WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS IN THE HOME
What is “ergonomics?”
- The study of people’s efficiency in their working environment
- Not just efficiency, but also comfort and extrapolated from there – safety
- Ergonomics encompasses physical, cognitive and organizational realms
Why is it important?
- Good ergonomics = Good Outcomes
- Improved efficiency
- Increased productivity
- Decreased risk of injury
- Bad ergonomics = Bad Outcomes
- Risk of injury
- Carpal tunnel, tendinopathies, back pain
- Decreased productivity
- Decreased efficiency
- Risk of injury
What are GOOD physical ergonomics?
- In summary – think of putting yourself in 90/90 positioning
- Hips and knees at the same level, feet flat on the floor
- Straight back with a chair that supports natural curve of the spine
- Elbows bent to (or slightly short of) 90*
- Computer monitor at (or slightly below) eye level and arms’ length away
- Frequent rest breaks!
What if I’m stuck working at home?
- GET CREATIVE!!
- Foot stool or empty box if working at bar height station
- Pillow, sweat shirt or towel roll if a straight back chair only option
- Books or paper reams to raise monitor
- Order a wireless keyboard for your laptop to separate monitor and keyboard
Call us if you’ve been working from home too long and something hurts!
Emily Perkins, PT, DPT, COMT – Bluffton Clinic
About Emily:
After getting my ATC, I wanted to further my education to reach a bigger patient population so I continued my schooling in order to become a PT. My favorite part of this job is getting to meet new people and learn new things every day. A fun fact about myself is I am passionate about riding, training, and working with horses and riders to help them achieve their goals.
