Ergonomics presentation during Wellness Week points out law students' risk factors
(By Diane Garcia)
A team from USC Environmental Health & Safety on March 19 coached the law school community about ergonomics – the practice of “fitting the job to the worker.” The lunchtime presentation identified risk factors for discomfort or pain and discussed posture, work stations and wellness, as part of Wellness Week, sponsored by Student Affairs.
“Fit your environment to yourself,” said Occupational Therapist Fabian Castro (pictured right). For example, when Castro reads a law book, he adjusts his work station to his needs with safety and comfort in mind, he said. By employing ergonomics, he’s more productive.
The risk factors for an uncomfortable office or studying environment identified by Castro are: repetitive motions, awkward postures, eye strain, twisting or bending, extended reaching, improper lifting, direct contact stress, inadequate seating and inappropriate tools.
When asked, the law students in the audience identified eye strain as the risk factor that most affects them. Castro advised students to take breaks every 20 minutes to reduce strain, particularly when doing a lot of reading.
Remember mother’s advice to “sit straight” in chairs, said presenter Charles Yun. As people age, they shouldn’t sit at a 90-degree angle but rather “recline back” for lumbar support. Each person needs to personalize the back support on his or her chair, which is why adjustable chairs are best, Yun said.
Yun illustrated the most ideal positions for sitting in front of a computer station: sit back in the chair so the small of the back is well-supported, with the hip and knees parallel to the ground for better blood circulation. The, top of the monitor should be at eye level and the screen an arm’s length away (roughly 16 to 18 inches) at a flat angle to avoid overhead glare. Hands should drape over the keyboard as if “playing the piano” (elbows and wrists parallel) and the mouse and keyboard should be at same level.
Occupational therapist Carlin Daley discussed wellness tips: take a break every 20 minutes to “increase productivity by moving,” drink water, incorporate movement while sitting, listen to your body when it hurts, stretch and don’t let a backpack or briefcase be a burden.
For information, contact Environmental Health & Safety at (213) 740-6448 or click here.
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