Avoiding Injury At Work
According to the The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents workstation related illnesses cost UK businesses on average £1,000 per sufferer.
This is despite the fact that ergonomic accessories designed to protect both employees and employers start from as little as £10.
In an effort to highlight how even the simplest of solutions can help prevent the 4.7 million working days lost in Great Britain due to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) each year, UKOS supply partner Fellowes has launched a micro site that contains information and advice from Louise Shipley, their in-house ergonomic expert, on how everyone’s work space can be made safer.
All of the solutions highlighted in the micro site such as TFT/LCD Screen Protectors, Back Supports, Transparent Crystal Gel Wrist supports and Microban™ Adjustable Foot Rests can be found in the UKOS A-Z+ catalogue.
Of course you should always seek professional help to avoid long term damage and possible injury but in summary Louise advises the following:
Ergonomic Tips To Protect The Eyes
- Position monitor so eyes are level with top of the monitor frame. Adjust the height of your monitor by using a monitor riser
- Avoid leaning towards the monitor
- Viewing distance should be about 45-91cm away from the screen
- Reduce screen glare, brightness and minimise light reflection by using a screen filter
Ergonomic Tips To Protect Neck and Shoulders
- Position monitor so eyes are level with top of the monitor frame. Adjust the height of your monitor by using a monitor riser
- Avoid leaning towards the monitor
- Viewing distance should be about 45-91cm away from the screen
- Reduce screen glare, brightness and minimise light reflection by using a screen filter
Ergonomic Tips To Protect The Back
- Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time
- Utilise a well positioned lumbar / back support
- Maintain correct body posture by keeping thighs parallel to the floor
Ergonomic Tips To Protect Forearms, Wrists and Hands
- Avoid bending hands up at the wrist when typing, (wrists should remain at a similar height to the keyboard and mouse)
- Forearms should always be parallel to the floor
- The bottom of the elbow should also be level with the home row of the keyboard
- Always use a gel keyboard wrist rest and mouse pad wrist rest for comfortable use
- Always use a separate keyboard with a laptop
Ergonomic Tips To Protect Legsand Feet
- Ensure adequate space from the back of the knee to the seat pan (minimum of 50mm)
- Wherever possible avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time
- Use correct seat height. Thighs should be parallel with the floor, feet flat and knees level with the hips
Environment Protection Tips
- Regular cleaning of all office equipment kills germs, eliminates static, improves screen clarity and keeps workstations dust and dirt free
- Ensure that the temperature is at a comfortable level
- Workstations should be well lit without glare or reflections
