Does Your Office Space Work For You?

Ladders, Yoga, and Cable Management – All Good for Your Health!
You’ve made your workspace comfortable with a plant next to the monitor and a cute souvenir from your last vacation. But what about the ergonomics at your desk? Take a few minutes to make sure the time you spend sitting at your desk doesn’t put a strain on your body. To prevent accidents, you should also check your office for potential risks. All of these aspects contribute to a safe and healthy working environment.

Adapt Your Workspace to Your Needs
Good posture helps to avoid tension and strain when working. To do this, you must set up your office ergonomically and align it with your body.

CHAIR

Armrests – Adjust the height so that your forearms form a right angle in relation to your upper arms.

Chair height – Adjust according to your own height. Your feet should be flat on the floor.

Backrest – An upright sitting posture places less pressure on the spine. If there is a lumbar support cushion, adjust it to the level of your lower back.

DESK

Adjust the Height – When resting on the tabletop, your forearms should form a right angle in relation to your upper arms.

Check Your Legroom – Is there enough space, or is freedom of movement restricted?

Secure Cables – Cables should not hang loosely across and under your desk. Cable ties can help you sort out your messy cables.

COMPUTER

Laptop – If possible, use a laptop stand and an external monitor to take the strain off your neck and shoulders.

Monitor – The top of the monitor should be at eye level. The monitor should be 18 to 24 inches from your face.

Keyboard and Mouse – Both should be near the edge of the desk so that you do not have to work with your arms outstretched.

Keep Active! Avoid sitting still in your chair all day. Stretch your arms and legs occasionally, or get up and do some yoga for ten minutes.

Take Precautions to Avoid Accidents in Your Workspace

It is often a small lapse of concentration that causes an accident or injury. However, simple preventive measures can reduce the risks. Take a short tour – you may find ways to make your office a little safer. Here are a few risks you might encounter.

Tripping! All routes in the office should be freely accessible. Boxes, cables and other items that could be tripping hazards should be removed and stored safely.

Falling! If you want to get items from high shelves, be sure to use a ladder. Never stand on an office chair –gymnastics like this can easily lead to a fall and land you in a hospital. After all, you don’t have a net or a crash mat in the office!

Watch Your Back! Heavy loads should be lifted carefully. Keep a straight back and lift from the knees instead of bending forward. You can ask another person to share the load when lifting heavy objects.