Environmental Health & Safety

Safe Work Practices

Neutral body positioning refers to a comfortable working posture which one's joints are naturally aligned. Working from a relaxed posture with all frequently used items within an easy reach reduces stress on the muscles, tendons, and skeletal system. Conversely, awkward postures should be avoided because they will increase strain on the body and can lead to discomfort.

Frequent Breaks and Change

Frequent breaks and change are recommended to provide recovery time during highly repetitive tasks. As an operator works on a given task, they will tend to rely on one posture and specific muscle groups; this subjects their body to the same strain throughout an activity. By varying tasks and postures, an operator will give their body a chance to recover from what they were doing before. It is recommended that an operator work on a specific task for no more than one hour without taking a five-minute break. It is not necessary to stop working; though, spending a few minutes on something else will help avoid fatigue and discomfort.

Shorter, more frequent breaks can be as effective as longer, less frequent breaks. The 20/20/20 rule: Every twenty minutes, stop working, and look at something twenty feet away for twenty seconds. This will help the eyes and upper body to relax.

It is important to keep ergonomic principles in consideration even when away from work. If you have a home office, make sure that it facilitates a healthy work environment, and be aware of activities that may be causing unhealthy levels of strain and repetitive motion.

Living a healthy lifestyle strengthens the body and will generally increase capacity, helping to avoid fatigue and discomfort.

Critical thinking and problem solving are key to working comfortably. Workers are in the best position to implement ergonomic knowledge, procedures, and changes to improve their work environment, so active participation of the individual is highly encouraged.