Safe Work Habits in the Office/Classroom

Julian Gangemi

Posture• Back straight when sitting in chair.• Shoulders relaxed and upper arms hanging

loosely by sides• Adjustable backrest to support lumbar curve

(height and angle)• Feet flat on foot or footrest

Occupational Overuse Syndrome

• Occupational Overuse syndrome is a term used for conditions that are characterised by persistent pain or discomfort in muscles, tendons and other soft tissue.

• Also known as Repetitive Injury• Symptoms of OOS includes numbness,

swelling, pain, stiffness, weakness or tingling in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, back, neck and lower limbs.

Eyestrain

• Eyestrain occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use such as working at a computer.

• Usually isn't serious and goes away once you rest your eyes.

• The symptoms includes tired, itching and burning eyes.

How to prevent Eyestrain

• Take regular breaks• Angle your screen to reduce glair• Adjust colour as sunlight removes the visual

spectrum to it easier to see.• Blink often to refresh your eyes• Have appropriate eyewear if required

Workstation Design & Layout

• All items frequently at arms reach• Document holder next to monitor or between

monitor and keyboard.• All documents can be viewed without turning

or looking down.• Frequently used books/files stored in cabinets

between mid-thigh and chest height.• Telephone or headphone is available for use.

Desk, Chair and Computer• Chair adjusted correctly -Elbows level or slanted down towards keyboard-Lumbar support of the backrest in a small back-Sitting posture upright• Are your feet flat on floor or footrest• Your hips positioned at 90* or greater• Monitor and keyboard directly in front of you• Monitor positioned are arms width.• Screen angled to prevent glare• Mouse close to keyboard and on the same level• Your shoulder should be relaxed when using keyboard.