Provider Resources & Tips: Ergonomics

Encouraging wellness at your workplace is always a great idea. The cost of improving occupational health typically outweighs the cost of associated sickness absence, staff turnover, and health insurance claims. One way is to present a workshop on ergonomics for staff and drivers. Applying ergonomic principles can reduce fatigue and discomfort meanwhile increasing confidence and well being.

Ergonomics is defined as “an applied science that coordinates the design of devices, systems, and physical working conditions with the capacities and requirements of the worker.” Whether it be at work, driving, or just walking down the street, often times, simple slight ergonomic changes here and there can reduce undue stress on your bones and muscles. Many of these adjustments in posture can help straighten up the body, putting the spinal column in alignment.

Your computer monitor should be centered with your body at height where the top of the monitor is at eye level. It should be approximately twenty inches from your eyes. This reduces neck and eyestrain.

You should also keep the mouse as close as possible to your keyboard and to keep your knees at a ninety-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. If you are focused on the computer for a long while, be sure to look away from your monitor from time to time, blink your eyes and stretch your hands.

On the road, studies suggest drivers should take at least a 15 minute break every two hours of driving. Other than simply feeling comfortable while driving, these tips can help improve driver ergonomics:

• Keep your hips higher than your knees.
• Ensure upper and lower back is supported.
• Hands and feet should reach the wheel, gear shift and pedals without stretching.
• It is okay to change your driving posture from time to time.
• Stretch every day.

Also, don’t forget to research Passenger Service and Safety (PASS) Driver Certification in your area. This type of training can be priceless to ensure that not only members are properly assisted, but that drivers are avoiding injury to themselves when assisting members.