Ergonomics

I have decided to make it a special point of expanding our technology education to include ergonomics.  I am going to be working with the children on their posture at the computer, their hand/wrist/finger position, leg position, orientation to the computer, and distance from the computer.  

I believe that good ergonomics, taught at an early age, can help students (parents and staff as well) prevent long-term injuries to the neck, back, wrists, and hands.  I would like to ask parents to help students to take our ergonomics instruction home and make sure they remember the following items...

Things to remember

1. Computer users should sit at the computer with a straight, relaxed back.  Make sure they do not slouch or hunch over.  Their back should touch the back of the chair.  Remember to keep your shoulders and neck relaxed.
2. Users should sit directly facing the computer.  The chair should not be turned to one side or the other.
3. The computer should be placed 6-8 inches short of arms length away.  Users should not have their arms sharply bent (less that 90 degrees) or straight out and rigid.  
4. Feet should be on the floor.  Users should not sit on their feet or bend their knees too sharply.
5. The hands, wrists, and fingers should be relaxed.  Try not to be too rigid or too loose, just  relaxed.
6. User should get up and walk around at least once every 30 minutes (no matter what).  Remember to stretch.
7. The monitor should be positioned at eye level, if you are using a desktop computer.
8. The MOST IMPORTANT THING: Make sure you are comfortable.
   

For more information, you can visit OSHA’s computer workstation ergonomics eTools site at:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at matt@wornickjds.org

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Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School