1. EVOLUTION??

2. ERGONOMICS Fitting YOUR work station to YOU!

3. What is ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science of fitting a job, job tasks, and job-related equipment to individual human physical and psychological characteristics . One of the focuses is on designing workstations, tools, lighting, and work tasks for safety, efficiency and comfort.

4. Why do I care? Effective ergonomic design reduces discomfort and injuries and increases job satisfaction and productivity. Prevention/reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s).

5. How do I know if my work-station fits me? Listen to your body

6. How do I know if my work-station fits me? If you experience recurrent or worsening discomfort, especially if the discomfort includes non-remitting pain, numbness, or weakness, promptly consult a qualified physician. The earlier a problem is identified, diagnosed, and treated, the less chance there is that it will progress to a disabling condition

7. General Desktop Set-Up Standard furniture cannot accommodate everyone’s needs Make sure surface is stable Consider job functions Keep frequently used objects close Keep area under desk uncluttered Use a document holder

9. Adjust the seat height

10. Adjust the backrest of the chair

11. Adjust the armrests

13. It should accommodate the mouse, provide leg clearance, and have an adjustable height and tilt mechanism.

15. Adjust the keyboard height

16. Position the keyboard directly in front of your body

17. The tilt of your keyboard is dependent upon your sitting position

18. Keep wrists in line with forearms

19. Wrist rests can help to maintain neutral postures and pad hard surfaces

21. Setting up your computer work station—the pointing device

22. Setting up your computer work station—monitor and phone Center the monitor directly in front of you When seated comfortably, user’s eyes should be 2-3” below top of monitor casing Horizontal distance at approx arms length Reduce glare by careful positioning of the screen Position source documents directly in front of you, between the monitor and the keyboard Place your telephone within easy reach Use headsets and speaker phone

23. AFTER ALL THAT, WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE YOU CAN MAKE?

24. YOUR BEHAVIOR!!! “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

25. Remember MSD’s? MSD’s are disorders of the bones and soft tissue Frequently associated with heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive work, sustained postures, non-neutral joint posture, localized pressure, use of force, cold temperature, and vibration

26. Keeping all that in mind… Break up repetitious work Relax Use moderate postures for individual joints Minimize contact with hard or sharp surfaces Don't use too much force Move with an even motion Keep your hands and fingers warm Break up exposures to vibration

27. And another thing… Outside risk factors Non-work activities Predispositions Modifiable risk factors

28. The End!!! Prevention of MSD’s in the office workspace is a combination of equipment and behavior changes. Requires participation in both of these to make lasting change.