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This training program aims to prevent injuries in office workers through correct manual handling and workstation adjustments. Learn common problems, proper posture, chair features, computer setup, MSD awareness, and safe manual handling techniques. Discover risk management strategies, including hazard identification and equipment optimization.
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OFFICE ERGONOMICS TRAINING Sue Smith BScGradDipOTMSafScMMgt
Aims • Understand injury prevention strategies for office workers including correct manual handling and workstation adjustment • Be able to apply these principles to the workplace
Why do I ache? • Common reasons for musculoskeletal discomfort: • Posture • Repetitive or constrained postures • Twisting, bending • Overreaching • Fitness • Lack of flexibility • Pre-existing problems
Other common causes of problems • Glare and lighting causing eye discomfort, strain or headaches • Poor working environment due to noise, poor air quality or uncomfortable temperatures • Eyesight problems
What posture are we trying to achieve at work? • Relaxed • Symmetrical • Upright
Common office chair features & adjustments • Seat height • Back rest height • Lumbar support • Seat tilt • Arm rests
Computer monitor • Eye level approximately at top edge of the screen • Distance to avoid eye strain • Monitor options • Laptop computers
Desktop layout • Regularly used items placed within comfortable reach:
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) • MSD are associated with repetitive, sustained, unnatural or forceful movements: The Don’ts • Prolonged and intense keyboard or mouse use • High demands on vision • Sustained mental effort • Peak demands or set work rates The Do’s: • Change posture at frequent intervals • Don’t key all day • Give yourself mini breaks • Practice gentle stretching at work
Manual handling is any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object. National Occupational Health & Safety Commission
Risk management • Hazard identification • Risk assessment • Risk control • Review
Risk Control • Change the load / task • Equipment • Work organisation • Work environment • Correct lifting techniques • Posture awareness & personal fitness
Change the load • Compact • Stable • Lighter • Easy to grip • Able to be held close to the body
Equipment • Trolleys • Hoists • Adjustable work surfaces • Ergonomic tools • Power assisted • Hydraulic
Work organisation • Staffing levels • Availability of equipment • Work schedules • Shift work • Pace of work • Task variety • Rest breaks
Work environment • Adjust the temperature • Storage in lifting zones • Housekeeping • Adequate lighting • No slip flooring
Personal Fitness • Nutrition • Aerobic exercise • Stretches/warm-ups • Sleep
Correct lifting principles • Think before you lift • Keep the load close • Adopt a stable position • Moderate flexion of back, hips and knees • Secure hold • Avoid twisting, stooping & squatting • Keep head up • Move smoothly