Humber College is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Key to maintaining this commitment is Humber employees’ awareness and observation of their responsibilities as outlined in section four (4), page four (4) of Humber’s Human Rights Policy. Humber employees’ are required to:

1. Foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and rights of each individual;
2. Familiarize themselves with Humber’s policies, procedures and practices and exhibit the appropriate behavior for dealing with human rights;
3. Prevent, report and discourage discrimination and harassment by others; and
4. Participate in ongoing professional development education and training that may enhance their ability to act in an anti-discriminatory manner. 

The College has the right, as well as the legal and moral responsibility, to ensure that all its members are treated fairly, equitably, and respectfully.

The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity | HR Services is available to all employees to provide support and advice in the area of human rights. If you suspect that an issue you are dealing with in the classroom or in your department is human rights related, please contact Nancy Simms, Director, Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity for a quick consultation at nancy.simms@humber.ca or 416.675.6622 ext. 4425.

For more information on Humber’s Human Rights Policy visit: humber.ca/policies/human-rights-policy

Peer Programs, now known as Peer Assisted Learning Support, has moved to the Learning Resource Commons, Third Floor.

We invite you all to visit us in our new space and check out our website humber.ca/learningresources

Ergonomics is fitting the task to the employee.  It is aimed at ensuring that equipment, tools, and job tasks are properly designed and/or arranged to minimize the risk of injury, to reduce discomfort and to promote efficiency.

Many Humber staff use computers regularly throughout the day.  Sitting for extended periods of time at a computer workstation in poorly designed/adjusted equipment, and in awkward postures can introduce a number of ergonomic risk factors that can lead to musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, as well as eye strain.

Please review the following general office ergonomics guidelines as they relate to your own computer workstation:

CHAIR:

• Chair height should allow your feet to rest flat on the floor or on a foot rest, with your thighs roughly parallel to the floor.
• There should be about two inches of space between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
• You should be able to maintain contact between your back and the chair’s backrest while working on the computer to allow proper back support.

KEYBOARD/MOUSE POSITION: 

• Your elbows should be bent at about a 90 degree angle when your fingers are on the home row of the keyboard, with your upper arms hanging naturally from your shoulders.
• When using a mouse, your wrist should be in a neutral position.
• The mouse should be located beside the keyboard, and you should be able to move it freely on the work surface.

MONITOR AND WORKSTATION:

• Position the monitor about an arm’s length away; and the top of the monitor should be at, or slightly below, eye level.
• Regularly used equipment, such as a phone or files, should be located within an arm’s reach.
• When computer work requires entering information from source documents, document holders should be located beside the screen and on the same plane.
• There should be adequate leg-room under the desk. 
• Too much or too little light, or glare on the screen can have an impact on your eyes.
• Task specific lighting and appropriate brightness settings on the computer itself are important to consider.

Lighting

• Remember to vary your posture and tasks throughout the day to reduce fatigue and discomfort. To obtain further information, or to fill out our Office Ergonomics Self-Assessment Checklist, click here.

Thank you for reviewing this information.  Tomorrow’s message will focus on Slips, Trips and Falls, and remember that Friday’s message will offer the opportunity to win prizes!
HR Services | Health and Safety Services
NAOSH Week is led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE).
More information about NAOSH Week can be found at naosh.ca or csse.org.