Ergonomic tips for reconfiguring your workspace
As we have been carrying out since April 22, within the digital actions framed within the celebration of the "V F-M Prevention Week", they are gaining special relevance, as could not be otherwise due to the alarm and confinement situation that we are experiencing, the news, guides, advice, recommendations on teleworking that we are compiling from the most important institutions within the prevention of occupational risks and that you can find in our Previene section dedicated to teleworking in times of COVID-19.
On this occasion we talk about ergonomics, that specialty of occupational risk prevention that for a long time has been considered "minor" but that finally occupies the place it should within risk mitigation. The National Institute of Safety and Health at Work (INSST), has a complete section dedicated to this specialty, within it there is a section of technical questions that, due to its clarity and simplicity, we believe is very useful in these days of teleworking at home.
We know that with the little time we have had to adapt to the new situation there are things that we will not be able to change in relation to our "new" teleworking position, the house in which we live has the rooms and square meters that it has, we will not be able to change the windows, but we can choose some characteristics of the workplace that we can vary to be as comfortable as possible, always trying to follow the recommendations of security. Some of them are:
- Locate an exclusive place in the house that allows you to concentrate on work free of interruptions and distractions.
- It would be ideal to choose a well-ventilated place to work with natural light.
- Place the computer screen perpendicular to the windows to avoid glare and reflections. Regulate the light level using curtains or blinds.
- Organize your workspace so that you have accessible the essential elements to carry out your task.
- Frees up the space under the table so that you can place your legs and thighs at 90º or a little more, with your feet resting on the floor or on a footrest.
- In a sitting position, keep your back straight supporting your lumbar area on the backrest. Avoid crossing your legs and other awkward positions that cause fatigue and injuries in the long term.
- Use mouse and keyboard independent of the laptop.
- Keep order and cleanliness of your workplace, so that clutter does not overcome you.
- If you go out, when you return home change your clothes, leave your shoes at the door and wash your hands well.
- The equipment you use for work must be disinfected with a hydroalcoholic solution.
