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OFFICE ERGONOMICS

Presented by:

Paychex Safety And Loss Control

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What is Ergonomics?

Multi disciplinary science dealing with the interaction of people, machine and environment

GOAL

PROVIDING A COMFORTABLE, PAIN FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT

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Ergonomic Stressors:

Temperature

Lighting

Cumulative Trauma

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TEMPERATURE

Excessive heat or cold can adversely affect our ability to concentrate and function well.

Optimal: 62oF – 78oF

<50o F or >87oF up to 4 hours

<33oF or >101oF up to 30 minutes

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LIGHTING

Can cause eyestrain, headaches, and related vision disorders

Can slow performance of job functions

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SOLUTION:

• Most electric companies can provide candlewatt recommendations.– Many will give your company a free analysis

• Consider specific task lighting.

• Reduce glare.

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CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS

• CTDs or Repetitive Motion Injuries

• Result of continued stress on specific joints, tendons, and muscles

• CTDs can be controlled

• The earlier CTDs are identified and treated, the more likely a serious disability will be prevented.

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Risk Factors

• The frequency of repetitive movements

• The amount of force or intensity

• Posture and body position

• Work station or environment

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COMMON CTD’S

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome• Tension Neck Syndrome• Tendonitis• Tenosynovitis• Bursitis• Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)• Lower Back Pain

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ADJUST TOOLS NOT YOUR BODY

Look at your workspace

Are these set up to fit you?• Chair

• Keyboard

• Monitor

• Lighting

• Telephone

• Other tools such as mouse or document stand

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Work Station Setup

Upper arms close to body with elbows bent

slightly forward. Forearms parallel to

the floor.

Feet resting flat, thighs parallel to the floor, and lower legs unhindered.

Head and neck in upright position,

slightly bent.

Wrists and hands in a straight line from the

third finger to the elbow.

Shoulders down, relaxed, and even.

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REST YOUR FEET

• Your feet should rest firmly on the floor

• Allow enough leg room so that your knees don’t bump the underside of the desk

• If your feet dangle, use a footrest

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LEARN WHAT YOUR CHAIR CAN DO

• Raise, lower, tilt seat

• Angle backrest

• Adjust armrest

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SUPPORT YOUR BACK

• Sit all the way back in the chair

• Adjust the backrest

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POSITION YOUR ARMS

You shouldn’t have to reach for your keyboard

– Adjust chair height

– Keep forearms parallel

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TELEPHONES

• Headsets

• Hands-free options

• Extended handsets

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ADJUSTING THE MONITOR

• Stick to contrasting colors

• Brightness

• Contrast

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SET UP THE MONITOR

• Place the monitor just past arm’s length in front of you

• Next, adjust the screen so the top of the monitor is near eye level

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USING YOUR KEYBOARD

• Do not rest palms on work surface

• Keep your wrists straight

• Rest your wrists when not keying

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Improper Keyboard Use?

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USING THE MOUSE

• Don’t choke the mouse

• Mouse height and distance

• Try switching hands

• Keep the ball on the bottom of the mouse clean

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DOCUMENT STAND

Place the stand at the same height and distance as the screen.

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Good set-up?

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LOW COST SOLUTIONS

• Monitor height

• Keyboard location

• Dangling feet

• Glare

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Musculoskeletal Issues

• Constrained or static postures

• Awkward postures

• Excessive reaches

• Exertions of high force

• Repetitive motions

• Repetitive twisting and reaching

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Prevent Cumulative Trauma

• Stretch arms, hands, legs, and back for 5 minutes each day before starting work.

• Change positions frequently during the day.

• Take short breaks and do hand exercises frequently.

• Perform simple stretches regularly.

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HAZARDS?

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HAZARDS?

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FILING CABINETS

Close the drawers!– Don’t open all the drawers at the same time

– Use the handle to close the drawer

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TRY MOVING MORE

If you sit all day, try doing some tasks standing up

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When in doubt ask for help

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What Now?

• Identify the ergonomic issues in your workplace.

• Develop short-term and long-term goals.

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Remember to laugh

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QUESTIONS