NAOSH Day 2:  Office Ergonomics

Tuesday May 6, 2014

Ergono,mics 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 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.   

LIGHTING:

• 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.

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 www.naosh.ca or www.csse.org.
 

HR Services is pleased to announce Rossana Broderick as the successful candidate for the HR Manager position. Rossana will provide leadership and consultative services to ensure progressive HR practices are executed and the development of a sustainable workforce. She will aid in the formulation and implementation of policies, practices and strategies that meet the needs of the department and the College Community.

Rossana was the Manager of Human Resources and Strategy at Hydro One Brampton where she provided leadership to the organization by delivering progressive and effective HR services and solutions. She provided advice, guidance and coaching to management on all HR matters including compliance with collective agreements, and policies and employment legislation. Rossana has over 20 years' experience in Human Resources including working with unions and agent representatives; working in teams; leadership; working in collaboration with colleges; acquisitions; labour relations; compensation; and developing and improving Human Resources processes.

Rossana is a Certified Human Resources Professional designate and has her Bachelors in Sociology and Languages from the University of Toronto.

Rossana extensive experience in the many areas of Human Resources will be instrumental to our team!
 

Deb McCarthy
Vice-President, HR Services

Due to safety reasons, we are asking that when sourcing lanyard products that you purchase lanyards which have a breakaway clasp.  This clasp is mandatory due to the potential choking hazard that lanyards without the breakaway clasp presents.  If the lanyard was to ever get caught in equipment, machinery or other materials, the breakaway clasp would allow the individuals to release the clip and break free before any serious harm was caused.

Thank you for your consideration and understanding,

Purchasing Services & Sustainability
and
Health & Safety