er·go·nom·ics
noun plural but singular or plural in construction \er-go-na-miks\
: a science that deals with designing and arranging things so that people can use them easily and safely.
In the year 2000 I took my first office job. For 13 years I sat at a desk in a chair and looked at a computer monitor. I love my job, but until recently I didn’t realize how much sitting at a desk can impact your body. I mean it’s not a physical job. Right?
I thought so until a recent visit to the chiropractor. They told me that looking at my monitor all day could lead to neck pain and over a period of time could get worse. OH NO! That leads me to this point.
We have all heard the term Ergonomics used over and over. Agencies spend countless dollars and have entire teams that make sure the work environment is “Ergonomically” correct. But what can smaller agency and its employees do to make sure their environment and their health is protected in the workplace? Do you do this?
Here are some simple things every person can do to keep it safe in the workplace:
- Keep your computer monitor at eye level
- Wear a headset instead of holding the phone to the ear.
- Get up out of your chair once an hour and walk around the building.
- Use a wrist rest to make sure you are protected
- Try sitting on a Yoga ball instead of a chair. It will improve your posture.
Most importantly make sure you take care of yourself in your agency environment. We have gone from a society of physical laborers to sitting at a desk for most of our day or watching TV. We have to make sure we do everything we can to stay happy and healthy.