EH&S Fall Newsletteer 2011 - UCLA - Environment, Health & Safety

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Discomfort at one’s workstation is common in today’s
workplace. Discomfort can be a result of various factors,
including a poorly designed station or simply from sitting for
too long. These tips can help relieve some discomfort while
not interfering with your general workflow:
1. Avoid overreaching. Keep
frequently used items (e.g., phone,
stapler and favorite pens) within a
relaxed arms reach.
2. Give your eyes a rest. Use
the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes,
focus on something 20 feet away
(e.g., a spot on the wall) for 20
seconds. This will allow you to relax
your eyes and give you a much
needed break from staring at your
monitor.
3. Avoid static postures. Try
not to sustain any given posture for more than 5 minutes.
Readjust yourself in your chair. Lower and raise your chair
and back angle a bit throughout the day to ensure different
postures. If your chair has the ability to do so, put your chair
in rocking mode and adjust the tension so you are in the
control of the rock. If you raise your chair, make sure not
to raise it too much so you don’t put too much pressure on
legs.
fact
Workplace Ergonomic Tips
Training & Outreach News
www.ehs.ucla.edu
News and Notes
4. Learn how your equipment works and
adjusts. Learn the various adjustments available on
your chair, keyboard tray and desk. If in doubt of how your
workstation or the items in it should be adjusted, contact the
Injury Prevention Division of EH&S for assistance.
5. Get up! Work at a reasonable
pace and take frequent stretch
breaks. Take 1 or 2 minute breaks
every 20-30 minutes, and 5 minute
breaks every hour. Try fielding
phone calls while standing up. Walk
over and deliver a message to your
co-worker instead of sending an
email. User a printer that makes
it necessary for you to leave your
workstation to retrieve your print job.
Most importantly, get up and move!
6. Install break reminder
software. UCLA currently has a license for the use of
repetitive stress injury software for all UCLA employees. You
can download the program online.
For more in depth information on these tips and more please
visit www.ergonomics.ucla.edu or email injuryprevention@.
ucla.edu.
(310) 825-9797 | www.ehs.ucla.edu
online Lab Safety Fundamental Concepts refresher
(310) 825-9797 | www.ehs.ucla.edu
EH&S News and Notes Editorial Staff
Editorial Staff: Estey Theriault, Karin Wasler
Contributors: Randy Sauser, Daniel Sifuentes, James Gibson, Estey
Theriault
Comments or suggestions? Please contact Estey Theriault at
x45654 or etheriault@ehs.ucla.edu.