Work wise to work healthy

SHORT of conjuring images of a stifling work environment, work place ergonomics essentially refers to adopting work styles or posture at work that prevent debilitating side effects on health. Any kind of occupation carries with it a host of health problems, especially over an extended period of time. Sedentary work is no defense against the incapacitating side effects of incorrect posture and uncomfortable furniture at the workplace.

Spacing, distance, posture and the seating arrangement in an establishment is just as important as recruiting the right people for the right jobs. Musculoskeletal problems are a common result of long hours spent in a particular sitting position. Obesity, poor dietary habits and addictions like smoking are some other causes for these problems.

Ergonomics is the science of tailoring jobs to suit individuals. Most organisations are not aware of the importance of adopting a suitable assemblage of furniture appropriate for a particular job. The long-standing benefits of this can prove to be a blessing in disguise for the work force of an organisation.

Stress is another contributory factor to induce workplace injury. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are the resultant effects. Unachievable goals and punishing standards of performance, problems at home and reduced level of fitness are some of the other causes that heighten the chances of developing RSI and MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders).

Inviting trouble

* According to a study, individuals on an average spend 2000 hours every year working.

* Continuous exposure to adverse working conditions can result in momentary pain or long-term injury. Increased use of computer keyboards have caused problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and related problems like tendinitis, trigger finger, hand-arm vibration disease, deQuervain's disease, and myalgia, which are a part of disorders known as cumulative trauma disorders.

A word in time...

Stressors at work must be brought to the notice of the employer immediately. Early intervention can involve work, medical and task analyses by the experts. If necessary, your work profile may be changed to suit your comfort level. The management can implement evaluation and treatment modalities enabling faster recuperation. Keyboards can be lowered to a comfortable position, slight changes can be made and potential stressors can be identified and avoided.

Changes to workstations, tools and equipment design or redesigning can be undertaken to avoid disabling injuries. Job rotation, task enlargement, and alternative tasks are some of the other administrative changes that can be brought about.

A democratic workplace

The management or the HR department in any organisation needs to be employee-friendly. Organisations should have an ergonomics self-evaluation program for employees, wherein employee consultations, job safety analysis, and survey checklist of symptoms are periodically done. This not only highlights the company's concern for the health and welfare of the workforce but also wins the management loyal employees, cutting down on attrition.

An organisation must welcome employee participation in an ergonomic analysis of their workstations and work profile. This will encourage a participative response from the employees and help in the creation of specific tasks suitable to individual comfort level. This will improve the rate of efficiency and productivity of the workforce.

Tech savvy techniques for greater comfort

* The computer monitor must be set at such an angle that it is at or lower than eye level.

* Adopt correct typing techniques, good work habits, proper posture and suitable equipment.

* Sitting rigidly for long periods is unhealthy.

* Never rest your wrists while typing.

* Raise the back edge of the keyboard enabling easier use of the device.

* Avoid resting your arms or wrist on the keyboard. Instead, rest them in your lap or on the armrest while taking a break.

* Tap lightly on the keyboard rather than pounding on it and use a font size that is comfortable to the eye. A larger font size is always better.

* Hold the mouse lightly.

* Reduce unnecessary usage of your computer.

An intended break!

Short breaks are essential, and are a respite from strenuous and repetitive tasks. Short and easy stretching exercises can be during the break. You can learn routines like yoga and the Alexander Technique, developed by F. Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor and teacher to inculcate right posture. This technique helps the individual consciously unlearn maladaptive patterns of co-ordination as it deals with a complete psychophysical re-education and the `use of the self' as termed by Alexander himself. The technique involves various patterns of co- ordination including tension, postural patterns and a conscious study of movement.

Spending long hours in the workplace has ensured that workplace ergonomics is an important practice to adopt. So, while you might start the day with a bang but sustaining the same zest till the end of the day can mean perfecting the art of camouflage! To counter which, living an ergonomically sound work life is the best solution.

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in