Occupational Health Nurse Marlene Thomson
Dec 24, 2015
Key Messages1. Ensure correct initial set up of your
workstation2. Manage your time on computers/ keyboards3. Exercise and stretch regularly4. Avoid fatigue5. Early reporting of discomfort to Manager or
OHN
OverviewSetting up your workstationTake a break! How stretching and relaxation
worksDiscomfort Pain and Injury (DPI)Myths and legendsWorking wiselyVisual fatigue
Setting Up Posture•Maintain body in a neutral position•Feet fully supported- floor or footrest•Knees same height as or just below the hips•Head is level, forward facing and balanced•Back fully supported when sitting upright or leaning back slightly•Shoulders relaxed•Arms close to body and parallel to floor
Take a break!You need to protect
yourselffollow a practice of
stretching then relaxing
make it a regular part of your daily routine
micro pause
Learn and practice techniques that work
Tense muscles do not allow blood flowoxygen cannot get
to the soft tissues
So what is it?It is simply muscle tension
associated with holding yourself in
one position for too longstatic loading of the muscles
does not allow blood flow
What’s in a name?Names:
OOS: Occupational Overuse SyndromeRSI: Repetitive Strain InjuryGPD: Gradual process disorder
All those labels suggest a medical conditionGTD: Glued to Desk!
Myths and legendsMythDPI is a crippling
injuryWill effect the rest of
your lifeOnce you have it,
you will never get better
FactWhen people rested
it got worseGuarding
accelerates the painPhysical exercise
works
Work wiselyAvoid long periods doing same task
take short regular breaksChange position frequently
make yourself stretch and exercise task change is always helpfulwork with shoulders downavoid fatigue
Learn a simple relaxation technique
Simple relaxation
take a big, deep breath!
breathe out, saying “Relax” to yourself
95% of people raise shoulders at computer
30% of people breathe more shallowly
Visual Fatigue
No conclusive evidence that computer use can cause eye injuryMay highlight pre existing problemsSymptoms:
general aching/burning of eyes watering, red or itchy eyes blurred vision or difficulty focussing changes in colour perception headaches
Management of visual discomfort
OptometristPlacement of screen relative to lightingHumidity levels in officeWork organisationFrequency of breaks