Purpose

The Ergonomics Program at PVAMU aims to enhance workplace safety and comfort by educating employees on proper workstation setup and promoting proactive measures to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomics Overview

Why Ergonomics Matters: Proper ergonomics in the workplace is essential for preventing discomfort and injuries related to poor posture, repetitive motions, and improper workstation setup. Implementing ergonomic principles can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and overall better health outcomes for employees. Click here to know if your office workstation is set up properly.

 

 

Common Ergonomic Issues:

  • Poor posture leading to neck, shoulder, and back pain.
  • Strain on eyes due to improper monitor placement or lighting.
  • Discomfort in hands and wrists from improper keyboard and mouse positioning.
  • Inadequate support for feet, resulting in leg and lower back strain.

Self-Assessment Guide: 

To ensure your workstation is ergonomically sound, conduct a self-assessment using the following checklist:

Office Ergonomics Self-Assessment

Industrial/Operations Ergonomic Self-Assessment

Ergonomic Tips: 

Head and Neck:

  • Ensure your head is in line with your shoulders and facing straight ahead.
  • Position your monitor about an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or just below eye level.

Eyes:

  • The top third of your monitor should be at eye level to reduce strain.
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

Shoulders and Elbows:

  • Keep your shoulders relaxed and elbows bent at about a 90-degree angle.
  • Ensure your elbows are level with your keyboard while typing and resting on armrests.

Hands and Wrists:

  • Position your keyboard and mouse so that they are easy to reach without bending your wrists.
  • The keyboard should be directly in front of your monitor, and the mouse should be at the same level as the keyboard.

Back:

  • Use a chair that supports your lower back and allows you to sit with your back comfortably against the backrest.
  • Your hips should be pushed back against the chair with a slight tilt forward in the seat pan if needed.

Legs and Feet:

  • Keep your thighs parallel to the floor with a slight downward angle.
  • Ensure the back of your knees is about two fingers away from the seat edge.
  • Your feet should rest flat on the floor or on a footrest.

Environment:

  • Ensure your office has appropriate lighting, free from glare, and is maintained at a comfortable temperature.

Contact Risk Management & Safety:

If you experience discomfort after making adjustments based on the self-assessment, contact the Ergonomics Specialist at RMS@pvamu.edu for an evaluation of your workstation.