fbpx

Office Ergonomics

FC du Toit

Biokineticist at the Institute for Sport Research

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) e.g. lower back pain, are a common health problem worldwide and represent one of the leading causes of occupational injury [Boersma and Linton, 2005; Choobineh et al., 2007; McGeary et al., 2003; Punnett et al., 2005; Smith et al., 2003; Stover et al., 2007]

The risk factors of MSDs are known to include workplace activities such as heavy load lifting, repetitive task and awkward working postures, while demographic characteristics and psychological factors are also known to be important predictive variables [Choobineh et al., 2007; Smith et al., 2003]

Repetitive strain injury such as postural pain syndrome and back pain are reaching epidemic proportions amongst office workers.

Office of Horrors

Ergonomics is the study of how people physically interact with their work (fitting the job, the equipment and the work environment to the worker). The wrong posture day in and day out may affect your health in the long run.

The ideal office

  1. Feet:
    • Feet flat on floor (or on footrest)
  2. Knees:
    • Knees clearing desk and 90º
    • Thighs parallel to floor.
    • Only moderate pressure at the front of the seat cushion
  3. Lower Back:
    • Buttocks against back of chair.
    • Back upright and supported by backrest
  4. Head:
    • Head up
    • Eyes looking forward most of the time
    • Top of screen slightly below eye level.
    • Do not twist the head.
    • Reference material easy to look at
  5. Wrist:
    • Shoulders relaxed
    • Hands in line with the forearms
    • Move the whole arm when using the mouse.
    • Avoid isolated movement of the wrist area.

The Crucial 90 degree angle rule

  • Knees 90 degrees
  • Hips 90 degrees
  • Elbow angle 90 – 110 degrees
  • Move your chair as close as possible to the edge of the desk as well.
This rule puts the body in the most ‘relaxed’ way on the chair.
In the beginning it might feel that you are ‘boxed” in – but once used to it – your body will enjoy this!

Additional setup steps:

  • Eliminate any reflection on your monitor
  • Position any additional equipment in accessible places

Exercises for the office
The biggest injury risk factor for computer users is static posture

  • Try to spend at least 5 minutes every hour away from your computer
  • Try to incorporate stretches into your daily routine
  • Stretch only to the point of mild tension

For more information contact a Biokineticist in your area.

REFERENCES

1. Boersma, K. and Linion, SJ., 2005. Screening to Identify Patients at Risk Profiles of Psychological Risk Factors for Early Investigation. Clinical Journal Pan American Health Organization, Vol (21), 38-43.

2. Choobineh, A. Tabatabaei, S.H. Mokhtarzadeh, A. Salehi, M., 2007. Musculoskeletal Problems among Workers of an Iranian Rubber Factory. Journal of Occupational Health, Vol (49), 418-423.

3. McGeary, D.D. Mayer, T.G. Gatchel, R.J. Anagnostis, C. Proctor, T.J., 2003. Gender-related differences in treatment outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The Spine Journal Vol (3), 197-203

4. Punnett, L. Pruess-Uestuen, A. Nelson, D.I. Fingerhut, M.A. Leigh, J. Tak, S.W. Phillips, S., 2005. Estimating the Global Burden of Low Back Pain Attributable to Combined Ocupational Exposures. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Vol (48), 459-469

5. Smith, D.R. Sato, M. Miyajima, T. Mizutani, T. Yamagata, Z., 2003. Musculoskeletal disorders self-repored by female nursing students in central Japan: a complete cross-sectional survey. International Journal of Nursing Studies, Vol (40), 725-729.

6. Stover, B. Silverstein, B. Wickizer, T. Martin, D.P. Kaufman, J., 2007. Accuracy of a Disability Instrument to Identify Workers Likely to Develop Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Vol (17) 227-245.