.

When the time comes to update your operations center, you can trust Fountainhead Control Rooms to lead you in the right direction. We know the importance of designing a comfortable and functional space. Our innovative products maximize user experience while reducing injury and fatigue. Connect with us if you’re ready to improve operator performance with better control room ergonomics.