1. Office Ergonomics Department of Administrative Services

2. A Safe Place to work is not an Accident. Attention must be paid to: Posture Chair Keyboard Mouse Computer Screens Lighting Leg Room Desk Arrangement Daily Routine Total Safety Culture It is a place where all employees and managers believe that accidents/injuries are:  Predictable  Preventable  Unacceptable because they affect the health & well being of the employees.

3. Ergonomics The study of the worker and the work environment. A way of thinking about the design of tools and equipment the layout of the work environment the work process

4. CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS A type of injury which relates to some aspect of continuous and/or repetitive work and other such activities. frequency force posture

5. Office activities that contribute to cumulative trauma Stapling Hole Punching Opening Mail Paging Documents Handwriting Operating Copiers Processing Receipts Keyboarding Extensive Laptop Use Extended Sitting Cradling Telephone Viewing Computer Screen Using Mouse Holding Foot on Pedal Reaching Above Shoulders Lifting Above Shoulders Pushing/Pulling Carts Resting Arms on Hard Surface Improper Chairs

6. NON-OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS INHERENT Age Gender Hereditary Conditions Hormonal Changes Previous Trauma Tumors/Cysts Arthritis Diseases VARIABLE Hobbies/Athletics Diet Smoking Alcoholism Non-Work Stress Muscle Tension Contraceptives

7. People Are Different People Have Limitations People Have Predictable Reactions Human Factors

8. As these factors increase Force Frequency Awkward Position Temperature Vibration Injuries increase Productivity decreases Risk Factors

9. Early Warning Signs of Ergonomic Problems Swelling Discomfort, Pain Numbness, Tingling Burning Sensations Stiffness, loss of range of motion Weakness Insomnia

10. VITAL ELEMENTS: The CHAIR Adjust the armrest to allow the shoulders to remain in neutral position The backrest should be adjustable to provide comfortably support. It should not rock The seat cushion should be in good condition Back of knee slightly higher then seat chair for good blood circulation flow There should be 5 legs for stability A waterfall front is recommended Height adjustment is extremely important Entire foot sole should rest on floor

11. THE MONITOR Height: Top of screen at eye level Angulation: Minimal tilting Position: Directly in front Distance: 18 - 24" away (about an arms length away) Brightness/Image: Adjustable/clear & sharp Color/screen: Multi-color/kept clean Note: The height and distance of the document which is being copied should be the same as that of the monitor and share the visual space.

12. POSITION - The keyboard should be positioned directly in front of the operator. Moving it to either side causes fatigue. HEIGHT - Ideally, allows the operator's upper and lower arms to be at a 90 degree angle. 15 degrees either way can cause pain and decrease productivity. ANGULATION - The keyboard should be angled at a downward slope or evenly balanced. It can be elevated in the rear 2 1/2 ", if it does not place the wrists in a compromised position. The Keyboard

13. Design and Use Reduce bending wrists by moving entire arm Wrists should be extended straight, not up and down Keyboard feet can be used to maintain neutral position

14. The work surface is correctly adjusted to the physical characteristics of the individual when: 1. Arms can be positioned at 90 degrees 2. Tools are arranged to minimize the distance you have to reach for them 3. There is sufficient room for equipment 4. There is sufficient leg room beneath the desk – find place a place for all the extra stuff somewhere other than under the desk Note: Where the individual's feet can not be positioned flat on the floor, a footrest should be made available. DESK/WORK SURFACE

15. Keep document close Minimize head, neck, or back movement Document holder beneath monitor Document Position

16. Light Contrast Well-distributed diffuse light Use colors to better reflect light Reduce dark shadows

17. Glare Orient work stations Glare does not reflect on the screen Blinds or drapes Clean the monitor frequently Glare filters Use barriers to reduce glare Tilt monitor slightly lowered Dark colors and light background

18. Breaks and Stretches Take frequent breaks “Get up for safety” Take walks Stretch Fitness

19. Think Ergonomics Fit the workstation to you

20. SOME GUIDELINES TO ENSURE SUCCESS EMPLOYEE AWARENESS IS ESSENTIAL IDENTIFY REPETITIVE TASKS/EXPOSURES RECOGNIZE THAT INITIAL CHANGES MADE WILL PRODUCE SOME DISCOMFORT ADJUSTABILITY CAN ACCOMMODATE 90% OF THE GENERAL POPULATION CONSIDER SOLUTIONS FOR LAPTOPS WRIST RESTS AND BRACES ARE NOT CURE-ALL SOLUTIONS

21. Conclusion Provide adjustable workstation Minimize repetitive motion/awkward posture Keyboard and mouse positioning Work process Reduce glare Breaks/stretches

22. Questions???