Paladin Biokinetics: The Blog of Common Sense

Ergonomics in the workplace

From a Biokinetics perspective, empowering a patient with the knowledge to make good ergonomic and biomechanical decisions about their workplace setup results in fewer easily avoidable postural problems.

If one considers that for a standard 8-hour work day plus the associated travel, the workplace constitutes a good 40% of our lives on a day to day basis. Taking a little bit of time to set up our cars and desks goes a long way in productivity and comfort.

There a few “common sense” tips that we should adopt when spending significant amounts of time in static positions; especially when at a desk.

• ·      Adjust chair height so that your feet are flat on the floor so that your knees are at about 90 degrees, and in line with your hips.
• ·      Try and keep your wrists neutral so that they are not splaying outward or in a flexed position
• ·      Set your monitor so that your line of site is horizontal and around 500mm to 1000mm from your face.
• ·      Adjust your elbow height so that it is approximately in line with your keyboard height.
• ·      Center yourself around the “B” key of the keyboard. This is the centre of the keyboard.
• ·     Invest in a decent chair. Something that supports your all the way up and that the back of your head can touch!

When unsure, seek the assistance of a Biokineticist who is able to assist with your ergonomic setup.