WORKPLACE WELLNESS AND ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.
Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.
KSU Workstation Evaluations for Ergonomics
Injuries due to improper use of workstations can occur at Kansas State University. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety has trained personnel who can evaluate workstations for proper ergonomic design. For a fee, the staff will make recommendations to requesting departments to correct workstations.
Do you have ideas for this site or for a program in the department? Send your comments, feedback and ideas to LiveWell@ksre.ksu.edu.
KSRE Safety Coordinator Mitch Ricketts gave a talk about ergonomics and workplace wellness. Here's some highlights from the one-hour brownbag lunch:
1) When at your desk, it's important to work with your
- feet flat on the floor or a footrest (not dangling);
- upper arm hanging vertically;
- lower arm and wrist even with work surface;
- lumbar supporting the lower back; and
- eye level at the top of the monitor.
2) Avoid repetitive stress and tendonitis problems by varying your movements.
3) Stretch your muscles, even while sitting at your work station. Areas to work on include the neck, shoulders, shoulder-blades, lower back and wrists. Get up from your desk regularly and move about.
Click here for a site listing stretching suggestions
MORE WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS SUGGESTIONS
Check out these links for more information: