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Make Your Home Office Secure
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Article 8: Home Office Safety And Ergonomics
Ergonomics has gotten the spotlight during the past few years as incidences of repetitive motion injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome) have become more commonplace. But the concept of ergonomics is about a lot more than just preventing carpal tunnel.
“Ergonomics is about matching the workspace to each person’s individual needs for working in a comfortable, safe and inviting home office atmosphere,” says Jeff Zbar, author of “Safe@Home: Seven Keys to Home Office Security.” “Everyone needs to set up their home office in the way that’s most comfortable for them.”
Personal home offices aren’t subject to the requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Administration’s (OHSA) work safety rules. But it’s not a bad idea to consider the OSHA guidelines as you look at your home office from a safety and ergonomics perspective. A few areas to examine:
Don’t overload electrical outlets, extension cords or power strips, or leave wires and cables tangled or exposed. Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and list of emergency medical contacts nearby and easy to reach. Purchase a chair with an adjustable seatback and armrests and five wheels for easy maneuvering around the office. Use a flat-panel computer monitor, which is easier on your eyes and emits less heat than traditional monitors. Situate the monitor 18 to 24 inches from the tip of your nose and slightly below your eye level. Use a telephone headset if you spend a good deal of time on the phone.
Also bring plenty of plants, pictures and any other knick-knacks that make you feel comfortable into your home office. “It’s not just about maintaining a physically safe home office, but also one that’s most conducive to working efficiently and happily,” says Zbar
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