HealthONE Clinic Services

Work Wellness & Injury Prevention Tips

Posture:

• Maintain a neutral body posture, including back, neck, shoulders and wrist.
• Decrease forward reaches, get closer to your work.
• Elevate your foot for support while standing and also as a weight shift for your lower back.

Stretching & Exercise:

• Initiate stretches and posture changes every hour throughout the day.
• Pacing yourself and the speed of your work, especially when time or volume allows, helps to decrease fatigue.

Equipment & Clothing:

• Wear good, supportive shoes for prolonged standing or walking.
• Use shelves at waist level for the heaviest boxes/lift and place the lightest items on the higher shelves.
• Use of headsets for prolonged use. Alternate side of the neck you prop the phone on if you do not use a headset.
• Alternate activities / work tasks and postures. When possible alternate those that will also allow you to alternate muscle groups being used.
• Writing, proofing or reading with your work on an incline (i.e.: using the angle of a notebook) so improved posture.
• Using the rubber thumb tips, tacky gum or wide / rubber tip end pencil to sort through papers.
• Avoid resting your wrists or elbows on the edge of the work surface.
• Avoid tight clothing, bracelets or watches that might impair circulation in the wrists.
• Cold packs / ice can be used to decrease immediate symptoms / discomfort including swelling.
• Using appropriate size fitting handles and tools to maximize strength and comfort.