Workplace injuries are not exclusive to those who wear hardhats. At the same time, ergonomics isn’t just something for office workers. One of the issues facing today’s workforce is the risk of a repeated strain injury (RSI). As the workplace migrates to a digital future, businesses rely more and more on machines to perform dangerous tasks that used to be performed by humans, but employees mustn’t forget that safety still comes first as they move from the factory floor to the office.
Here at the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we think ergonomic awareness is a necessity for today’s evolving workforce. So, in the infographic below we’ve provided a few tips to stay safe and avoid RSIs. Once reviewed, continue reading below as we discuss each tip.
- Sit correctly in your chair! Posture isn’t just something for those of us who are on our feet. It’s easy to arch your back, lean on your hand or slouch. But whether you’re driving or typing, a good rule of thumb is to make sure your ears, shoulders and hips are aligned to avoid the long-term consequences of back strain.
- Stand correctly! Whether you’re a line cook in a busy kitchen or the guy who didn’t get a seat at the meeting, it is important to remember that standing symmetrically will go a long way in preventing RSIs. Distribute your bodyweight evenly and achieve perfect standing symmetry by making sure your feet are comfortable in the front, back and on the sides.
- Move around every time you get the chance. Obviously, someone driving a truck across the country can’t afford to pull over every half hour and stretch for two minutes, but he or she should stretch and walk around every time the opportunity presents itself. The same thing goes for office workers; it’s a good idea to get up and move around for two minutes every half hour to prevent RSIs.
- Wrist positioning can go a long way in preventing issues like carpal tunnel and arthritis. You know you’re doing the right thing if your wrists are resting naturally, meaning they’re not bent up or down.
- Positioning is often overlooked. It’s important to make sure things you use most often are within your reach. Avoid stretching to grab something; keep those coffee cups, staplers and writing utensils at arm’s length to prevent RSIs.
Sound ergonomics applies to the truck driver just as much as the IT geek. Those of us nestled tightly in one place for long periods of time would be wise to take advantage of ergonomic philosophy. The last thing anyone needs is a sudden injury that happens because of long-term unsound ergonomics. If you’re in Georgia and you have suffered an RSI, you should consider contacting a professional like Darwin F. Johnson, a workman’s comp lawyer serving Atlanta, Savannah and Macon.
The post Using Ergonomics to Prevent Workplace Injury appeared first on The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson.