Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a pretentious word that basically means this: The practice of creating a workspace that’s safe and comfortable. While reading up on all that the word entails, I found out that it could be worse. I saw words like biotechnology, human engineering, human factors engineering, peppered all over the articles. I’ll stick with Ergonomics.

It all boils down to striving to make your work area as comfortable, healthy and safe as possible. You want the conditions to be conducive to your well-being rather than unconducive, productive rather than counter-productive.

One of the biggest concerns in the workplace today is the crop of nasty repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, that can plague those of us who work from the computer. Personally, I feel it more in my elbow and shoulder, leading me to believe that I have a totally freakish approach.

Here are a few tricks and ideas that should help us out. After all, the tennis courts (or golf courses) will be calling soon, and we have to be in top condition!

Position the lower portion of your back against your chair’s backrest and adjust the chair so that your torso and thighs make a 90 to 120 degree angle. Both feet should be on the floor. (I already blew it, I actually sit on one leg and my back is nowhere near the back of my chair.)
When typing, your elbows should be at your side, with your arms at a 90 to 120 degree angle and your shoulders should be relaxed. If you can’t lower your keyboard, raise your chair and use a footrest.
Arrange everything on your desk so that the things you reach for the most (stapler, mouse, phone, coffee) are nearby.
Don’t work with your body twisted. Be sure your computer is directly in front of you and keep the keyboard and monitor aligned while typing.
Position the top of your computer screen level with your line of sight – straight ahead.
Use a headset or speakerphone instead of cradling a phone between your jaw and shoulder. This will keep you from straining your neck. It’ll also free your hands up to get work done while on hold….or while bored with the person on the other end.

After reading all of those, it’s a wonder I can even move – I pretty much break every rule! I’m literally sitting right now sideways in my chair with my legs folded up “Indian style.” But at 5′3″, the whole sit back with feet on the floor scenario is a stretch – literally. Maybe a pillow behind the back or a footrest would help…..if I don’t straighten up I’ll be asking for a whole world of pain.

How about you – How pretty are you sitting?

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