An Ergonomics Approach to Avoiding Office Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

"Understanding your work environment is essential. So is gaining control over certain aspects of your surroundings, such as user-adjustable chairs and lighting levels".

As we continue to learn more about ergonomics, it is important that we also understand the importance of developing our behavior while in the work place. Remaining educated on ergonomic considerations can prevent injuries and illnesses over a period of time.

• "Change your body position periodically throughout the day. 
• Use a document stand to reduce the amount of neck twisting or bending forward if typing from a source document.
• Position your keyboard directly in front of you and at approximately elbow height. This should enable you to type with straight wrists. If this is not possible with the keyboard atop the work surface, use an adjustable-height keyboard tray.
• Center your monitor with your keyboard and chair.
• Avoid ear-to-shoulder neck positioning while on the phone.  Use a telephone headset that will allow you to work on the computer with good posture while on the phone. 
• Rearrange the work area to avoid excess bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Try to relax. Many injuries and painful episodes arise from continuously tensing your neck and shoulder muscles while working."

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