"Ask Mount Sinai- How To Avoid Workplace Injuries" - Sheila Dougherty
Sitting at your desk seems like it might put you at low-risk for workplace injuries; how much can you possibly hurt yourself from tapping on a keyboard? Way more than you might think, it turns out. Arlette Loeser, a certified ergonomist and director of the injury prevention, ergonomics and accommodation at the Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health explains how to make your work setup as healthy as possible. “As we continue to learn more about wellness in the office environment, it is already clear that frequent bouts of movement – at least once every half hour – can promote health. Proper workstation setup, sitting in a chair that provides support and promotes good posture, and stretches performed at one’s workstation can help prevent workplace injuries,” she said. “We encourage workers to commit standing up and leaving their workstation, which can be beneficial for even two minutes, but ideally five minutes, in order to increase heart rate and to loosen muscles. These practices apply to computer use in home environments as well.”
- Arlette Loeser, Certified Ergonomist, Director, The Injury Prevention, Ergonomics and Accommodation Program, Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health