by Mary Schultz, Adventure 212 Fitness
Most of us are so busy with the day to day activities at work that we forget about taking care of our bodies at work. In the workplace you should always be conscious of basic ergonomics. Ergonomics is the study of the kind of work you do, the environment that you work in, and the tools you use to do your job.
There are many different types of injuries that you can get in the workplace such as:
- back and neck pain from bad posture
- back and neck strain from incorrect lifting mechanics
- tendon and bursitis from repetitive motions
- headaches or eyestrain
Office ergonomics can help you be more comfortable at work. It can help lower stress and injuries caused by awkward positions and repetitive tasks. Ergonomics focuses on how things are set up in your office work space, such as:
- Your workstation setup, how you sit, and how long you stay in one position.
- How you do a certain task, the kinds of movements you make, and whether you make the same movements over and over.
- Your work area, including light, noise, and temperature.
- The tools you use to do your job and whether they are set up to fit your needs.
The ergonomics of your job is something that you should be thinking about on a daily basis. Here are some ways to help you take care of yourself throughout the day:
- Try to place your work so that you can sit in a comfortable position while you do it.
- Try not to put too much stress on one area of your body, such as your lower back or arms.
- Change your position often.
- Place notes on your desk or computer reminding you of good posture.
- Turn with your whole body instead of twisting to face your work.
- Take breaks to stretch or get out of your chair every 20 to 40 minutes. If you can, switch to another task.
The more that you can be conscious about how your job effects your body the happier and healthier you can be at your workplace.
