Ergonomics for Office Environments
Every year, hundreds of thousands of workers are diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs. Understanding how to recognize and reduce the stress on your body from your daily work environment will help greatly reduce the likelihood of developing an MSD. This course discusses MSD prevention techniques in office environments as well as home and mobile work environments, examples of awkward postures and positions, proper lifting technique, workstation setup, work habits, and stretches. Following the tips and guidelines illustrated in this course will reduce your chances of suffering from an MSD and help you have a healthy, productive work experience.
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Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define what a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is
- Identify the causal risk factors of MSDs
- Describe how to apply proper lifting techniques
- Identify the signs and symptoms of MSDs and learn how to prevent them from occurring
- Describe proper workstation design strategies
- Identify at-risk habits at both the workplace and away from work
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What is a musculoskeletal disorder?
An injury or illness that affects the nerves, tendons, muscles, and/or supporting structure of the body. These are known as MSDs and often occur at the workplace.
What is ergonomics?
The science of fitting the workplace to the worker, instead of the worker to the workplace, to reduce the risk of MSDs.
What are MSD risk factors?
Motion-based activities, the physical work environment, and social and psychological factors.
What are some motion-based risk factors for MSDs?
Awkward postures and positions, forceful exertions, repetitive motions, duration of exertion, vibration, and contact stress.
What are some MSD symptoms?
Muscle aches; sudden, stabbing pain; weak, numb, burning, and/or tingling sensations; cramping; and stiffness.
What can be done to reduce MSK risk factors when sitting at an office desk?
Properly arrange the work area, desk, chair, computer monitor, mouse, keyboard, and lighting; use good sitting posture; practice safe lifting techniques when lifting.
Sample Video Transcript
Many jobs in office environments require workers to sit at workstations, for extended periods of time. Working with an awkward posture or position during this time, can increase stress on your hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and back. Examples of awkward postures and positions commonly assumed during office work include standing or sitting with your back rounded or your shoulders slouched. Bending your wrists when using the keyboard. Holding your elbows away from your body, overextending your arms while typing, and making long reaches for office supplies. In addition to potentially causing MSDs, working in an awkward posture or position can cause increased fatigue and decreased productivity throughout the workday.
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Safety and Health Topics – https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/
- OSHA eTools – https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/oshasoft/index.html
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – www.cdc.gov/niosh/
- NIOSH Workplace Safety & Health Topics – http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/
Course Applies To
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