“ERGONOMICS MADE EASY: TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS”

 

Ergonomics is the study of how a workplace and the equipment used can best be designed for comfort, efficiency, safety, and productivity. The goal is to “make the work environment user-friendly” by encouraging healthy postures and movement patterns as well as increasing safety and efficiency. 

Ergonomics principles can be applied to holiday tasks. Now that the holiday season is fast approaching, we find ourselves busy with preparation in the form of cleaning, decorating and gift wrapping. The Laser Spine Institute would like to offer some ergonomics tips for preventing injury during holiday activities:

 

-Use cleaning tools that are lightweight, have comfortable grips, and decrease effort required by the user. Many companies make products for dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and mopping that are designed for performing the task with much greater ease and comfort. 

 

-Use a stool or ladder to reach high areas. Take brief breaks frequently. Always be aware of your posture, body mechanics and avoid looking up or down for prolonged periods, frequent or prolonged leaning.

 

 

-According to national statistics, tens of thousands of people are treated every year for injuries related to holiday decorating. If you have any balance issues at all, leave the climbing to someone else. 

 

-Avoid standing on furniture while getting decorations from a high storage area, reaching to decorate a tree or outdoors. Choose the appropriate stool, utility or extension ladder for the job and adhere to the device purpose, weight and height restrictions. Make sure that it is placed on a firm, level surface and follow the “1 to 4 Rule” for using a ladder: “base of ladder should be approximately 1 foot away from wall for every 4 feet ladder rises”. Remember to frequently reposition stool or ladder as you decorate to keep your body directly in line with your work. 

 

-Keep pathways clear of clutter such as boxes, decorations, and electrical cords to prevent trips and falls. Consider using a cart or hand truck to move larger, heavier items. Placing boxes on a table or sturdy chair seat makes it easier to reach for items in the boxes as well as move them again-this helps you to lift and reach within your “safety zone” which is thigh to chest level.

 

 

Choose an area that offers good lighting, adequate space and a height that will minimize leaning. If at all possible, avoid wrapping on the floor as it encourages awkward postures that place a great deal of stress on the back, neck and legs. 

Wrapping at a table offers a better option, though still may involve significant leaning to reach materials. Prolonged sitting places stress on the lower spine and adversely affects lower body and leg circulation, so alternate short periods of sitting and standing.   

Planning ahead, using correct postures and body mechanics, pacing activities with task rotation, frequent position changes and breaks to rest, along with an ergonomically prepared environment will help you enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!