Ergonomics / Workplace Assessment?

I am very passionate about Ergonomics in the Workplace and the benefits it can bring to individuals overall health and wellbeing.

The current thinking around more activity bases working modules has created a desire to work in differently.  What does this mean?  How could it work for you?  Is it the right fit for your company?  I can give you an independent view on the various models I have seen working, without committing you to a consultation process that could be expensive.

A new chair is not always the cause of a sore back or shoulder.  How you are working at your desk can have just as much impact on how you feel at the end of the day. There are some simple formulas that can be applied to help.

Purchasing the right equipment is important to help prevent injury and assist any recovery as one size does not fit all.

I have 25 years Industry experience with a sound knowledge and understanding of Ergonomics in the Workplace.

PROCESS:

  1. Survey all staff to gauge current levels of discomfort and interest
  2. Organise Group Awareness Meeting – ½ hour mini seminar
  3. Identify those at risk ie. Currently experiencing some level of discomfort
  4. Individual assessments for those that need help, now!
  5. Include workstation assessment for new staff as part of orientation
  6. Introduce regular site visits – arranged with HR by department

OUTCOME:

  1. Reduce current levels of discomfort
  2. Educate for ‘Prevention rather than Cure’
  3. Understand what products to purchase and why

Generally speaking, the more adjustable features you have, the easier it will be to fit you. How you adjust your equipemnt is entirely based on what is adjustable.

Cost for Sue Boyne to provide this service is on an hourly basis of $95.00 + gst per hour.

1. Elbows – Above the desk, at 90-110 degrees.   2. Shoulders – Relaxed as opposed to hunched.   3. Wrists – In line with forearms.   4. Hips, Knees, Ankles – At 90 degrees whilst seated.   5. Feet – Flat on the ground or footrest. For prolonged standing consider a mat.   6. Head – Upright with ears aligned with shoulders.   7. Eyes – Looking at the top third of screen. Consider the use of a laptop raiser.   8. Seat Length – Should be long enough for support beneath thighs.   9. Back Rest – Angled at 90-110 degrees with adequate support in line with lower back.   10. Keyboard & Mouse – G & H of keyboard aligned with your nose. Mouse gripped loosely.   11. Laptop – Used with a raiser, external keyboard and external mouse.

Hazard Management:

Many opportunities exist for staff to deviate from safe work practices and expose themselves to risk of injury. Daily work patterns and repetitive habits are formed from previous experiences and can lay the foundations for a gradual process injury. More often than not the risks are oblivious to the staff member whose attention is on achieving the performance requirements of their job.
Staff can often harbour computer health safety issues such as hand and wrist pain leading to RSI, OOS and carpal tunnel. An important feature of the Workplace Assessment (WA) is that the attention is placed on the staff member and their immediate workstation. While they may be provided with a so called ergonomic chair and ergonomic workstation, the chances are…

  • The end user has not been trained and so has limited ergonomics understanding
  • The Accounts Dept. does not comprehend the equation…’Good Ergonomics = Good Economics’
  • The Purchasing Dept. may rely on ‘well meaning’ furniture sales reps to provide non-compliant work place assets
  • The WA can easily identify potential hazards and offer solutions to minimise risk. This is a one on one interview conducted in an empathetic manner.
  • The course of the WA is mostly structured, however the questions posed can identify aspects of the job which have not been analysed to any depth yet impact on productivity. These insights can lead to better understanding of systems on offer solutions for improvement issues.
  • Conducted as a verbal interview, baseline data is recorded and if a written report is required a concise written report is provided at extra cost

Cost for Sue Boyne to provide this service is on an hourly basis of $95.00 + gst per hour.

Who Should use this service?

  • Employers/Managers who suspect a staff member may be experiencing discomfort
  • Employers/Managers considering the purchase of new office furniture or computer upgrade
  • Employers / Managers planning to redesign or implement new systems and procedures
  • Clients who commission the design of a new workstation (plant)
  • Architects and Designers wanting Ergonomics Compliance Benefits
  • Employers / Managers are actively interested in staff well being
  • Staff members able to air concerns to an independent third party
  • Early reporting of discomfort will speed recovery
  • Simple tips learnt can immediately improve conditions
  • Expose opportunities for systems improvement
  • Purchase decisions can be made with confidence-
  • OSH & ACC compliance obligations met

Let me help you and your staff!

I can help you or your staff alleviate pain and discomfort by checking the engineering of how you are standing or sitting is geared to help you. Too often our desks are too high or low making it impossible to have good posture.

Cost for Sue Boyne to provide this service is on an hourly basis of $95.00 + gst per hour.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP, said: ‘The impact of the working environment on office workers’ health is all too often overlooked by employers.” ‘What is very clear from the research is that the way you work and the equipment you use has a major impact, not just on your workplace health, but on your wider health too. ‘On a daily basis I see many patients suffering particularly from back pain, and I ask routinely about workplace set-up because I know the consequences of poor posture and spending long periods sitting or standing in the wrong position.’