SAFETY TIP TUESDAY- NCESD
Provided by the North Central ESD Workers Compensation Trust
ERGONOMICS… IT’S ALL ABOUT COMFORT!
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker, not the worker to the job in order to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSI).
Factors that can contribute to MSI include:
- Force
- Awkward postures/positioning
- Static postures (staying in the same position for more than 20 seconds)
- Repetitive activities
- Contact stress - continuous contact of sensitive body tissue with a hard or sharp object/surface.
BODY POSITION MATTERS
Keep your spine aligned while sitting or standing.
Avoid bending at the back or squatting down for long periods. When working with students pull up a chair and sit down.
Avoid twisting to reach items. Move your feet, turn your body and face the item instead of twisting.
Avoid overreaching. If you must reach up overhead, get a step stool or ladder to stand on.
Avoid reaching over obstructions. Move the obstructing object or change your position before you reach for what you need.
Take breaks & stretch to reduce fatigue & musculoskeletal discomfort. Gentle stretching can ease muscle tension & improve circulation.
SET YOUR COMPUTER UP FOR COMFORT
Adjust your chair so that:
- Your feet rest comfortably on the floor and your thighs are parallel to ground.
- The backrest is tilted backwards slightly (~10⁰)
- The lumbar support is level with curve of your low back.
Lean back into your chair so the chair supports your upper body.
Position the monitor:
- Directly in front of you at a comfortable viewing distance (18-30") or approximately an arm’s length away.
- So the top of the monitor is or just below eye level. If you use bifocals or trifocals, you may need to raise the monitor slightly.
- At 90⁰ angle from any windows to reduce glare.
Position the keyboard and mouse at the same height.
Keep your shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and fingers relaxed and in a neutral position.
To Schedule An Ergonomic Assessment Of Your Work Station, Contact Brooke Thomsen, Loss Control Specialist
North Central ESD Workers' Compensation Trust
Email: brooket@ncesd.org
Website: www.ncesd.org
Location: 430 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee, WA, United States
Phone: 509-667-3635