1. What’s Wrong With This Picture?

2. Instructions
You will be provided with a picture that depicts a work environment similar to your site / office, or another location where employees might find themselves outside of work
The picture will show various safety hazards that could lead to injury
As a group, or in smaller teams of 2-3 people, ask employees to identify as many of the hazards as they can find
As they identify hazards, ask them to suggest how the safety concern can be reduced or eliminated
Review their answers by showing the second picture highlighting the hazards
Reinforce that it is everyone’s responsibility to be proactive in identifying and correcting safety hazards
When there is a safety concern, “Someone should do something” – That someone is you!
Keep the entire exercise short – try for 5 minutes maximum

4. Rounded back (bad)

5. Rounded back (bad)

6. Rounded back (bad)
Better back, but no legs

7. Rounded back (bad)
Better back, but no legs

8. Rounded back (bad)
Better back, but no legs
Back doing all the work!

9. However, generally speaking, lifting off of the floor is not good for your back. GM guideline is to keep items stored at or above 25 in / 63.5 cm.

11. Hands underneath

12. Hands underneath

13. Back straight
Hands underneath

14. Back straight
Hands underneath

15. Hands underneath
Back straight
Lift with legs!

16. However, generally speaking, lifting off of the floor is not good for your back. GM guideline is to keep items stored at or above 25 in / 63.5 cm.

18. Screen height and leaning forward strains the neck, shoulders and back

20. Chair is too far from the desk

21. The screen is too low

22. Elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, straining the back, shoulders and neck

23. Proper positioning: Back, shoulders and neck supported; arms at 90-degree angle; and, feet flat on the floor.

24. However, screen height is too low
However, screen height is too low. If you’re unable to adjust the height of your table, consider using an extra monitor.

26. Skip the slouch: Sit up straight to support the lower back and legs

27. Helpful Links GM Office Ergonomics Process
GM Self-Assessment Workstation Checklist for office ergonomics