June is National Safety Month
Week 4: Don’t Just Sit There (Focusing on Ergonomics)
Through the month of June, we are focusing on safety topics impacting people in both the occupational and non-occupational environments. The fourth topic in our series focuses on ergonomics.
Did You Know?
About 80% of the U.S. population will experience back pain issues at some point in their lives, and 31 million people will experience lower-back pain at any given time? Most of these causes are not because of serious underlying conditions, but from actions like an improper lifting technique, etc. The National Safety Council has offered several tips to prevent strains, dislocations and muscle tears.
When lifting:
- Stretch and warm up before you perform any lifting.
- Keep your back straight and bend your knees – NEVER twist or bend your back.
- Stand on solid ground with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Keep the box or object close to your body.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Limit the amount of weight you carry – separate boxes or make two trips instead of carrying more than you can handle.
- Ask for help to carry heavy, bulky or large loads.
- Keep pathways clear of tripping hazards.
Ergonomics for the home office worker
Telecommuting is an increasingly popular option to help employees maintain a better work-life balance. Convenience and flexibility are great, but don’t leave ergonomics at the office.
Make sure:
- Chairs have proper lumbar and arm support, and can be adjusted for height.
- Feet are flat on the ground or a footrest.
- The viewing distance from your eyes to the monitor is at least 18 inches.
- Your keyboard and mouse are at approximately elbow height.
- Lighting is sufficient enough that you don’t have to strain, but not too bright where glare is an issue.
- To take short breaks. Look away from your screen every 15 minutes, take microbreaks in between bursts of heavy typing and don’t forget to take a rest break every 30 to 60 minutes. Get out of your chair, stretch and move around.
By making ergonomics part of your routine at work and at home, you can keep your body free of strain and pain. We hope you enjoyed these helpful tips throughout the month.
Thank you and stay safe!
Greg, Glenn, and Your Team at Madison Insurance