How would it feel if your work space was tailored just for you? Your chair comfortably supports you, your monitor is just the right distance away, and your arms just the right height for your keyboard? Well, now you can find out!
RiskPrevent will be offering Occupational Therapy ergonomic assessments for all employees during 2011 to help fine-tune your work environment for optimum ergonomics.
 |
| Wondering if your workspace is ergonomically safe? |
Ergonomics is the science of designing your work environment to facilitate your highest level of function, promote health, and prevent injury. It also identifies ways to adjust the work environment to accommodate injuries or disabilities that interfere with someone’s ability to work. A well-designed work space can help prevent common ergonomic-related complaints such as eyestrain, head, back, neck, shoulder, and wrist pain. The occupational therapist will work with you to adjust your chair, desk, monitor, and lighting to fit your body. Our therapist will also coach us on good posture, and how to fine-tune our work spaces for optimum comfort and efficiency. Ergonomic assessments will also help us identify and eliminate other risk factors for injury, for instance tasks requiring repetitive movements, awkward postures, or lifting heavy loads. (1)
What can I do to help myself?
Pay attention to your posture. Be pro-active, speak up if you identify a problem that interferes with your ability to work comfortably. Follow the guidelines in your individualized ergonomic assessment. And finally, ask for a reassessment if things just aren’t feeling right down the road. (1, 2)
How do I learn more?
To learn more about how to optimize your work environment visit these websites:
1) Tips for Living, Ergonomics, Occupational Therapy in the Workplace, American Occupational Therapy Association
2) Workplace Ergonomics, Oklahoma State University, Employee Health Services, Safety Training
3) Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIOSH workplace Safety and Health Topic
Where did you get the illustration of the woman's figure sitting at the keyboard (orange and gray colors)? Thank you!
ReplyDelete