ERGONOMIC SAFETYA GUIDE TO STAYING UPRIGHT IN ICT

Training OutlineWhat is Ergonomics?Why should I care?

Health Safety

LegalBest practices

Defining Ergonomics and its History Ergonomics is the science that

studies how best to make the work environment fit the work. (Or better yet: fitting a job to a person)

And thus… Occupation Safety and Healthy Administrations was Born (OSHA) Signed into place by President

Clinton on November 14, 2000 Effective as of January 16, 2001

Artifact 1

Where is Ergonomics?Ergonomics is everywhere.

Depending on your job, there may be a different form of ergonomics, but the concept remains the same. (Best Practice)

IT Ergonomics Offices (Typing and Sitting)

Server Rooms (Lifting)Artifact 2

Why Do We Need Ergonomic Standards?

HEALTH REASONS RISKS DISEASES/SYNDROMES LEGAL

www.whistleblowers.gov

www.osha.gov

Artif

act

3

Best Practices Areas of concentrationDesktop Workstation

Usage Hands - Typing Eyes - Viewing Angle Neck and Back Posture Feet – Posture

Laptop Usage

Workstation Best Practices• Elbows at 90º and

tucked in close to your sides.

• Wrists straight and slightly elevated

Workstation Best Practices• Eyes Level with top of

screen.

• Viewing distance 18-24”

• Head up straight, Neck vertical on top of spine

Workstation Best Practices• Seat back angle at 90º

• Back straight! Use lumbar support for lower back if available

Workstation Best Practices• Knees at 90º

• Feet on floor; use a foot rest for shorter people

• Adjust seat height to accommodate ideal position

Laptop Best Practices• Maintain good posture, using same

seating guidelines as when working with desktops

• Use external mouse and keyboard if available.

• Use a laptop stand if possible, to raise the height of the screen to eye level.

• If stand is not available, still maintain good neck posture, using your eyes to look down at the screen (not your neck!)

• Take breaks after 40 minutes of use

referencesBullock, J. (2001). Ergonomics. Course TCS 505, University of Wisconsin-Stout. Retrieved from Learn@UWStout learning management system.Ergonomics Info - How To Create A User-Friendly Home and Office. (2010). Retrieved September 19, 2014, from http://www.ergonomics-info.com/IP, W. (2012). Ergonomics in a changing world. Industrial Engineer: IE, 44(11), 40-44. Retrieved from Business Source Premier EBSCO database.

Nonprofit Risk Management Center – Ergonomics. (2008). Retrieved September 22, 2014, from https://nonprofitrisk.org/tools/workplacesafety/nonprofit/c5/ergonomics.htm

Occupational Safety & Health Administration – Ergonomics. Retrieved September 22, 2014, from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/

references (part 2)http://www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com/assets/img/content/global/other/121002_Mega_Menu_01.jpg - Artifact 1http://www.iea.cc/image/whats_definition_image01.png - Artifact 2http://blog.lnsresearch.com/Portals/136847/images/Environment-Health-and-Safety1.gif - Artifact 3