Computer Station Ergonomics

How many times have you felt a slight ache in your back or numbness on your wrists at work? Do you ever feel a strain in your eyes after long hours of writing on a computer for a delinquent term paper or an arduous grant proposal? Well if the following symptoms have occurred at some point in your work you are not alone. The most common workplace injuries are operator fatigue and discomfort. These computer ergonomic problems are rarely reported or attributed to the actual act of working on computers and performing other office duties.

The idea behind the study of ergonomics is to design a comfortable workplace that will enable the most productivity out any given employee. The actual word, ergonomics, is derived from the Greek root, ergon + nomics, which literally means workplace management. Yet, for contemporary times it has been adapted to mean the comfort of the workplace in relationship with how people interact with machines. This field of workplace safety has received attention due to the evolution of computers in our daily work functions. As a result, the diagram below is an illustration of how one should properly sit at a computer station to ensure the least amount of discomfort associated with working.

Four simple suggestions to prevent ergonomic injuries at the workplace are: First, identify the type of work your doing. Second, evaluate the condition in which you’ll be performing the task. Third, adjust the amount of time used to perform the specific task. Finally, modify the environment to meet your personal needs to be comfortable.

You’ll find that the first three steps are nothing more than having a comprehensive knowledge of your working environment. Before you modify your work place environment you should always consult qualified and respected institutions such as the CDC, OSHA, and NIOSH.

Some helpful facts for making your office work more comfortable begin by knowing these tips: The chair that supports your weight is the most important piece of equipment you have in an office. This object not only supports you lower back, but it also aligns the entire body with the computer station or desk. Remember that a straight spine also promotes parallel legs to the ground and helps with body circulation. In turn, posture helps control pinched nerves and back aches, which promotes a more satisfying work day. The keyboard should be placed just above the knees so that your arms are parallel from the elbow while positioned on an arm rest. The inclination of the keyboard can vary to suit your personal preferences. The monitor should be at least 18-24 inches away from your eyes to reduce shortsighted eye strain. In addition, the monitor height should be adjusted so that you look straight forward and not at an angle where you’re more susceptible to neck strain. Finally take a break once in while to stretch your fingers, back, legs, and mind. If you feel any strain, deal with it right away, don’t put it off like the in-laws or breakfast. These aches will return if not met with proper prevention. Trust us, your body will thank us later.

Halloween Safety

Halloween is a lot of fun for the entire family; however, some precautions should be taken to ensure a happy and safe day of festivities.

Parents

• Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses or apartment buildings and to never enter a stranger’s home.
• Instruct children not to eat any treat until they return home and treats are inspected. Remember: when in doubt, throw it out.
• Provide a flashlight to help children see better and be seen more clearly if allowed out after dark. Instruct children not to cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.

• Only fire-retardant materials should be used.
• Costumes and treat bags should have some reflective qualities to be seen by motorists.
• Costume length should not be so long that it is a tripping hazard.
• Accessories such as swords or knives should be made from cardboard or flexible materials and made so as not to resemble a real weapon. Masks may cause vision and breathing restrictions. Use regular make-up instead.

We’re approaching that time of the year again. A time when many people will experience fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. Yes, you’ve guessed it, Flu Season. A season that can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Although many people look at this virus as lightly as the “common cold”, it is important to understand that influenza viruses usually cause a more severe illness that is more likely to lead to serious medical complications, such as pneumonia. In an average year, approximately 36,000 Americans die from the flu and it’s complications and many more are hospitalized. It’s not to be taken lightly!

But there is some good news!!! There are things that can be done to reduce your risk of getting the flu. Of the different tactics, the single best prevention is the annual flu shot. Approximately 2 weeks after the shot, antibodies develop that protect against influenza infection. But, because influenza viruses change frequently and because protection from the vaccine decreases with time, people should get vaccinated every year.

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