1. Who’s Got your Back? (What you don’t know about Office Ergonomics) January 9, 2013 1 Carol Schmeidler/Kelly Haidar

2. Agenda Background Applications/Limitations Definitions Problems Solutions Backs Equipment Other Situations Resources 2

3. What This Isn’t The end-all, cure-all Infallible Guaranteed to help 100% 3

4. What This Is Not rocket science! Helpful Based on current standards and recommendations Information for the workplace Information for home 4

5. But First, Let’s Stretch! 5

6. 6

7. What is ergonomics? From Greek words “ergon” (work) and “nomos” (law), or… Fitting jobs to people to prevent or minimize the occurrence of injury Not limited to computer use! 7

8. Where does our information come from? Government requirements Agency Recommendations Industry-Specific Guidelines Other colleges/universities Manufacturers 8

9. It’s not just computers, but… 9

10. It’s not just computers… 10

11. Types of Problems Head and neck Shoulders and Upper arms Backs - ~85% of people at one time Wrists and Hands Other issues not caused by, but affected by work activities 11

12. Caveat Ergo Other possible causes of problems: Hobbies outside of work Medical conditions (diabetes, pregnancy) Medications Second/Third jobs Age-related disorders A pain in the wrist isn’t always Carpal Tunnel! 12

13. Solutions – Basic Principles Design ergonomics into any job Pre-planning is the best course of action THERE IS NO “ONE SIZE FITS ALL” It’s not just the furniture! Habits must also change 13

14. 14 Solutions Environment affects behavior Movement is critical Minimize extreme postures Avoid contact stress Take breaks! Education Education Education

15. Solutions – Basic Principles Minimize extreme postures ≥ 90° angles in knees, hips, elbows Avoid contact stress Adjust what you can Improvise Take breaks! 15

16. Solutions 16

17. Solutions Chairs: While standing, seat at knee level Feet flat on floor (foot board) Room between chair edge and knees Backrest supports lower back curve Shoulders upright, not hunched or low Arms rest at sides, 90° angle at elbows 17

18. Solutions Work Surface Elbow height Adequate leg room Adjustable keyboard trays Store supplies at work surface level (don’t bend ) 18

19. Solutions Monitor Directly in front of you Approximately arm’s length away No squinting required Top of monitor even with eyebrows 19

20. Solutions Keyboard Directly in front of you (“J”) Negative tilt Do not use keyboard “feet” Neutral, straight wrists Don’t rest on wrist rests 20

21. Solutions Mousing Hand in straight line with forearm Do not bend wrist Mouse should same height as and directly adjacent to keyboard 21

22. Arranging Your Workstation Accessories Headset or shoulder rest Document holder – adjacent to monitor Foot rest Monitor Arm Mice, Keyboards Advice Turn whole body, don’t twist Breaks – 1 min./30 min. or 20/20/20 22

23. Solutions 23

24. Laptop Use Same requirements Docking Stations Use laptop as monitor (stand) Aux. keyboard and mouse 24

25. Standing vs. Sitting Keyboard at elbow height Top of monitor even with tops of eyebrows Anti-fatigue mat to stand on Solid foot rest? Alternate standing with sitting 25

26. Lighting the Way Different tasks require different levels of light “Old eyes” need more light Computer glasses One source of overhead lights Task lighting avoids glare, provides additional light when/where needed 26

27. Solutions Changing habits is also very important Posture Breaks – stretches? Arrangement of work station Following suggestions 27

28. Remember that… The best solutions  the most expensive Gadgets, bells & whistles can’t substitute for training and good practices The best way to prevent problems is to design them out at the beginning Be creative in finding solutions 28

29. A Word or Two about Backs Remember what we said about 85% of the US population reporting back pain? There are many causes; some preventable, some not There are things you can do to prevent or limit back problems

30. Proper Lifting Techniques

31. Solutions Carrying Carry in the “Power Zone” Redesign process to limit/eliminate need to carry Reduce bulk/weight of materials to be carried Reduce distance

32. Solutions Pushing/Pulling Know the route Push rather than pull Minimize weight Stay close to load, bend knees Adjustable handles to keep grip within Power Zone Ensure good visibility Avoid twisting/turning

33. Assistive Devices These can be helpful, but must be combined with proper body positioning, etc. 33

34. 34 Assistive Devices

35. 35 Workstation Evaluations Assessments provided upon request!

36. Resources Your local Safety & Health Professional Recommendations www.osha.gov www.nih.gov/od/ors/ds/ergonomics/lab1.html www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/ http://www.seating-ergonomics.com/index.html “The Ergonomics Guide to Computer Workstations – AIHA publication Other Universities www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/ www.ergo.human.cornell.edu/ www.yale.edu/ergo/ 36

37. Resources Vendors/Service Providers www.humanscale.com www.alimed.com www.ergoboy.com www.ergotron.com www.officeorganix.com www.askergoworks.com 37

38. Questions? Thank you!! 38