Title: Ergonomics

Author:

Section/SPIG: Health Administration

Issue Date:

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers advice on ergonomics. Ergonomics is "a discipline that involves arranging the environment to fit the person in it." Get an ergonomics primer and information on computer workstation, laboratory and industrial ergonomics. Visit <www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/ergonomics/compergo.htm>.

Helpful hints from the site regarding your work area include: use a headset for lengthy or frequent telephone work; the area underneath the desk should always be clean/uncluttered to accommodate the user’s legs and allow for stretching; when performing daily tasks, alternate between sitting and standing or take small walking breaks throughout the day. (A good reminder is to take a 10 minute break every hour and stretch and walk around). Other sections provide monitor, keyboard and mouse suggestions, advice on lighting, work habits - and give you many details on how to use laptops appropriately.