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Ergonomic Evaluation
Ergonomics is the science and practice of designing jobs or workplaces to match the capabilities and limitations of the human body.
In fact, repetitive physical motions such as typing can cause serious illness, particularly Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI). RSI are a group of conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and cervical radiculopathy, generally caused by placing too much stress on the muscles, tendons and nerves in a particular joint.
An ergonomic evaluation includes:
- Background of medical history
- Assessment of environment surroundings
- Job responsibility review
- Available resources
Evaluations are by appointment only. The ACT Center staff will visit your office to assess the type of working environment you are in. Each evaluation runs approximately 1 to 1.5 hours long and is confidential.
Recommendations
Many evaluations result in product recommendations and tips to help prevent long-term injury. The ACT staff will suggest ideas for your personal computing environment and how to improve your posture, reaching capabilities and long-term well being.
Ergonomic Products
The ACT Center carries a wide variety of products which may be loaned out for trial use. The products include:
- Ergonomic mice and keyboards
- Adjustable footrests
- Gel keyboards and mouse wrist rests
Any type of furniture requests, such as an ergonomic chair, adjustable table or downward tilt keyboard tray may need to be ordered through a University contracted retailer. The ACT Center is able to help make arrangements for a representative to visit your office.
Tips for Better Computer Posture
- Sit directly in front of the keyboard and computer screen.
- Situate the monitor so it will be from 18 to 24 inches from your eyes and you have to look slightly down to see it.
- Make sure your legs fit beneath the desk with your feet flat on the floor. Use a foot rest if necessary.
- Adjust the chair seat height so your thighs are parallel to the floor with your knees at about 90 degrees and slightly lower than your hips. Make sure your chair seat isn't too deep.
- Use a work surface that allows your elbows to maintain about a 90 degree angle.
- Sit upright, maintaining the natural curves of your back.
- Make sure you have adequate lower back support.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed. Don't slump forward.
- Relax your wrists and keep them in a neutral position. Don't flex them up or down.
- Keep your knees shoulder width apart or closer.
- Take breaks. When doing extended computer work, take brief breaks to stretch and walk around every 30 minutes. Alternate between work activities that utilize different muscle groups. And give your eyes a break periodically by closing them momentarily, gazing at a distant object and blinking frequently.
Fees
There is no charge for an ergonomic evaluation. Ergonomic evaluations are only preformed on the MU campus at this time.
Appointments
For an appointment, contact the ACT Center at (573)884-2828, or use our Service Request form.
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