Self-Check
To increase your comfort and reduce potential safety risks, use this checklist to help you evaluate your work posture and habits.
Seated Position
Shoulders,
Arms, Wrists,
and Hands
Eyes
◆Have you found a range of seated postures that are most comfortable for you?
◆Are you changing postures within your “comfort zone” throughout the day, especially in the afternoon?
◆Are your feet firmly planted?
◆Are the undersides of your thighs near your knees free of pressure?
◆Are the backs of your lower legs free of pressure?
◆Is there sufficient space under your work surface for your knees and legs?
◆Is your lower back supported?
◆Are your shoulders relaxed?
◆Are your hands, wrists, and forearms aligned in a straight, neutral position?
◆If you use arm supports, are they adjusted so that your shoulders are relaxed and your wrists are straight?
◆Are your elbows in a relaxed position near your body?
◆Do you avoid resting your hands and wrists while typing or pointing?
◆Do you avoid resting your hands and wrists on sharp edges?
◆Do you avoid cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder?
◆Are items you use frequently, such as your phone and reference materials, easy to reach?
◆Do you rest your eyes frequently by focusing on a distant point?
◆Do you get your eyes examined regularly by a vision care specialist?
◆Do you blink enough?
◆If you wear bifocals or trifocals, do you avoid tilting your head back to see the monitor?
24 | Safety and Comfort |