WellGOnomics How We Move Matters

What you do affects how you feel

Ergo what??? Ergonomics The study of optimizing the interface between human beings, and the designed objects and environments with which they interact.

A Healthy Work Space Makes a Difference!

What Prolonged/Repetitious Activities Do YOU Do Regularly? Task Rotation Mini Breaks

Breaks for your eyes Every 20 minutes, take your eyes off your computer and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds

Sitting Ergonomically Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line, and parallel to the floor. Head is level or bent slightly forward, forward facing, balanced, and in-line with the torso. Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body. Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.

Sitting Ergonomically Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used. Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly. Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and parallel to the floor. Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet pointing forward.

Environmental Ergonomics What is Environmental Ergonomics?

Environmental Ergonomics Hearing/Noise/Vibration Lighting Climate/Air Quality Cleanliness and odors

I’m Still Standing… (Great!) Organize your work space Change your position, shift your weight Support can be helpful Good shoes can make a big difference

Lift Cautiously Warm up first Start with knees bent and curved spine Push up with legs—not arms and back Build a bridge Keep heavy/bulky loads next to you Push rather than pull

And S-T-R-E-T-C-H

Suffering from Techno Stress or Distress? Unnatural posture and positions Repetitive motions Integral part of our lifestyle during and outside of work

Texting Tips Reduce your keystrokes. Keep your messages brief. Take advantage of word prediction or auto complete tools Pick a device that has a full keyboard. Use shortcuts. Use a neutral grip when holding the device. Maintain an upright posture while texting. Rest the thumb by using alternative fingers.

Texting Tips Keyboard Users Type using the pad of your fingertip. Avoid using the tip of your fingernails. This can create an awkward bent position for your thumb which can lead to possible discomfort. Touch Screen Users Use your phone in a vertical position while typing (small screen view); this will reduce the amount of reaching space your thumb will have to cover to push a key. If you do have thumb or wrist pain, don’t plan to compensate with a stylus or pen as touch screens are heat sensitive and will not recognize anything but a fingertip.

SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR EXTENDED COMPUTER WORK. USE A DESKTOP/LAPTOP COMPUTER AND ENSURE A PROPER ERGONOMIC SETUP.

Be a Smart Phone Smartie Use hands free devices to eliminate awkward, static postures ‐ especially during long phone calls. Limit duration and frequency of calls, texts, and s. Maintain neutral wrist posture and alternate hands when holding devices. GENERAL SAFETY REMINDER: Avoid mobile phone use when walking, driving, or biking.

Tablet Pointers For extensive text entry, use a separate keyboard and prop the tablet on a stand to improve the viewing angle. Limit duration of tablet use ‐ take frequent micro-breaks. Focus on neck posture ‐ avoid excessive looking down when reading s or texts. For prolonged reading while seated, prop the tablet on a backpack, pillow, etc. to bring the screen closer. Alternate hands and fingers when using buttons/touchscreens. Search application stores for products that reduce keyboard use. Maintain neutral wrist posture and alternate hands when holding devices. For tablets, consider cases with hand straps to reduce gripping.

An Ounce of Prevention Become aware of your posture. Sit close to your work and keep frequently used materials within reach. Maintain neutral wrist/arm postures as much as possible. Avoid twisting and bending motions. Use both hands instead of one to lift or complete tasks. Respect your discomfort or pain.

Slips, Trips, and Falls…Oh My A slip occurs when there is too little friction or traction between footwear and a walking surface. A trip occurs when a person’s foot contacts an object or drops to a lower level unexpectedly, and they are thrown off balance.

Slips, Trips, and Falls…Oh My Use the handrail from start to finish Avoid carrying loads on the stairways- or only carry loads you can see over. Keep your eyes on where you are going, and descend stairs slowly to keep your balance and identify tripping hazards. Test potentially slippery stairs by tapping them with your foot. Going up or down, keep weight on your back leg until your front foot is safely on the next step. This maintains your center of gravity.

How You Move Matters What you do off the job may impact how you feel and move during the workday. – Lifting – Twisting – Repetitive motions

How can you work SMARTER rather than harder?

STOP: Evaluate and check to make sure this is the safest and best way. If you are not sure… THINK: Is there an easier way? Do you need help? Do you need safer equipment? Do you need a second opinion? Do you need to set a timer to make sure you take a break? GO: Proceed with caution, and if things still do not feel safe, reevaluate.