Occupational health and safety: Ergonomic working arrangements

Occupational health and safety: 

Ergonomic working arrangements

Having an understanding about ergonomics can help you be more comfortable when using the computer. Library patrons are encouraged to take regular breaks to reduce stress on their body and minimise the chance of injuries resulting from awkward positions and repetitive tasks.

 

Employ Health. (2023). The imporance of ergonomics at work.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMICS AT WORK - Employ Health - Proactive Workplace Health

Workstation design and set-up should be suitable for the type of multimedia equipment to be used. Some general aspects of workstation design to consider are:

·         Height of seat - Height adjustable chairs provided for library patrons need to be safe and easy to operate.  Adjust the height of the seat so that your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are horizontal to the ground.

·        Backrest - Modify the backrest to support the natural curve of your lower back. Adjust the backrest until it applies a comfortable pressure on the lower back while sitting. Make sure your shoulders are positioned behind your hips.

·         Work surface - The working surface should be clear of clutter to allow space for documents or reference materials

Western Sydney University. (2017). WHS Fact Sheet – Ergonomics. 

WHS_Fact_Sheet_-_Ergonomics.pdf (westernsydney.edu.au)

·     Primary zone -  To maintain proper posture, arrange the workspace so that the mouse and keyboard are on a flat surface, directly infront of you, about 10 to 15 cm from the egde of the desk in the primary zone.

·     Keyboard -     Make sure the keyboard is placed flat on the desk surface. Position the keyboard close to the front edge of the desk, leaving ample space for wrist and forearm support within the primary zone.

·     Mouse - Position the mouse beside the keyboard, adjacent to your dominant hand, utilise keyboard shortcuts to minimise excessive or repetitive mouse usage.

·     Document holder -     Prevent overstretching while typing. Refrain from putting documents between yourself and the keyboard; instead consider using a document holder to keep the keyboard within optimal reach. Place the document holder in a similar position to the monitor screen so you can comfortably glance between the two.

·       Computer screen -   Position the computer screen at arm’s length from the user within the third zone. Place the screen in a way that the top of the monitor is level with, or slightly below eye level when sitting upright.

·       Take regular breaks -  Design work to minimise prolonged seated positions. Ensure the office chair allows for easy access so that user can safely step away regularly.

The library has a responsibility to provide a space with appropriate furniture (like chairs and desks) and multimedia equipment (such as a computers, monitors, keyboards and mouse) all of which should be correctly set-up by library staff. Periodically conducting self-assessments of workstation ergonomics can reveal potential health and safety risks within the work environment. This process allows for necessary adjustments, and if required, replacement of furniture and multimedia equipment.