The
goal of ergonomics is to make work more comfortable and to improve both health
and productivity. Many ergonomic problems can be fixed by rearranging, adjusting
or modifying existing furniture and tools, so don't be in too much of a rush to
go out and purchase the next great ergonomic "THING"
One
of the easiest to follow guidelines for any office set up is Officewise -
A guide to health and safety in the office Developed by the Ergonomics Unit Victorian
WorkCover Authority. Officewise (1.86mb)
click here specifically Appendix
B (474kb)
(you'll need Adobe Acrobat reader  to
view these files)
Creating
long, time-consuming design projects and reports, or surfing the Internet for
extensive hours could be causing computer users to develop RSI.
Most
computer users remain unaware of the problems caused by poor posture or workstation
design. Generally, people don't exercise or take breaks, which puts extra strain
on the musculoskeletal system, making them candidates for computer related injury.
Working
in ergonomically designed workplaces or using ergonomically designed products
can reduce the stress and excessive physical demands we place on our body, thereby
reducing the likelihood of getting RSI symptoms.
Ideal
computer workstations should include appropriate lighting, height-adjustable keyboards
facilitating a 90-degree angle at the elbows with the wrists naturally extended
from the forearm, height-adjustable chairs providing firm lower back support,
an appropriate mouse pad placed adjacent to the keyboard to prevent the need for
reaching and a document holder attached to the side of the monitor to prevent
neck strain.
For
more information on the specific courses and training programs, please click on
one of the links below.
For more information on the specific
courses and training programs, please click on one of the links below.
Computer
Injury Prevention
Programs for Schools
Register your interest here. |
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