These breaks are not necessarily for rest, but a change in the type of work you do. Under law you have the right to take frequent breaks away from your workstation. If there is any cause for concern that the above is not being met, as an employee you should notify your employer or the safety representative at your company.Įmployees must cooperate with their employers and be aware of the health risks and precautions they can take to reduce the risks associated with computer. Whether an employee is working at home or at an office, if their work requires them to use a VDU for a long period of time, regulations must be complied with. the importance of breaks, good posture and health risks. Provide health and safety training information on the use of a computer e.g. Plan the work so that employees take regular breaks by changing the type of work done Īrrange for an eye test if needed or requested and no trailing wires or overloaded electrical sockets, good lighting and room temperatures adjustable chairs, tiltable screens and keyboards and foot support and leg room Įnsure workstations meet safety requirements e.g. Make sure workstations are designed to reduce risk to the user e.g. ![]() use anti glare screens, separate base for the screen and a stable image Ensure Visual Display Units (VDUs are more commonly known as monitors or screens) are safe e.g. If you are interested in speaking to a BU Environmental Health & Safety professional, you can fill out an ergonomics self-assessment here.Ĭarolyn Herkenham can be reached at. The goal is to get in as many steps as possible during the day, even if you are at home instead of on campus. Making a meal and staying hydrated gives you the opportunity to stand up, walk around, and let your eyes have a rest from the computer screen. It’s easy to snack throughout the day instead of eating like you did in the office. DON’T skip lunch and make sure you stay hydrated If you are the only person using the space, customizing will reduce the time and discomfort of sitting at a station that does not fit you. Often, you may choose to skip adjusting the workstation altogether. ![]() Sharing a workstation means you need to adjust your computer height, chair, and furniture every time you sit down. Try to set up a workstation that you can make entirely your own. Although it may be comfortable, having your legs or full body in a vertical position can lead to muscle numbness and discomfort. Illustration courtesy of Īs tempting as it is, the couch is not an optimal place to work at your computer for the entire day. ![]() This gives your eye muscles a break and helps reduce eye strain.Īn image illustrating the 20/20/20 rule. This will reduce stress on your lumbar spine.įor every 20 minutes spent looking at a computer screen, you should spend 20 seconds looking at something else 20 feet away. Place your feet on a few books or boxes under your desk, so that your thighs are nearly parallel to the floor and your hips are slightly higher than your knees. Putting a firm cushion or tightly folded towel under your buttocks will raise your hips and increase the curve of your spine, making sitting more comfortable. If you don’t have the option of an office chair, there are some household items you can use to help you adjust. Illustration courtesy of Humanscale Consulting DON’T give up on your current chair When sitting or standing, elbows should be at a 90-degree angle to make wrists as straight as possible.
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