Ergonomics in the Office and Laboratory
Current research indicates that static posture may be a more significant risk factor than repetitive motion. Our muscles were designed to work actively, pumping blood through them to bring in oxygen and removing the waste products formed when calories are burned. When muscles are tightened, they restrict blood flow.
Take a short test. Find an object that weighs a few pounds. Repeatedly lift and lower that object as if you were lifting weights. Most people have no problem doing this activity for several minutes. Now take that same weight and hold it up stationary at arm’s length. Notice how rapidly muscle fatigue occurs! Far less actual work was done, but it was static muscle use work that our bodies are not designed to perform!
Our forearm supports, (Morency Rests) were initially developed to help get injured individuals back to work. They dramatically reduce muscle activity in the neck and shoulders, increasing blood flow and dramatically reducing fatigue, discomfort, and pain. Improved posture, neutral wrist positioning, and supported upper extremities dramatically improve comfort while reducing risk of injury. We manufacture products for varied applications and the size of the individual, making us unique in today’s ergonomic market.
You can go from this…
To feeling like this!
Or go from this…
To this!
Working Posture Recommendation Summary
• Monitor at or below eye level
• Wrists straight
• Forearms supported
• Back supported
• Forearms parallel to the floor
• Thighs parallel to the floor
• Feet on the floor or a footrest
Monitor Height and Position
The position of your head and neck is very important to comfortable computer use because your blood must flow through the neck and shoulders to get to your arm muscles that are doing the work.
• Your monitor should be directly in front of you.
• Monitor height should be adjusted so that the top row of characters on the screen is at or slightly below eye height. If you wear bifocals or trifocals, a lower position is required depending on your lenses.
• The monitor should be 18 to 28 inches from your eyes. (About at arm’s length away).
Your Chair
Your chair is one of the most important aspects of a good ergonomic work station. Adjust your chair to properly support your body.
• Adjust chair height so that your forearms are parallel to the floor. Both feet should be flat on the floor or footrest and your thighs parallel to the floor.
• Adjust the back support so that the seat back’s curve is in the curve of the lower back. Use a towel or lumbar pad if your chair does not provide adequate support.
• Adjust the backrest for seat pan clearance. You should be able to place 2 or 3 fingers between the back of your knees and the front edge of the seat.
Stretching and Breaks
Your body was designed to perform a variety of tasks while actively using your muscles. Sustained muscle activity (like holding your arms up to type) robs the muscles of life-giving blood flow. It is very important to actively stretch during breaks to flush out toxins that build up in the muscles that were used for sustained posture.
The following body areas typically need stretching or relaxation exercises after computer use.
• Neck
• Hands and Wrists
• Upper Back and Shoulders
• Lower Back
• Eyes
• Legs
Talk to your company nurse or a physical or occupational Therapist for the proper stretching exercises for you.
Change Positions
The positions outlined here are nominal points! Adjust chair height, back support, and seat pan tilt slightly throughout the workday. Slight posture changes will vary muscles that are required to hold static posture. Your comfort will be improved and the onset of fatigue delayed.