Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work and considers the capabilities and limits of the worker during interaction with tools, equipment, work methods, tasks, and the working environment. It is “fitting the task to the person and not the person to the task”.

 

Promoting faculty, staff, and student well-being is an essential part of maintaining an effective environmental health and safety program. Prevention of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) is an important component of that larger effort.

 

Responsibilities

Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) maintains the ergonomics program to meet in-house needs and comply with applicable regulations and standards as well as:

• Conduct ergonomic evaluations for individuals as appropriate;
• Train employees and supervisors in ergonomic concepts.

Department Managers/Supervisors
Each manager/supervisor is ultimately responsible for providing a safe work environment for their employees. Each department will be responsible for funding and providing appropriate ergonomic supplies and equipment for their employees.

Employees
It is the individual’s responsibility to follow recognized practices and information provided. Employees should alert their manager/supervisor to any potential ergonomic problems associated with the work area.

Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) administers the workers' compensation program. Employees and supervisors should fill out the Accident Report Form if an employee is injured at work. Completed forms should be send to HR and EHS as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours following the injury.

Accessibility and Disability Resources
The Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources is available to assist the campus community in providing information and assistance. More information is available here.

Medical Professionals
Medical professionals are available to conduct evaluations of employees who may suffer from work-related injuries and illnesses. Please fill out the Accident Report Form and send to HR and EHS.

 

Workstation Design

The National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends the following workstation design features:

• Viewing distance to monitor should be 16 - 27 inches;
• Viewing angle of the monitor should be 15 - 35 degrees;
• Keyboard height of 28 - 30 inches;
• Chair should be adjustable with lumbar support.

Screen Height
The top of the display screen of your monitor should be at your eye level but not higher. For individuals who wear bifocals, you may want the screen to be lower and closer. It is important to avoid awkward neck postures when viewing the screen or hardcopy documents.

Keyboard and Mouse Height
The height of the keyboard and mouse should be at the same level. The right “level” is one where you can sit with your shoulders relaxed, elbows bent (around 90 degrees), and forearms, wrists, and hands parallel to the floor. The keyboard should be at an angle that helps you maintain a “neutral” or flat position of your wrists (i.e., your wrists should not be bending up or down).

Posture Support
Chairs should support the lower back and help in avoiding pressure on the back and thighs. Your feet should rest firmly on the floor or a foot rest if necessary.

Chairs
Employees sitting in chairs, especially all day, should have a comfortable fitting, well-designed chair. The following features should be available:

• Pneumatic adjustments;
• Seat adjustable with a tilt and depth slider;
• Backrest separate from seat that is ajdustable, can tilt and lock, and has lumbar support;
• Adjustable arms with height and lateral movement;
• Various sizes with optional lengths, wider seats, and tall backs.​

Illumination/Glare

• Lighting levels in work areas will be set at the recommended levels for the specific equipment/function.
• Screen hoods and anti-glare filters can be installed upon request, but it is important to reposition your monitor as a first step to help alleviate glare problems. For example, monitors should not be positioned in front of windows.

Work-Rest Regimens

• Take frequent breaks, get up and stretch, do not remain at the computer station for long periods of time, and allow for rest.
• If you can, alternate tasks so that you are not conducting repetitive tasks (e.g., sorting, filing, or typing, etc.) for prolonged periods of time. It is important to try to alternate between the various tasks to help prevent fatigue or discomfort.

 

Back Safety

Back disorders are listed in the "top ten" leading workplace injuries published by NIOSH, accounting for approximately one quarter of nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work. Over a lifetime, 8 out of 10 people will experience a back injury and back pain. Back injuries may be painful, debilitating, and life changing.

Causes of Back Pain

• Improper lifting technique
• Picking up oversize loads
• Using back belts improperly
• Poor posture and alignment
• Awkward stretches while reaching
• Being in poor physical condition
• Static work postures

Prevention
Preventing a back injury is much easier than repairing one. Because your back is critically important to your ability to walk, sit, stand, and run, it's important to take care of it, so here are a few basic rules:

• Exercise to strengthen your back and reduce stress
• Lose excess weight
• Maintain good posture – all the time!

Some Tips
Before you lift that box, tool, or piece of equipment, take a moment to consider your action: 

• Do you need to lift the item manually?
• How heavy is it?
• Is it packed correctly?
• Is it easy to reach the load?
• Where are you moving the item from?
• Where does it have to go?
• What route do you have to follow?

When Lifting:

• Keep feet parted for stability.
• Bend at the knees, not at the waist. Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.
• Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.
• Begin slowly lifting with your LEGS by straightening them. Never twist your body during this step.
• Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible.
• Pace yourself and get help before you try to lift a heavy load.
• Use mechanical lifting devices to lift and or move heavy objects. If using a forklift or similar type device, make sure you have the appropriate training.
• Slide heavy materials rather than lifting them, if possible. Planks and rollers can make this job easier.
• Store materials at least 12 inches off the ground to minimize having to lift directly off the ground, if possible.
• Never try to catch heavy falling objects.

 

Ergonomic Evaluations

If you are symptomatic and need help in addressing your work station ergonomic concerns, please have your manager/supervisor contact EHS at ehs-staff@wellesley.edu, who will then schedule an assessment of your current work station.

An office evaluation will look at the chair, how/where you place your feet, the desk, keyboard tray and keyboard, the mouse, monitor, lighting, telephone use, and behaviors while working. Remember to take breaks, stand up, and stretch!

Suggested stretches/workout from Self Magazine

 

Ergonomic Equipment