office ergonomics awareness christina robertson office of risk management and safety
TRANSCRIPT
Office Ergonomics Awareness
Christina RobertsonOffice of Risk Management and
Safety
Today’s Topics
Computer Workstation ErgonomicsRisk Factors
Types of InjuriesWorkstation Design
ExercisesBack Injury PreventionProper Lifting Techniques
Exercises
Ergonomics
The relationship of people to their tools, tasks, and environment
Tools are designed to fit the employee
Today’s discussion will focus solely on office tools, tasks, and environment
Buzz Words
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) Repetitive Motion Injuries(RMIs) Problems of the muscles, tendons, or
nerves of the neck and upper limbs that are caused, precipitated, or aggravated by repeated movements or exertions of the body.
Key Concepts
Neutral Posture (GOOD) Defined as the position our
bodies take in the absence of gravity (e.g., in space)
Position in which repetitive stress injury is least likely to occur
Static Positions (BAD) Muscles become fatigued
when blood flow is reduced
Office-Related Risk Factors
RepetitionSustained static exertionsForceful exertionsLocalized contact stressesPosture
Common Injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome When lining
around tendons is inflamed, there is less space for the nerve and it becomes compressed.
Common Injuries
Back pain Eyestrain Shoulder tension Headaches
Workstation Design
Chair Monitor Keyboard Mouse Desk
Chair
Choose one with maximum adjustments and simple controls Height Seat depth Seat angle Lumbar support Arm rests Tilt
Neutral Postures Include
SittingHead balanced
naturally over shoulders (not protruding in front of body)
Shoulders relaxed, not hunched
Forearms and thighs parallel to the floor, at a 90 angle to upper arms and lower legs
Chair
Adjust soFeet rest comfortably on the floor or are
supported by foot restLumbar region of the spine receives
support (don’t sit on the front edge of chair)
Backs of legs are supportedArmrests support shoulders and armsYou are comfortable
Monitor Positioning
Directly in front of body
About 18-30 inches away from body (arm’s length)
Top of monitor about eye level, or slightly below
Keyboard Trays
Keyboard tray with adjustability (swivels left and right, tilts forward and back, allows for mouse, extends to different heights and positions)
Position so wrists are in neutral posture
Neutral Postures Include
Wrist postureWrists straight, not bent or twisted
Keyboards
Several new styles of keyboards
Designed to promote neutral posture
Mouse
Should be at the same level and distance as the keyboard
New mouse designs (e.g., trackball) require less index finger work
Desk
Least flexible componentObtain accessories to make due
with existing furnishings If able to purchase new, look for
designs that will allow correct monitor, keyboard, and mouse positioning
Other Accessories
Wrist rest Should be
Used only during pauses, not during typing
Gel material should be resistant to permanent indentations
Other Accessories
Document holder Should be
Adjustable Mounted to
monitor
Other Accessories
Telephone Head Set Prevents neck
extension while cradling telephone with shoulder
Speaker Phone
Other Accessories
If you have trouble keeping your feet on the floor, try a foot rest.
“Could Be Better” Designs
“Could Be Better” Designs
“Could Be Better” Designs
Good Postures
Good Postures
“Could Be Better” Posture
“Could Be Better” Posture
Minimizing Static Positions
Change Positions Frequently Take breaks from repetitive tasks to
work with other equipment and muscleshttp://www.stressaway.com/http://www.nmia.com/ergoware/
software.htm Exercises
http://www.will-harris.com/yoga/rsi.html
Exercises
Should be done regularly (i.e., daily) to enhance strength and promote flexibility
Do not induce pain! If you have CTD or other injury,
seek medical attention before beginning exercises
Hand Squeezes
Place ball in palm of hand
Gently squeeze the ball, contracting muscles of forearm
Repeat 8-10 times Repeat with other
hand
Wrist Curls
Make a fist Slowly flex and
extend wrist Perform 8-10 times
Shoulder Presses
Stand in a pelvic tilt position
Slowly press shoulders backward
Slowly press shoulders forward
Repeat 8-10 times
Shoulder Rolls
Stand in a pelvic tilt position
Slowly roll shoulders backward 8-10 times
Repeat in the forward position
Shoulder Shrugs
Stand in a pelvic tilt position
Slowly bring shoulders toward ears in a shrugging motion
Slowly return to starting position
Repeat 8-10 times
Range of Motion
Stand in a pelvic tilt position
Raise arms to the side
Slowly circle arms forward
Repeat 8-10 times Repeat, circling arms
backward
Wrist Circles
Circle hands at the wrist 8-10 times
Repeat in the other direction
Prayer Stretches
Place hands together in a prayer position
Gently press hands together
Hold for 3-5 seconds Repeat 5 times
Opening and Closing Fingers
Gently extend fingers
Return hand to closed position
Repeat 8-10 times
Flexing and Extending Wrists
With hands in neutral position, slowly flex and extend wrist
Repeat 8-10 times
Back Injury Prevention
Back injuries are the most costly type of injury experienced by the A&M System
Correct lifting procedures and proper strengthening exercises can help prevent injury
Neutral Postures Include
Standing posture Keep your spinal column
aligned in its natural curves Prop one foot up on a stool to
reduce stress in your lower back
The Back
Is designed as support Protects the spinal cord Provides flexibility to rotate
and bend Is not meant to lift Injury is rarely caused by one
event
Proper Lifting Techniques
Lift the load mentally Is it big, bulky, or heavy Do I need help with it? Can I carry it in smaller
segments? How should I position
my body in relation to the weight?
Can I slide it instead of lifting? Push, don’t pull!
Proper Lifting Techniques
Check footing for a good surface and wide base of support
Bend knees, rather than back, to get close to the object
Tighten stomach muscles Lift using legs Keep the object close to the body Pivot Maintain the back’s natural curves Breathe
Improper Lifting Techniques
Do notLift from the floorTwist and liftLift with one hand (unbalanced)Lift loads across obstaclesLift while reaching or stretchingLift from an uncomfortable postureFight to recover a dropped objectHold your breath while lifting - GET HELP
Exercises for the Back
Poor flexibility in the low back and hamstring areas is a major reason that individuals develop low back pain
If the limited movement capability of the low back is diminished, the chances for injury are increased greatly.
Hamstring Stretch
Lie with feet flat on the floor
Gently bring one knee to chest (1)
Hold for 10-15 seconds Press heel toward the
ceiling until a gentle stretch is felt (2)
Hold for 10-15 seconds Repeat with other leg
Lower Back Stretch
Lie with feet flat on the floor
Gently bring one knee to chest
Hold for 10-15 seconds
Repeat with other leg
Repeat with both legs
Pelvic Tilts
Lie with feet flat on the floor
Contract abdominal muscles, pushing back to the floor
Hold for 3-5 seconds Repeat 8-10 times
Standing Pelvic Tilts
Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent
Contract the abdominal muscles, tilting the hips forward slightly
NOTE: This exercise is good to do while working
Abdominal Crunches
Lie with feet flat on the floor
Keep knees bent Raise shoulders off
the floor by contracting abdominal muscles (keeping lower back on floor)
Begin with one set of 8-10 repetitions
Shoulder Lifts
Lie face down with hands on chest
Keep head in line with spine by keeping eyes down
Lift shoulders off ground
Hold for count of 5 Repeat 5 times
Opposite Leg/Opposite Arm
Lie face down with hands above head (a pillow may be placed under the forehead)
Lift opposite leg and arm at the same time (keeping head down)
Hold for count of 5 Repeat 5 times
Conclusions
If you are experiencing symptoms of CTDs or RSIs, see your doctor
Take an active role in designing your workspace to prevent injuries
Strengthen and improve flexibility Put practices to work in office and
at home