Ergonomic tips

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety / Risk Management offers the following tips on ergonomics in the office. Ergonomics is the science of fitting work or workplaces to the human body, to help avoid injury or illness while performing work duties. Most people do not realize they can do some simple checks on their own to make themselves more comfortable to help prevent a work injury or illness.

Here is a brief checklist that you can perform.

1. Head and eyes: Position your computer screen between 20 to 30 inches from your eyes. Source documents should be in line with the monitor screen for easy viewing. The top task bar on your computer should by eye level. It may vary an inch or so if you wear glasses or contacts while viewing the computer.
2. Wrist and arms: The keyboard tray should be at or slightly below elbow level; hands and wrists are in a straight line with the forearms (not bent up or down).
3. Back and legs: Keep your feet on the floor and make room under your desk so your legs can stretch. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor, if not, use a footrest or lower your chair. Adjust you chair so the back support is adequate and be sure there is a 2-inch clearance between the back of the knees and the chair.

Keep in mind that even if you have brand new equipment and you are not using it correctly, you are at risk for an injury. Alternate your work at the computer with other tasks such as phone calls, filing and copy work. Be sure to take periodic short breaks to stretch and change positions. Variety and movement keep you physically and mentally alert.

Our office staff in Environmental Health and Safety / Risk Management is trained to do ergonomic work-station evaluations and make recommendations regarding your work tools and equipment. We can make recommendations for new equipment if the current work-station can not be corrected to provide a safe and healthy work environment. If you would like an ergonomic evaluation or need more information, please call Tracey Garza at 8-2125.