National Safety Council: 5 Daily Tips for Workplace Health

Hi all -

I am cross-posting the National Safety Council's 5 Daily Tips to "Stretch Your Way to Better Health" for this week's tips for improved workplace health.

Monday: Ergonomics involves designing the job environment to fit the person and is important to take into consideration at work and home.

Tuesday: When working, give your eyes a rest and periodically take time to close them for a minute at a time and then focus on an object at least 20 feet away.

Wednesday: Symptoms of some ergonomic issues include tingling, numbness, pain, swelling and loss of grip strength.

Thursday: Stretching should be gentle and controlled, not painful. Breathe deeply when you hold your stretch.

Friday: Stretching periodically throughout the day can reduce sprains, strains and your risk of ergonomic injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.

The Industrious Hygienist's PALA+ Challenge worksheet. 

Last week's focus for National Safety Month was on Employee Wellness. Here's how The Industrious Hygienist is doing so far (image), up to last Sunday.

The National Safety Council also provided the following links for more information about ergonomics:

Want even more information on ergonomics? Click on the following links:
Office Stretches from Mayo ClinicCDC Ergonomics

A quick note - some of you may be aware that OSHA is still working on its proposed ergonomics standard. OSHA is still able to enforce ergonomics complaints or possible violations under the General Duty Clause, which is used to cite serious hazards where no specific OSHA standard exists to address the hazard. OSHA has established Regional Ergonomic Coordinators for questions related to ergonomics in the workplace. 

California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa are covered by Region IX, with Nancy McCormick listed as the Regional Ergonomic Coordinator. Her contact information is readily available on the OSHA website (email and phone) for more information.