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The Danger of Working Long Hours in Unhealthy Postures
You may believe that the more hours you work in a day, the better off you are productive. However, this is not always true. Long hours spent in unhealthy postures can lead to muscle strain and other health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
Here are some examples:
- Sitting at your desk all day long with poor posture (a bent position) can cause chronic lower back pain. This kind of condition is often called a computer worker’s shoulder. It may be difficult for someone in this position to stand up straight or even walk without discomfort from their shoulders down through their arms and hands, which means they could not accomplish tasks as well as they could otherwise.
- Working on a computer screen all night long without taking breaks every hour can also lead to musculoskeletal injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve compression syndromes because there are no breaks between tasks.
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Common mistakes made in ergonomic planning
An incomplete analysis: The most common mistake in ergonomic planning is inadequate information. A lack of thought or time can cause this, but it also may be because of a lack of understanding of the job tasks.
A plan for future growth: Another common issue with workplace ergonomics is that there is no plan for future growth. Sometimes, this means that you will have to go through all of your current equipment again once it reaches its expiration date and starts from scratch again.
Not asking questions: Not considering the potential contributors before finalizing your plan. It is detrimental to plan your ergonomics without your involving your staff.
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Solutions to Ergonomics Problems
Here are some steps to address ergonomic issues in your workplace:
- Identify jobs with a history of ergonomic problems by reviewing injury and illness records.
- Identify the specific tasks that lead to muscle strain and absenteeism through employee interviews.
- Plan solutions to ergonomic issues based on employee feedback and opinions.
- Ensure heavy or repetitive lifting happens with equipment, not the back.
- Provide ergonomic instruction to employees and managers to prevent accidents and strains.
- Ensure continuous improvement by developing an evaluation program.
- We can avoid these accidents by ensuring no hazards are within sight from where people stand/sit while working.
- Plan for future growth and expansion of your organization.
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Organizations are different, so ensure ergonomic programs fit your organization’s needs. It is also a good idea to speak with other occupational health experts like Medbury Medicals to help with workplace safety advisory. They can help you identify what went wrong and how to fix it for everyone to have a safe work environment.
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