Worksite International Blog

As the pandemic continues, technology and service workers around the country continue to work at home.

The longer they work, they are discovering how uncomfortable the desk or table used for intermittent letter writing, meals, bill paying, or web searching is inadequate for the eight to twelve hours of actual computer work.

They realize the inexpensive, big-box store, home office chair, or worse, kitchen chair, is insufficient to support excessive, prolonged sitting.

A sore back and buttocks are driving the need to stand up! The quick-fix pillow hack for support is getting old!

Recently, I had the opportunity to record my first podcast with James Crow of Posture Stars. Not only was it a lot of fun, but I was able to answer some important questions about posture. As a physical therapist and ergonomist, posture has come to mean different things to me when I observe and assess employees in the workplace. Did you know there are many kinds of postures?

Listen in to my thoughts on posture, it's significance in our daily work life and a bit of thoughtful advice for listeners. 

James asked me the following questions: 

I've come to the conclusion, it's not so easy working from home. We just aren't used to being home 24/7. Maybe you found it to be kind of boring, too?  There are only so many times you can walk between the kitchen, living room, bathroom,  bedroom and back to the kitchen! 

Now more than ever we need a home office survival guide! Working from home is not easy. It may sound like a luxury to some, but now it is a reality for many of us. If you don't have a designated office space at home, it can be a challenge. Especially with kids running around, your spouse, the dog barking and numerous other distractions. 

Where ever you settle into, make sure you follow these simple do's and don'ts along with the five steps to setting up your workstation at home. While you are protecting yourself from contracting COVID19, you also want to avoid the common ailments associated with sitting at the computer all day. Back pain, neck tension, wrist and hand soreness can all occur at home just as easily as at work.

The New Normal, At Least For Now

It's hard to say how long the COVID-19 virus will continue to change how we do business and interact. With the shutdown of significant sporting events, university closures, lights out on Broadway, and even the closure of Disneyland, we all need to batten down, at least for now. The economy is so hard hit in just a few weeks; it's like it has the Coronavirus.

This global pandemic has made it certain government is vital in managing public health. What is unclear is why some countries have responded well, and others are in chaos. It comes down to leadership, preparedness, readiness, and a systems approach-all vital components of organizational ergonomics and human factors.

Businesses tend to be reactive when it comes to employee health and safety, mostly because they don’t budget for prevention. Employers typically wait to act until after a workers’ compensation claim occurs. By then, it is too late! Not only did the employer miss the early warning signs and an opportunity to prevent the injury, now the financial implications are real. In California, the average cost of a typical seated work injury is at least $40,000 per case, according to the California Division of Workers’ Compensation.

“We all know how to do our jobs, but no one has ever taught us how to work safely and with good ergonomics." ~ Alison Heller-Ono MSPT, CPE

Employers today face an ever-changing, complex work environment. The challenges are significant, ranging from new employment laws to changing work schedules allowing employees to work from anywhere at any time to a deepening multi-generational workforce. Beyond the human aspect is the rapid advances in technology, which we all must embrace. Employers must take these factors into account as the socio-technical system of work evolves, becoming more complicated into the next decade.

Every employer has employees exposed to ergonomic risk factors in the workplace. Whether it is repetitive motion, awkward postures or forceful exertion, all employees face these primary risk factors. These are the most common precursors to a work injury.

Help any employee who uses a computer with these 5 simple steps to set up an office ergonomic workstation. The steps are easy. Start first with establishing neutral posture in the chair with your feet on the floor or footrest. Then progress to keyboard and mouse placement (keyboard tray), followed by desk height adjustment as able, then monitor height, and lastly, organize everything else within easy reach.

Good ergonomics takes practice. Whether sitting or standing, follow the five steps every day to make them a habit! Print out the infographic below and tack it to your cubical panel or somewhere convenient where everyone can see it.

Under Federal Law, there are currently no regulations mandating ergonomics training for employees. However, there are OSHA standards in hazard awareness explicitly requiring employers to train employees in safe and healthy work practices. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors is a known hazard for many jobs. So, it makes sense to educate employees on how these exposures could impact them or cause a musculoskeletal disorder, and how they can minimize the risks.