Ergonomics at Monash

Ergonomics may mean different things to different people. One of the better definitions is “…fitting the job to the worker and not the worker to the job….adapting workstations, tools, equipment and job practices to be compatible with the individual worker and thus reduce the risk of injury due to risk factors.” (www.workriteergo.com/ergonomics/glossary.asp)

It is therefore not just providing ergonomic furniture that is important but also the fitting which has the most impact. A large portion of injuries at Monash can be attributed to ergonomic or manual handling causes. When setting up your workstation it is important to ensure that the following are adjusted correctly.

Chair Lumbar support
Chair height and tilt angle
Screen height and depth
Arms when typing are parallel to the desk
Most frequently used apparatus are close at hand without needing to heavily twist or reach.

For those in passive roles, who type or sit for long periods it is advisable to take regular posture breaks, this with some gentle stretching gives your body a chance to realign itself. The following may help you take breaks more often:

Use a printer away from your desk.
Drinking water through the day.
Use the alarm function in your calendar as a reminder.

Posture breaks don’t have to be long and they can also increase productivity as you come back feeling a little more energised and less likely to become injured.

If you require more information please go to the Guideline links below or contact the Occupational Health and Safety Office 51016 or Consultant for assistance