Office Ergonomics & WMSD

[mat]

What is the best way to get employees to take breaks and perform stretches with prolonged computer use? Those I've recommended this too don't end up doing this! Is it because they think these methods DON'T lower the risk of injury?

[Melissa]

I would suggest asking them why they are not doing this....maybe they do not...... have/feel like they have the time to do this; are waiting for someone else to start; do not believe it will work....
Your best bet would be to get feedback first...


Then you can use this feedback to decide next steps...

[mmsimpso]

Anytime you are looking for the employee to take some responsibility for a task make sure you get them involved early so that they can buy into it.

This is most effectiove way.

[Lynda]

At the risk of offering a simple solution ... CCOHS just developed a poster demonstrating stretches to do at your desk to help relieve muscle tension. The poster is entitled "It's a Stretch" and can be downloaded for free (http://www.ccohs.ca/products/posters/stretching.html)- that way the employees can post a copy in their workspace to remind them to take stretch breaks. Just a suggestion ...

[ssloan]

I find myself caught in this trap as well. We get in a groove working on something, and don't want to be distracted by taking breaks. (Yes, I know it is wrong).

I tell staff to set a task/reminder in Outlook. When pops up, take the break and then snooze it again for the next time. It's not perfect, but it helps. Now I need to reset a reminder for myself. It's been too long. :-)

[Nipigon]

I agree with the person that talked about "buy-in" by the employees. Although my advice is that you have to get them involved in the process of making the decision to take stretch breaks. If the need to take the stretch break is presented as a "you need to do this" some people may in fact do them. However, if you have employees involved in a small group that spends a pre-determined amount of time deciding or researching if stretch breaks are a good idea and you find that it is, well then you have a small group of people who have already (for the most part) bought into the idea and therefore they will help to promote it.
Just my two cents.

[Richard]

There are several software solutions with can block your screen and make you take a break or send you a pop up and recommend you take a break. They can be triggered by all types of criteria : number of keystokes, mouse travelling distance, or a ratio of errors in input (I think it is based on the use of the backstroke key). Have fun trying them out. No one product will be ideal for everyone but there should be one for a certain type of clientel.

[EGordon]

When I do training with staff and young workers alike, the topic of MSDs are always addressed.

I always say the best approach is alternating tasks:

E.G. - Office Administrator

Keyboarding (if lots of it in the job as there is for most), take a break every 45-60 minutes, by doing the following - get up and stretch per various guides out there but the ones mentioned on this thread have been recommended countless times over. :cool:

Task Rotation:
Keyboarding - 45 minutes - 1 hr
Phone-related tasks/review of correspondence/pick up faxes or print outs, document filing, all are good tasks to alternate.

I know that in the organization I work for, Ergonomics equals $$$ :eek:
So I call them Workstation Assessments, and usually the simplest of solutions is likely the best. Its amazing to see people who do not understand their chair, set up of their keyboard, mouse, and workstation in general.

I know I am a packrat, so my screen, keyboard, mouse and phone are in one corner of my cubicle and situate them that way within close reach but without knocking each thing over ... :biggrin:

[WorkplaceSafety&Wellness]

try CompuStretch (google it)...it's software that will cue the user to stretch during programmed in intervals (unless they turn it off...) and will show them a video of various stretching exercises that can also be grouped according to the worker's specific needs! I've used it and recommended it before in my ergo assessments! Good luck!