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Ergonomics
Ergonomics is
the science of fitting the job to the employee. Work activities that involve
repetitive motion or poor posture can cause health problems, such as pain in
the back, neck, shoulders or wrists. Proper design of workstations and
equipment can improve the health of the employee both physically as well as
mentally.
ERGONOMIC PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Back & Lifting Safety
Back & Lifting Safety
Downloadable Training
Laboratory Ergonomics
Laboratory Ergonomics
Downloadable Training
Office Ergonomics
Office
Ergonomics Downloadable Training
Computer
Workstation Ergonomic Evaluation
Back & Lifting Safety
Back pain is one of the leading reason people will see a doctor.
Approximately 70-80% of people in America will experience back pain at
sometime in their life. Injuries to the back occur more frequently so it’s
very important that you learn to perform tasks in ways that reduce the risk
of back injury. It is also important to understand the cumulative nature of
back injuries, meaning that back disorders usually develop or increase
gradually over time.
Safe Lifting Techniques
-
Size Up the Load--Test the weight by lifting at one of the corners. If the
load is too heavy or awkward to lift, the best thing to do is get help
from a co-worker, or break the load down if possible to make it more
manageable. If the load cannot be broken down use a roller, dolly or cart
to move the item. Also look to see if there are wires, bands, nails or
other items that would require the wear of gloves.
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Clear the Path--Make sure your path is free of debris and slipping
hazards, and that there are no obstacles in your way before attempting to
move the load. “Good Housekeeping” ensures that you won’t trip, stumble or
fall over something.
-
Keep your feet apart about shoulder width for stability. Place your feet
close to the object you will lift and center yourself over the load.
-
Get a good grip on the load and keep it close to the body.
-
DO NOT bend at the waist, instead bend your knees. By bending at your
knees, your legs are required to do the lifting which takes the load off
your back. Also, the closer the load is to your center of gravity, the
lighter the load is on the back.
-
DO NOT twist or turn. If you need to turn do so with the entire body.
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DO NOT lift items over shoulder height. Use a step stool or ladder.
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DO NOT attempt to catch a falling load. Let it drop.
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Set the load down the same way you lifted it. Lower yourself and the
object slowly bending at the knees and let your leg muscles do the work.
Keep the load close to your center of gravity.
Only let go of the load once it is secure on
the floor.
Other Lifting Techniques
-
Use accessories for lifting such as dollies, four wheel carts, mail bins
etc.
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Break the load down.
-
Push carts and dollies, do not pull them.
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Squat on one knee for balance while lifting or setting a load down.
Team Lifting
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If the weight, shape, or size of an object makes the job too much for one
person, ask for help.
-
Ideally, workers should be of approximately the same size and height for
team lifting.
-
One individual needs to be responsible for control of the action to ensure
proper coordination during the lift. If one worker lifts too soon, shifts
the load, or lowers it improperly, either they or the person working with
them may be inured.
Safe
Lifting
-
Remember, safe lifting requires training and practice. The secret lies in
taking the proper steps before the and during the lift to make it
successful.
Related Links
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/DEA325notes/lifting.html
Cornell
University Biomechanics of Safe Lifting
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/general/ergo/ergo_lift.html
Stanford Lifting and Back Care Tips
http://www.safeliftingportal.com/patientlifts/product-guide.html
Product Guide for Patient Lifts
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-122
Ergonomics for Construction Type Workers
:http://www.wsergo.com
WorkSafe
Products Inc. Patient Lifts
Back & Lifting Safety
Downloadable Training
Laboratory Ergonomics
Activities in
research laboratories can increase the risk for a repetitive strain or other
musculoskeletal injury. Simple adjustment to posture, work practices and
equipment can decrease that risk while still maintaining productivity. The
following provides laboratory workstation ergonomic guides to help prevent
injury.
Laboratory Workstation Guidelines
To promote
your health and ensure your laboratory productivity, simple postural and
equipment adjustments can be made. The following tips can help decrease your
exposure to risk factors as you work in a lab.
Posture
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Minimize
maintaining the same body position, seated or standing, for an extended
amount of time. Take microbreaks every 30 minutes. This is easily done by
shifting your weight around, and alternating tasks.
-
Minimize
awkward body postures whenever possible.
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Avoid
resting arms on sharp workstation or lab bench edges. Pad the edges with a
foam edge pad, elbow or forearm pad.
Seating
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Adjust the
chair properly before you start work.
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Your feet
should rest comfortably on the floor or footrest.
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The chair
should provide adequate back support. Sit all of the way back to provide
lumbar support.
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The front
edge of the chair should not press against the back of the knees.
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Armrests, if
used should not hinder your work activities.
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Remove items
from under the workstation to provide leg and feet room.
Standing
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For
prolonged standing, rest one foot on a step/stool. Alternate the feet.
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Wear
low-heeled shoes with good cushioning. Anti-fatigue floor mats can also
provide comfort.
Shoulders
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Relax your
shoulders and keep your elbows by your sides. Place frequently used items
close to your body to avoid excessive reaching.
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Avoid
raising your elbows above your shoulders. Use ladders and stools to reach
for items on high shelves.
Pipetting
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See posture,
seating, and standing tips above.
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Take
frequent microbreaks of 1-2 minutes at least every 30 minutes. Alternate
activities to minimize continuous pipetting for long periods.
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Maintain
straight wrists. Keep the elbows close to the body.
-
Share the
workload between the right and left hands. Rotate pipetting tasks with
other qualified lab colleagues.
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Keep waste
bins, beakers, and other frequently used items as close as possible.
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Relax your
grip on the pipette.
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Use shorter
pipettes and pipette tips.
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Choose
pipettes that require minimal hand and finger effort.
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Utilize
automated processes or multi-channel pipettes for highly repetitive jobs.
Test tube
handling
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See posture,
seating, and standing tips above.
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Take
frequent microbreaks of 1-2 minutes at least every 30 minutes.
-
Maintain
straight wrists. Keep the elbows close to the body.
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Share the
workload between the right and left hands.
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Arrange the
tubes to minimize reaching and twisting.
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Use both
hands to open test tubes.
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Use
upside-down containers to raise test tube racks when needed.
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Use a
vortexer mixer rack instead of holding tubes by hand.
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Use cap
removers to minimize pinch gripping.
Microscope use
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See posture,
seating, and standing tips above.
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Take
frequent microbreaks to rest your eyes. Momentarily close the eyes or
focus on far away objects to vary focal length. Use the 20-20-20 rule.
Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
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Don’t use a
microscope for more than 5-hours per day. Spread microscope work
throughout the day and avoid long uninterrupted periods of microscope
work. When possible rotate the work among several colleagues.
-
Maintain
straight wrists. Keep the elbows close to the body.
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Avoid tilted
head/neck postures. Raise and stand the microscope to allow a more
upright, “neutral” posture. Move the microscope to the edge of the counter
to avoid a tilted neck.
-
Provide arm
rests to support the operator’s forearms while using adjustment knobs.
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If possible
elevate the microscope or place it at an angle so you can look directly
into the eyepiece to place you in a more upright posture.
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Keep scopes
clean and in good condition.
Laboratory
hoods/safety cabinets
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See posture,
seating, and standing tips above
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Position
materials/equipment in the hood/cabinet as close to the body as possible,
but at least 6 inches into the hood for safety.
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Avoid
resting arms on the sharp edges of lab hoods. Use edge padding when
possible and take frequent microbreaks.
Other
laboratory tasks
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Take
frequent microbreaks of 1-2 minutes at least every 30 minutes.
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Avoid pinch
gripping when possible. Learn to pinch between the index and middle
finger.
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Share the
workload between right and left hands.
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Choose the
right equipment for the job. Learn how to properly use the equipment.
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Ensure tools
are in proper working order.
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Increase the
size of tool handles where possible to minimize the gripping effort.
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Use
automated processes to reduce high repetition/force tasks.
Related Links
Bay Optical (Ergonomic Microscopes)
Hamilton Company (Pipetters)
www.rainin.com
(Pipetters)
http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/lab1.html
(Division of Health & Safety (Ergonomic in
Laboratories)
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/Ergonomics/labergo.htm
(Center
for Disease Control
Lab
Ergonomics):
Laboratory Ergonomics
Downloadable Training
Office Ergonomics
As employees
spend an increasing amount of time at their computer workstation, they need
to be aware of how the design and arrangement of their equipment can impact
comfort, health, and productivity.
WORK AREA
The work area
should be large enough to accommodate you, allow the full range of motions
involved in performing required tasks, and provide room for the equipment
and materials that make up the workstation.
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Place the
items you use most frequently directly in front of you.
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Use a
headset for lengthy or frequent telephone work.
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Avoid
overcrowding computer work areas.
WORKSTATION
Standard
furniture cannot accommodate everyone’s needs. A taller person may need a
one-time adjustment to have his or her work surface raised somewhat; a
shorter person may need a footrest or other accessories. Adjustable
furniture may be needed in situations where people share or use the same
workstation.
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The desktop
should be organized so that frequently used objects are close to the user
to avoid excessive extended reaching.
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The area
underneath the desk should always be clean and uncluttered to accommodate
the user’s legs and feet.
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If a
fixed-height desk is used, add a keyboard tray that adjusts vertically to
provide added adjustability.
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A footrest
should be used if, after adjusting the height of the chair, feet do not
rest flat on the floor.
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Use a
headset or speaker phone to avoid neck and shoulder discomfort if you use
a phone frequently throughout the day. (25-50 call per day > two minutes
in length)
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Place the
phone on the side of your non-dominant hand (i.e., left side if
right-handed, right side if left-handed)
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Position
your desk lamp (if you use one) so that it illuminates source documents
without causing glare on the computer screen.
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A document
holder should be used if documents are referred to during keying. The
document holder should:
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Be stable
and adjustable (height, position, distance, and angle of view).
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Support
your document on either side of the monitor.
-
Be at the
same distance from your eyes as the display screen to avoid frequent
changes of focus. You should be able you to look from document to the
screen without moving your neck or shoulders up and down or to the side.
CHAIR
ADJUSTMENTS
Sitting, which
most people believe is relaxing, is hard on the back. Sitting for extended
periods of time can cause increased pressure on the back discs between the
vertebras. Sitting can also hard on the feet and legs. Gravity tends to pool
blood in the legs and feet and create a sluggish return to the heart.
Here are some
recommendations that can help increase comfort and support at the computer:
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Don’t stay
in one static position for extended periods of time, change position
frequently.
-
When
performing daily tasks, alternate between sitting and standing or take
small walking breaks throughout the day when possible.
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The chair
back should have a lumbar support and should adjust vertically as well as
forward and backward. Adjust height of backrest to support the natural
inward curve of the lower back.
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Adjust
height of chair so feet rest flat on floor
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Sit
upright in the chair with the low back against the backrest and the
shoulders touching the backrest.
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Thighs
should be parallel to the floor and knees at about the same level as the
hips.
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Back of
knees should not come in direct contact with the edge of the seat pan.
There should be 1-2 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of
the knee
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The seat
pan height should be adjustable. Height of the chair should allow for
the thighs and the lower legs to be at 90 degree angle for keying and
mousing.
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Arm rests
should be removable and the distance between the arm rests should be
adjustable.
-
Adjust
height and/or width of armrests so they allow the user to rest arms at
their sides and relax/drop their shoulders while keyboarding.
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Don’t use
armrests to slouch. Also, chair arms should not noticeably elevate your
shoulders or force you to move your arms away from your body.
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Elbows and
lower arms should rest lightly on armrests so as not to cause
circulatory or nerve problems.
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Use a
footrest when attempts to adjust your chair and the rest of the
workstation fail to keep your feet flat on the floor.
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Ensure that
you have some space 2-3 inches between the top of your thighs and the
underside of your workstation.
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Have enough
space under your work surface so that you can pull yourself all the way up
to the edge of the workstation, keyboard, mouse with room for your legs
and knees to fit comfortably.
MONITOR
Once the chair
and work surface height are properly adjusted, the computer monitor should
be placed so the top of the screen is at or just below eye level when seated
in an upright position. The following suggestions can help prevent the
development of eye strain, neck pain and shoulder fatigue while using your
computer workstation:
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Make sure
the surface of the viewing screen is clean.
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Bifocal and
trifocal wearers have to pay particular attention to the placement of
their monitor. Wearers of bifocals and trifocals often unknowingly tilt
their heads backwards so they can read the screen through the lower
portion of their glasses. This can sometimes lead to neck, shoulder, and
back discomfort. Potential solutions include either lowering the computer
monitor or purchasing glasses designed specifically for working at the
computer.
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Adjust
brightness, contrast and color to optimum comfort.
-
Position the
monitor directly in front of the user to avoid excessive twisting of the
neck.
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User must
position the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, approximately
18-30 inches from the user. As a rule of thumb allow approximately an
arm’s length between the eyes and the screen.
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Position
monitors at right angles from windows to reduce glare. Close window blinds
as needed to reduce glare from sunlight.
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Be aware of
glare from direct and indirect lighting sources. Position monitors away
from direct lighting which creates excessive glare or use a glare filter
over the monitor to reduce glare.
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Adjust the
monitor tilt so that ceiling lights do not reflect on your screen.
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If a
document holder is used, it should be placed at approximately the same
height as the monitor and at the same distance from the eyes to prevent
frequent eye shifts between the monitor screen and reference materials.
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Annual eye
check-ups are recommended due to many hours of computer use.
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Adjust as
needed for larger or multiple screens. You may need to sit farther away
and increase the font size to take full advantage of the larger screen.
KEYBOARD
Many ergonomic
problems associated with computer workstations occur in the shoulder, elbow,
forearm, wrist, and hand. Continuous work on the computer may expose soft
tissues in these areas to repetition, awkward postures, and forceful
exertions, especially if the workstation is not set up properly.
The following
adjustments should be made to your workstation to help prevent the
development of an ergonomic problem in the upper extremities:
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First adjust
your chair as mentioned above with your arms resting comfortably at your
sides, raise your forearms to form a 90 degree angle with your upper arms.
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Adjust
keyboard height so shoulders can relax and allow arms to rest at sides.
Keep the wrists in a neutral keying and mousing position. An adjustable
keyboard tray is often necessary to accommodate proper height and
distance.
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Position the
keyboard directly in front of the monitor screen and as close to the user
to avoid excessive extended reaching.
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Forearms
parallel to the floor (approximately 90 degree angle at elbow).
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The mouse
should be placed next to keyboard at the same height. This is to avoid an
extended or elevated reach for keyboard and mouse. The back of the wrist
should be kept flat (in a neutral position). Do not rest the hand on the
mouse when you are not using it, instead try to “float” the mouse. Rest
hands in your lap when not entering data.
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A soft wrist
rest will help to keep your wrist in a straight and neutral position while
typing and keep your arms off the sharp edges of the work surface.
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Do not rest
your wrists or hands on the wrist rest when you are keying. These rests
are designed to provide support only during breaks from keying.
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The slope of
the keyboard may need to be adjusted so that it is flat in order that your
wrists are straight and not bent back while you are typing. However, some
may want to have a slight negative or positive tilt to the keyboard tray,
which is fine as long as your wrists stay in the “neutral” position.
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Press the
keys gently; do not bang them or hold them down for long periods. Keep
your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers relaxed.
If your work
surface is too high and not adjustable, adjust your chair to bring you to
the proper position. If you raise your chair make sure your feet are flat on
the floor or supported with a footrest.
MOUSE,
TRACKBALL, OR OTHER INPUT DEVICE
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The mouse is
present in virtually every office environment. Handed versions of mice are
designed specifically to the contours of either the right or left hand.
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Placing the
mouse, trackball, or other input device too far away, too low, or too much
on one side can cause shoulder, wrist, elbow, and forearm discomfort.
Placing the input device directly next to the keyboard and in your
immediate reach zone offers natural comfort.
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Do not rest
the hand on the mouse when you are not using it, instead try to “float”
the mouse.
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Do not bend
your wrist upward. Make sure you are sitting high enough for the
workstation to be slightly below elbow height so that your hand rests
naturally on the mouse.
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Mousing
demands a certain level of surface stability; if used on a keyboard tray,
the tray should not wobble or tip.
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A trackball
has an exposed ball that you manipulate with your fingers. It requires the
use of different muscle and tendon groups than does a mouse, and can add
variety to your manipulation of computer information. Some trackball
designs, however, may cause discomfort and possible injury to the area
around your thumb, which stretches and reaches to maneuver the trackball.
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Test
different models of mousing devices, trackball or other input devices.
Consider the shape and size of the devices, how comfortably it fits into
your hand, ease of operation, and any special features that might make
your job easier.
In addition to
the mouse and trackball, a variety of other input devices are available.
Consider your task requirements and physical limitations.
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Touch pads
allow you to move the cursor on the computer screen by simply gliding your
finger across a small pad. Unlike a mouse, trackballs, and other pointing
devices, touch pads have no moving parts to clog or breaks, so they never
require disassembly for cleaning.
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Touch
screens allow you to point directly at an object. They require little or
no training, are faster than other pointing devices, and require no extra
work surface. However, the disadvantages of touch screens include arm
fatigue, smudges, optical interference, and increased glare.
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Voice input
allows you to "talk" to your computer. Currently, such programs can
understand and respond to natural speech delivered at rates of up to 160
words per minute.
LIGHTING
Lighting not
suited to working with a computer is a major contributing factor in visual
discomforts including eyestrain, burning or itching eyes, and blurred or
double vision.
If lighting in
your office environment is too bright for optimal VDT screen viewing the
illumination may be reduced. This can be completed by removing 2 bulbs in a
4-bulb fluorescent fixture, removing the bulbs in every other fixture, or
turning off overhead lights altogether if you are the only person in the
office. Supplemental desk lighting can be better than overhead lighting for
reading or printed copy.
Use the
following recommendations to reduce eyestrain and eye fatigue:
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Close
drapes/blinds to reduce glare.
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Adjust
lighting to avoid glare on screen (light source should come at a 90 degree
angle, with low watt lights rather than high).
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Avoid
intense or uneven lighting in your field of vision.
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Place
monitor at 90 degree angle to windows (where possible).
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Reduce
overhead lighting (where possible).
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Use indirect
or shielded lighting where possible.
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Walls should
not be painted with a reflective finish.
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Use a glare
screen or monitor shield to reduce glare from overhead lighting.
WORK HABITS
Repetitive
work (working at the computer) is very fatiguing on your upper extremities
as well as your eyes. It is important that breaks from working at the
computer be taken every 20 to 30 minutes in order for your body to rest and
recover. Taking a short break (3 to 5 minutes) does not mean you have to
stop working, other activities such as talking to a co-worker, making
copies, filing, etc. can be done during work breaks from typing.
It is also
important to change positions periodically. Sitting in one position or
leaning on your arms for an extended period of time can interfere with
circulation.
LAPTOP COMPUTERS
NOTE:
LAPTOP
COMPUTERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AS PRIMARY COMPUTERS. IN THE OFFICE OR WHILE
AT HOME, A DOCKING STATION IS RECOMMENDED TO PROVIDE ADJUSTABILITY WHICH
WILL ENHANCE NEUTRAL POSTURES.
Laptop
Computing
Maintaining
neutral postures will reduce stress and strain to the musculoskeletal
system.
-
Incorporate
mini-breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to break up repetition and static
postures.
-
Maintain a
comfortable viewing distance from your screen; about 18-30 inches.
-
Keep your
head and neck in a neutral posture; avoid excessive neck flexion or
rotation.
-
Angle the
screen so that it is perpendicular to your line of sight, if lighting
permits.
-
Position the
keyboard at elbow height, and keep your wrists straight while keying.
Experiment with table height, chair height and keyboard angle to maintain
neutral wrist postures.
-
Remember: if
you raise your chair use a footrest to support your feet. When seated your
hips should be slightly higher than your knees.
-
If you are
seated in a side chair or couch, use a pillow to support your arms while
keying. This will help you maintain neutral arm, wrist, and hand postures.
-
Attach an
external mouse instead of using the small constricted touchpad or
trackball.
-
Clean the
screen regularly using appropriate antistatic cleaning materials.
-
The hands
and wrists should be kept in a straight wrist posture when typing and
should not be resting on a pal rest, table, or lap while typing. Wrist and
palm rests are designed to provide support during breaks from typing.
Transporting
the Computer
Keep these
ideas in mind while carrying your laptop from place to place:
-
Carry your
laptop in a case with a padded shoulder strap and handle. Frequently shift
hands or shoulders to balance the load as you carry the computer.
-
Use a
wheeled luggage cart when possible.
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Ergonomic Work Breaks, Microbreaks, Exercises and Stretches
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Why are breaks important?
Rest is a key component in ensuring the performance of the
musculoskeletal system. Frequent breaks can decrease the duration of a
task and help lower the exposure to ergonomic injury risk.
The human body is always active while performing tasks at work. Even
while seated, muscles are exerting tension to hold the body and head
upright. Prolonged exertion can fatigue the muscles, which may lead to
injury. Improper workstation setup, along with certain processes that
people to maintain awkward postures for long periods of time. Awkward
postures can impede the flow of blood, impinge nerves, and injure soft
tissue.
Break and Microbreaks Suggestions
-
Avoid
extended periods of continuous tasks such as typing and mousing by
taking short breaks (~1 min) or performing other tasks (maximum of 30
minutes continuous computer use).
-
Take
Microbreaks (approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute) every 10-30 minutes
to rest the upper and lower extremities, back, neck, and eyes.
Ideas for taking breaks:
-
Move
your printer to an area that requires you to stand up and walk to get
your printout.
-
Stand up
for phone calls.
-
Go to
the restroom or get a cup of coffee/water.
-
Alter
your tasks. Break up continuous computer time with checking phone
messages, reading reports, etc.
-
Interface with co-workers, students, patients.
-
Go to
the mail room, prepare a mailing or do other fax, copy, written or
research work tasks.
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ERGONOMIC EXERCISE AND STRETCHES
CAUTION:
Individuals with previous injury should consult with their personal
physician before performing these exercises. Always obtain medical consent
prior to starting any exercise program. If you have an injury or any type of
reoccurring discomforts, you should immediately report your injury/symptoms
to your supervisor and seek medical evaluation.
Exercises can help reduce headaches, eyestrain, neck, back, shoulder, and
wrist pain. Brief breaks that include the following short exercises should
be taken several times during the workday. Remember that these exercises
should not cause any pain or discomfort. These stretching exercises
are not provided to cure any existing problems, but may help in preventing
any future ones.
Exercises and stretches can help decrease exposure to the risk of developing
an ergonomic injury. Physical fitness in an important partner in overall
health, so exercise should be integrated into your workday. Some basic
workstation exercises and stretches are provided below.
-
Deep-Breathing Exercises - Inhale slowly through your nose, trying to fill
your abdomen and entire rib cage. Hold for four seconds and exhale slowly
through your mouth.
-
Shoulder Shrug - Sitting up straight, slowly bring your shoulders up
toward your ears. Hold, then bring the shoulders down, and hold.
-
Executive Stretch - Lock your hands behind your head, bringing your elbows
back as far as you can without discomfort. Take a deep breath as you lean
back in your chair, stretching and arching your spine.
-
Cable Stretch - Sit up. Imagine there is a cable on top of your head, and
imagine it is pulling you up. Hold and relax, thinking about the alignment
position you are in.
-
Foot
Rotations - While sitting upright, slowly rotate each foot from the ankles
three times in one direction, then three times in the opposite direction.
Relax.
-
Hand
Shake - Drop arms and hands to your sides. Shake hands gently.
-
Hand
Massage - Hand massage needs to be done very gently. If there is any pain,
do not continue. Massage the inside and outside of the hand by using your
thumb and fingers.
-
Hand
Catch and Release – Clench your fists slowly. Hold for a few seconds then
slowly open hand and stretch your fingers. Hold for a few seconds and
repeat as needed.
-
Hand
Stretch – Place hand together with fingers spread apart and fingertips at
chin level. Slowly lower hand, peel them apart and reverse the process.
Repeat as needed.
-
Finger Massage - The finger massage needs to be done very gently. Massage
the fingers of each hand individually. Move toward the nail gently.
Massage the space between your fingers to widen and relax.
-
Finger Squeeze - Squeeze a foam block or the edge of your desk firmly with
all fingers. Hold for three seconds. Relax your grip.
-
Eyes
– Get regular eye exams and wear glasses or contacts as prescribed.
-
Eyes
around the Clock – Look straight ahead. Without moving your head or
straining your eyes, focus on the one o’clock position of an imaginary
clock in front of you. Focus on the two o’clock and so on until you reach
the twelve o’clock position and then do the same counterclockwise.
-
Eyes
Closed – Close eyes tightly for a second or two. Open them widely and
repeat several times.
-
Eyes
20-20-20 – Every twenty minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
-
Eyes
– Blink regularly (more often if wearing contacts)
-
Eye
Soft Rub – Gently rub the eyes with the palms of your hands about every 20
minutes.
-
Shoulder Circles – Lift your shoulders toward your head. Pinch the
shoulder blades to roll the shoulders back, and let the shoulders drop
down to the starting position. Try to move the shoulders in a circular
fashion. Repeat as needed.
-
Shoulder Shrugs – Lift your shoulders toward your head. Hold for 1-3
seconds then relax. Repeat as needed.
-
Shoulder Pinches – Pinch your shoulder blades together. Hold for 1-3
seconds then relax. Repeat as needed.
-
Neck
Stretch – Slowly turn your head to one side, hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat
with turn to the other side. Repeat several times on both sides.
-
Lower Back Stretch – Stand from the chair. With hands on hips and feet
about shoulder width apart, slowly lean hips forward and shoulder slightly
back. Hold stretch for 5-10 seconds. Repeat as needed.
Office
Ergonomics Downloadable Training
Computer
Workstation Ergonomic Evaluation
Ergonomic Recommendations for Laptop Computer Use
Breaks, Stretches and Exercise Links
http://www.lib.msu.edu/ergomsu/stretch.htm
Computer & Desk Stretches
http://www.rsiwarrior.com/stretches.html
Stretching Exercises
More Information on the Web
Barnes
Health Care Workstation Design & Discomfort Handout
· http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/ergo_computers.htm
Ergonomics for
Computer Workers
·
http://ergonomics.ucla.edu
Tips
for Computer Users
· http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/hotlaptops.html Laptop
Computers
· RRelated Links
http://www.alimed.com/default.asp
Alimed Inc.
(Ergonomic Accessories)
http://www.btopi.com
Corporate
Express Office Products
(Ergonomic Accessories)
http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/officeequip.htm
Division of
Occupational Health & Safety
(Office Equipment)
http://purchasing.wustl.edu
WU Furniture &
Design
Go
to "Furniture & Design".
www.wsergo.com
WorkSafe
Products Inc.
(Office Chairs and Equipment)
http://www.ergocentric.com/doc.asp?id=161
ErgoCentric Seating Systems Chair Adjustment
Guide; Picking an
Ergonomic Chair |