ES Lesson 4 : - Working In Static Position

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Chapter : Ergonomics Safety

Lesson 4 : - Working In Static Position

Whether sitting or standing, working in one position for prolonged periods can cause fatigue and sore muscles. Some tasks require these positions, but there are still some things you can do to minimize related problems.

Hazards to watch for:

• Sitting in a chair or at a workstation that is the wrong size for you.
• Working in an awkward position, like being bent forward for long periods of time.
• Leaning on sharp edges of chairs and desks.
• Standing on uneven surfaces such as: one foot on an ergo mat and one foot on the floor.
• Inappropriate or deficient lighting sources.

Safe procedures:

When working at a seated station:

• Make sure the chair and workstation are the right size for you. Look for 90 degree angles at the knees, hips, and elbows when seated and that your feet are flat on the floor.
• Change your position in the chair from time to time.
• Do not lean forward in your chair, even if it feels comfortable. This makes your back and neck muscles work harder and can lead to fatigue and stains.
• Take short rest breaks, such as walking around for a few minutes every 40-50 minutes. 

When working at a standing station:

• Avoid extreme bending and twisting.
• Change your position frequently. Shift weight from one leg to the other every several minutes.
• Keep arms in as close to your body as possible.
• Place one foot a little higher — on a bar, box, or shelf. This can relieve stress to your back. If you don’t have this in your work area, talk to your supervisor about making this kind of adjustment.
• Use insoles in your shoes to add cushion. These are available at most pharmacies at reasonable price. Replace insoles every 6 months to a year.
• Take a few minutes to walk around every hour.
• Use an anti-fatigue mat to stand on. Mats should have beveled edges and sit flat on the floor.

If your job requires sitting or standing for the entire shift, you may feel fatigue and sore muscles. The key to avoiding discomfort is to change your position frequently in order to minimize stress on specific body parts. Consider taking brief, frequent breaks that include stretching or walking throughout the day.

Now, let’s take a minute to discuss different ways you’ve made working in a static position easier, and what we can do to make other improvements.