Office Ergonomics

1. Office Ergonomics Presented by: The Office of Environmental Health & Safety

2. What is Ergonomics? The word Ergonomics comes from the Greek words: Ergo = work Nomos = laws The study of work; laws of work design

3. What is Ergonomics cont. • An applied science concerned with designing and arrange things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. • In an office environment, typically it is adapting your computer workstation to fit your individual needs.

4. Benefits of Office Ergonomics Fewer injuries Increased productivity Increased efficiency Improved quality of work Reduced absenteeism

5. Common Risk FactorsWrists Wrist Extension Wrist Flexion Radial Deviation Ulnar Deviation

6. Common Risk Factors Forearm and Shoulder Elbow Extension

7. Common Risk Factors Shoulder Shoulder Adduction

8. Common Risk Factors Shoulder Shoulder Abduction

9. Common Risk Factors Trunk Trunk Flexion

10. Common Risk Factors Trunk Trunk Rotation

11. Common Risk Factors Shoulder Shoulder Shrugging

12. Common Risk Factors Neck Neck Extension

13. Common Risk Factors Neck Neck Rotation

14. Common Risk FactorsNeck When copying information from documents use document holder. The best position is directly in front of you.

15. Common Risk Factors Neck Neck Flexion

16. Common Sources of Contact Stress Desk Edge Resting wrist on desk edge Armrests Too high/low, uneven Seat Edge Pressure behind the knees Unsupported Feet Pressure on back of thigh

17. Healthy Postures Neutral (healthy) postures: Postures that require minimal muscle activity to maintain are necessary for ensuring health and comfort.

19. Healthy Postures Comfortable leg postures Clear items from your legs to allow for comfortable leg positions and movement Feet should be flat on the floor or you may use a footrest

20. Healthy Postures Minimize reaching Position your workstation to minimize reaching and twisting

21. Healthy Postures Support Your Back Does your chair have enough lumbar support? Backrest should fit into the natural curve of your lower back Good lower back support allows spinal muscles to relax and the spine maintains neutral position

22. Healthy Postures Comfortable shoulder and arm postures Keyboard and mouse should be at same height; about elbow level. When typing, center your keyboard in front of you with your mouse located close to it.

23. Healthy Postures Wrist and finger postures Wrists should be straight while typing and while using a mouse. Keep keyboard flat – do not use the keyboard tabs. When moving your mouse, it may be more comfortable to use your arm rather than your wrist. Fingers should be relaxed while typing and using a mouse. Avoid anchoring wrists on work surface. Use wrist pads.

24. Healthy Postures Minimize neck bending and twisting Single Monitor should be centered directly inline with the keyboard to minimize neck and trunk rotation Primary and Secondary Monitors – If single screen is used for more than 70% of tasks, is should be inline with midline of the body Place secondary monitor adjacent, angled inward toward user

25. Healthy Postures Minimize neck bending and twisting Two screen, “equal” usage – If both monitors are used between 40% to 60% of the day align the center of both monitors with the midline of the of the body Angle screens inwards Three screens – Align primary screen with midline of body Place other monitors adjacent, angled inward toward body

26. Healthy Postures Minimize eyestrain Distance between user and screen approximately 15” (or about an arm’s length) Top line of text on the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level Avoid glare Your monitor’s brightness, contrast, and font size can be adjusted Throughout the day, give your eyes a break by focusing on something other than on the screen

27. Healthy Postures Take short breaks Stopping activity and relaxing is one way Other ways, change tasks; filing, standing while talking on phone 30 second mini breaks

28. Practice Sessions