Minimizing Risks of Back Disorders
Reduce the risk of developing back disorders by avoiding the common workplace factors that contribute to them.
Reduce the risk of developing back disorders by avoiding the common workplace factors that contribute to them.
| Avoid | Common Causes | Common Solutions |
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Back bent
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Monitor positioned too low or far away |
Raise your monitor.
Bring the monitor within 18-24 inches. |
| Unable to touch type |
Learn to touch type. |
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Keyboard support restricts leg clearance. |
Use a low profile keyboard support. Adjust the height of your keyboard support. |
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Reaching for the phone or other office materials |
Position the phone within easy reach. Use a phone headset. Arrange frequently used reference materials within easy reach. |
| Avoid | Common Causes | Common Solutions |
|
Awkward Sitting Postures
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Inadequate lumbar support from the chair |
Use a lumbar cushion. Adjust your chairs lumbar support. Use a chair that is the correct size for you. |
|
Arm rests interfere with work surface
|
Adjust or remove the arm rests. |
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No foot support |
Try to set up your work area so that your feet are on the floor. If necessary, use a foot rest. |
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Vision |
Position the monitor and reference materials within easy viewing distance |
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Fatigue |
Take breaks and change position often to avoid muscle tension and fatigue. |
| Avoid | Common Causes | Common Solutions |
|
Awkward motions
|
Extended reach to reference items |
Store materials within easy reach. Keep your elbows at your side. Organize your desk top. Position reference materials within easy reach. |
|
Reaching for the phone |
Position the phone within easy reach. Use a phone headset. |
| Avoid | Common Causes | Common Solutions |
|
Prolonged postures
|
Prolonged sitting |
Stand up while talking on the phone. Adjust your seating throughout the day. Get up and move around. Take stretch breaks. Vary your task to encourage changes in posture. Minimize stress through regular exercise, good nutrition and relaxation. |
| Avoid | Common Causes | Common Solutions |
|
Lifting and moving
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Lifting boxes from the floor |
Do not store items on the floor. |
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Carrying boxes or equipment |
Use proper lifting techniques. Get help or use a lifting aid. Use a cart. |
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Carrying or traveling with portable computers |
Pack light and check luggage when possible. Use luggage with wheels. Avoid over reaching, twisting or lifting over head. |
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Pushing carts |
Maintain caster in clean, operating condition. Match the casters to the floor type. |