OFFICE ERGONOMICS TRAINING

Sue Smith

BScGradDipOTMSafScMMgt

AimsAims

Understand injury prevention strategies for office workers including correct manual handling and workstation adjustment

Be able to apply these principles to the workplace

Why do I ache?Why do I ache?

Common reasons for musculoskeletal discomfort:

PostureRepetitive or constrained posturesTwisting, bendingOverreaching

FitnessLack of flexibilityPre-existing problems

Other common causes of Other common causes of problemsproblems

Glare and lighting causing eye discomfort, strain or headaches

Poor working environment due to noise, poor air quality or uncomfortable temperatures

Eyesight problems

What posture are we trying What posture are we trying to achieve at work?to achieve at work?

Relaxed

Symmetrical

Upright

Common office chair Common office chair features & adjustmentsfeatures & adjustments

Seat height

Back rest height

Lumbar support

Seat tilt

Arm rests

Computer workstation Computer workstation setupsetup

Computer monitorComputer monitor

Eye level approximately at top edge of the screen

Distance to avoid eye strain

Monitor options

Laptop computers

Desktop layoutDesktop layout

Regularly used items placed within comfortable reach:

Musculoskeletal Disorders Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) (MSD)

MSD are associated with repetitive, sustained, unnatural or forceful movements:

The Don’tsProlonged and intense keyboard or mouse useHigh demands on visionSustained mental effort Peak demands or set work rates

The Do’s:Change posture at frequent intervalsDon’t key all dayGive yourself mini breaksPractice gentle stretching at work

Stretching exerciseStretching exercise

Never stretch to the point where you feel pain;

If you have a medical condition or are under going any type of medical treatment, you must consult your medical practitioner before doing any of these exercises;

Always apply a slow and gentle stretching action.

Manual handling isManual handling is

any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object.National Occupational Health & Safety Commission

Disc response to Disc response to pressurepressure

Risk managementRisk management

1. Hazard identification

2. Risk assessment

3. Risk control

4. Review

Risk ControlRisk Control

Change the load / task

Equipment

Work organisation

Work environment

Correct lifting techniques

Posture awareness & personal fitness

Change the loadChange the load

Compact

Stable

Lighter

Easy to grip

Able to be held close to the body

EquipmentEquipment

Trolleys

Hoists

Adjustable work surfaces

Ergonomic tools

Power assisted

Hydraulic

Work organisationWork organisation

Staffing levels

Availability of equipment

Work schedules

Shift work

Pace of work

Task variety

Rest breaks

Work environmentWork environment

Adjust the temperature

Storage in lifting zones

Housekeeping

Adequate lighting

No slip flooring

Personal FitnessPersonal Fitness

Nutrition

Aerobic exercise

Stretches/warm-ups

Sleep

Stretching exerciseStretching exercise

Never stretch to the point where you feel pain;

If you have a medical condition or are under going any type of medical treatment, you must consult your medical practitioner before doing any of these exercises;

Always apply a slow and gentle stretching action.

Manual handling Manual handling principlesprinciples

Correct lifting principlesCorrect lifting principles

1. Think before you lift

2. Keep the load close

3. Adopt a stable position

4. Moderate flexion of back, hips and knees

5. Secure hold

6. Avoid twisting, stooping & squatting

7. Keep head up

8. Move smoothly