Office Ergonomics 101 Eric Dickson CIEC, CIAQC Educational Service District 101 (509)

Ergonomic Challenges

What We’ll Cover What is Ergonomics Benefits Elements Risk Factors Preventative Measures Equipment Options

What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is a science whose main purpose is to design workspaces and tools that help people do their jobs and use their tools and other products comfortably and safely.

Benefits of Ergonomics Reduced risk of injury Increased safety Increased comfort Increased productivity  Design the job or work station to fit the person NOT the person to fit the work station

Symptoms To Be Aware Of:  Pain in hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, joints, elbows, neck & shoulders  Tightness, soreness, coldness, stiffness, burning, tingling, numbness  Important to report any of these symptoms to your supervisor

Common Ergonomic Risk Factors Repetition Force Awkward Posture Awkward Reaching Motions Contact/Mechanical Stress Static Load

Task Analysis – Reach Zones Using the computer Talking on the phone (incoming vs. outgoing calls) Writing or other non-computer tasks on desk top Using other equipment (10-key, etc.) Moving around (walking, etc.)

What Can We Do? Positions and Postures: – Keep your body in a relaxed and neutral position. – Slightly tilt your chair back about 10°; this reduces pressure on your lower back. – Position yourself so you have the most support and least amount of tension or strain, including reaching motions – Avoid awkward reaching motions  Other Factors  Lighting, bifocals, laptop, keyboard trays

What Can We Do? Chairs – – Use a chair with good, adjustable lumbar support – Slightly tilt your chair back about 10°, this reduces pressure on your lower back. – Arms rest for support only – Legs should be slightly tilted down; Too high – causes pressure on the back of your legs Too low – causes pressure to the hips – May need to use a foot rest

In Closing -  Take rest breaks and STRETCH regularly throughout the day  Analyze your work area and work patterns using the Task Analysis form  Look at what you spend the majority of your time doing and set up an “easy reach zone”  Adjust your chair, monitor & keyboard to fit YOU  It may take more than one time of trying different desk arrangements, chair positions or monitor height  What works for one person may not be what works for you

Contacts Eric Dickson, CIEC, CIAQC Industrial Hygienist NEWESD Department of Labor & Industries