Environmental Health & Safety

Phone: (314) 362-6816
Fax: (314) 935-9266
Email:
esafety@msnotes.wustl.edu

 

EH&S Home

Contacts & Services

Emergencies 

MSDS/Links

Training

Shipping

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Safety Recommendation Form

Search

FAQs


 

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 Self-Evaluation Form

OSHA evaluation checklist

 

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.
  • 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.
  • DO NOT lift items over shoulder height. Use a step stool or ladder.
  • DO NOT attempt to catch a falling load. Let it drop.
  • 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.

  • Break the load down.

  • Push carts and dollies, do not pull them.

  • Squat on one knee for balance while lifting or setting a load down.

Team Lifting

  • 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://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

  • 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.
  • Avoid resting arms on sharp workstation or lab bench edges. Pad the edges with a foam edge pad, elbow or forearm pad.

Seating

  • Adjust the chair properly before you start work.
  • Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor or footrest.
  • The chair should provide adequate back support. Sit all of the way back to provide lumbar support.
  • The front edge of the chair should not press against the back of the knees.
  • Armrests, if used should not hinder your work activities.
  • Remove items from under the workstation to provide leg and feet room.

Standing

  • For prolonged standing, rest one foot on a step/stool. Alternate the feet.  
  • Wear low-heeled shoes with good cushioning. Anti-fatigue floor mats can also provide comfort.

Shoulders

  • Relax your shoulders and keep your elbows by your sides. Place frequently used items close to your body to avoid excessive reaching.
  • Avoid raising your elbows above your shoulders. Use ladders and stools to reach for items on high shelves.

Pipetting

  • See posture, seating, and standing tips above.
  • Take frequent microbreaks of 1-2 minutes at least every 30 minutes. Alternate activities to minimize continuous pipetting for long periods.
  • 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.
  • Keep waste bins, beakers, and other frequently used items as close as possible.
  • Relax your grip on the pipette.
  • Use shorter pipettes and pipette tips.
  • Choose pipettes that require minimal hand and finger effort.
  • Utilize automated processes or multi-channel pipettes for highly repetitive jobs.

Test tube handling

  • See posture, seating, and standing tips above.
  • Take frequent microbreaks of 1-2 minutes at least every 30 minutes.
  • Maintain straight wrists. Keep the elbows close to the body.
  • Share the workload between the right and left hands.
  • Arrange the tubes to minimize reaching and twisting.
  • Use both hands to open test tubes.
  • Use upside-down containers to raise test tube racks when needed.
  • Use a vortexer mixer rack instead of holding tubes by hand.
  • Use cap removers to minimize pinch gripping.

Microscope use

  • See posture, seating, and standing tips above.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Keep scopes clean and in good condition.

Laboratory hoods/safety cabinets

  • See posture, seating, and standing tips above
  • Position materials/equipment in the hood/cabinet as close to the body as possible, but at least 6 inches into the hood for safety.
  • Avoid resting arms on the sharp edges of lab hoods. Use edge padding when possible and take frequent microbreaks.

Other laboratory tasks

  • Take frequent microbreaks of 1-2 minutes at least every 30 minutes.
  • Avoid pinch gripping when possible. Learn to pinch between the index and middle finger.
  • Share the workload between right and left hands.
  • Choose the right equipment for the job. Learn how to properly use the equipment.
  • Ensure tools are in proper working order.
  • Increase the size of tool handles where possible to minimize the gripping effort.
  • 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.

  • Place the items you use most frequently directly in front of you.
  • Use a headset for lengthy or frequent telephone work.
  • 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.

  • The desktop should be organized so that frequently used objects are close to the user to avoid excessive extended reaching. 
  • The area underneath the desk should always be clean and uncluttered to accommodate the user’s legs and feet.
  • If a fixed-height desk is used, add a keyboard tray that adjusts vertically to provide added adjustability.
  • A footrest should be used if, after adjusting the height of the chair, feet do not rest flat on the floor.
  • 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)
  • Place the phone on the side of your non-dominant hand (i.e., left side if right-handed, right side if left-handed)
  • Position your desk lamp (if you use one) so that it illuminates source documents without causing glare on the computer screen.
  • A document holder should be used if documents are referred to during keying. The document holder should:
    • Be stable and adjustable (height, position, distance, and angle of view).
    • 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Adjust height of chair so feet rest flat on floor
    • Sit upright in the chair with the low back against the backrest and the shoulders touching the backrest.
    • Thighs should be parallel to the floor and knees at about the same level as the hips.
    • 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
    • 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.
  • 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.
    • 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.
    • Elbows and lower arms should rest lightly on armrests so as not to cause circulatory or nerve problems.
  • Use a footrest when attempts to adjust your chair and the rest of the workstation fail to keep your feet flat on the floor.
  • Ensure that you have some space 2-3 inches between the top of your thighs and the underside of your workstation.
  • 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:

  • Make sure the surface of the viewing screen is clean.
  • 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.
  • Adjust brightness, contrast and color to optimum comfort.
  • Position the monitor directly in front of the user to avoid excessive twisting of the neck.
  • 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.
  • Position monitors at right angles from windows to reduce glare. Close window blinds as needed to reduce glare from sunlight.
  • 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.
  • Adjust the monitor tilt so that ceiling lights do not reflect on your screen.
  • 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.
  • Annual eye check-ups are recommended due to many hours of computer use.
  • 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Position the keyboard directly in front of the monitor screen and as close to the user to avoid excessive extended reaching.
  • Forearms parallel to the floor (approximately 90 degree angle at elbow).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Do not rest the hand on the mouse when you are not using it, instead try to “float” the mouse.
  • 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.
  • Mousing demands a certain level of surface stability; if used on a keyboard tray, the tray should not wobble or tip.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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:

  • Close drapes/blinds to reduce glare.
  • Adjust lighting to avoid glare on screen (light source should come at a 90 degree angle, with low watt lights rather than high).
  • Avoid intense or uneven lighting in your field of vision.
  • Place monitor at 90 degree angle to windows (where possible).
  • Reduce overhead lighting (where possible).
  • Use indirect or shielded lighting where possible.
  • Walls should not be painted with a reflective finish.
  • 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.

 

Ergonomic Work Breaks, Microbreaks, Exercises and Stretches

 

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.

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 Self-Evaluation Form

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) 

 https://www.eway.com/ce/eway/enter?ps=N  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