Office Ergonomics
Do you leave work at the end of the day in pain? If so, contact your departmental WEC representative. They can help you create a comfortable work area. We are lucky to have WEC reps and a Dean who supports our ergonomic efforts. I was in another department on campus for 15 years and the word "ergonomics" never came up.
As a WEC representative, I was fortunate enough to attend the annual ergonomic conference in Dallas over Spring Break. While there, I had the opportunity to attend numerous classes and learn more about the ergonomics field.
Here are some things you can do for yourself:
- Make sure you get up and stretch every hour. It does not have to be a 15 minute work out.
- Stand up at your work area and clasp your fingers together and stretch your arms upward and then from side to side.
- Roll your shoulders forward and back a couple of times.
- Sitting for too long can cause the tissues in your back to die or break down which causes pain. So when you need to get that notebook, which is on the shelf behind you, do not turn in your chair and reach for it—stand up and pull it off the shelf.
- It is very important to sit all the way back in your chair so your back is supported by the back of the chair. Watch yourself; it is easy to start leaning forward.
- Make sure your legs are at an angle and supported, not bent straight at the knees which cuts of circulation to the bottom of your legs and can lead to blood clots.
- This sounds silly but it is also very important to make sure you breathe. Take some deep breaths and exhale slowly. The more oxygen you breathe in, the more gets in your blood stream. This will help you relax too.
It is vital that you listen to your body. We spend a lot of time at work, so it is important that you have a work area that supports safe postures. WEC has the resources to make your work area comfortable. If you are experiencing discomfort when working, contact your WEC representative. They are waiting to help you.
Current WEC Representatives:
Nicholas Kelly—ILS/Doc.Del/Distance Learning/Access Services
Francia Cagle—WCL/PSEL
Mary Devrow, Vice Chair—Systems
Connie Forman—Acquisitions
Nora Guerra—Ref & Maps
Bea Hartsfield—Cataloging
Tina Budzise-Weaver—Cushing
Debbie Hightower—Admin/HR/Bus. Ops
Jill Lanham—Cataloging Alternate
Sherry McKenzie—TDS
Carol Oplinger—Cataloging
Bob Perez, Chair—EdMS/Gifts
Francis Alvarado—Acquisitions
Larry Reynolds—Reserves
For more information on ergonomics, visit TDS's Ergonomics page on the Intranet.
Graphics from:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. "Stretching At the Workstation." Office Ergonomics Safety Guide, 4th Edition (2001).
Adams, Chris. "Guide to Setting Up an Ergonomic Computer Station."