Working Postures for Good Health

Working Postures for Good Health

Dangers of inappropriate working postures include:

1. Dangers to tendons and muscles
2. Dangers to joints
3. Dangers to nerves
4. Dangers to blood vessels

Characteristics of working postures

1. Hands and wrists

Appropriate posture: Hands are placed flat and straight.

Postures to avoid:

1. Bending fingers and reversing them back towards the back of the hand.
2. Bending hand and fingers downwards.
3. Bending wrist outwards towards the thumb.
4. Bending wrist outwards towards the little finger.
5. Rotating hand and arm outwards towards the little finger.
6. Rotating hand and arm inwards towards the little finger.

2. Arms and shoulders

Appropriate posture: Shoulders and arms should be level and perpendicular to the body while working.

Postures to avoid:

1. Stretching hands, arms, or shoulders forward.
2. Moving arms or shoulders towards the back of the body.
3. Straightening arms out to the side of the body.
4. Bending arms towards the body.

3. Neck and back

Appropriate posture: When standing or sitting, the spine should be naturally curved.

Postures to avoid:

1. Bending the back or leaning forward.
2. Twisting the waist and spine.
3. Leaning the body to one side.
4. Tilting the head to one side.
5. Bending and stretching the neck.
6. Turning the head from side to side.

4. Knees and legs

Appropriate posture: Keep knees and legs in a comfortable position.

Postures to avoid:

1. Crouching or bending the knees for long periods.
2. Standing in the same position for a long time.

Working movements and postures

1. Hands and wrists

Normal posture while working:

• Hands and wrists are straight, similar to when shaking hands.
• Adjust the height of the work surface to the appropriate position for the hands and wrists.
• Place the workpiece directly in front.
• If the workpiece moves while working, it should follow the movement of the hands.

Repetitive work:

• Avoid repeating the same hand movements for long periods.
• Change the position of the hands and wrists.
• Alternate between different workpieces if working on a long-term task.
• If possible, switch work tasks.

Gripping and holding techniques:

• Reduce the force of gripping the workpiece by using both hands.
• Avoid holding objects that are too large or too small.
• If possible, use both hands to coordinate work.
• Use a dragging or sliding technique instead of lifting objects vertically.

Gloves and grip

• Consider the size and position of the grip to make it comfortable and secure.
• Use gloves that are the appropriate size for the hands.
• Use gloves that are large enough to avoid restricting blood circulation.

Handling tools and equipment

• Avoid twisting the wrist excessively.
• Reduce unnecessary pressure.
• Use rubber gloves when using tools that vibrate or rotate.
• Maintain and keep tools safe and suitable for use.
• Use the larger muscle groups of the hands when using tools.

2. Arms and Shoulders

Normal posture:

• Keep your shoulders and arms at a normal position, as if you're shaking hands with someone.
• The elbows should be close to the body.
• The elbows should be at a low level, or at a level that can support the weight of the work being done on the arms.

Gripping movements:

• Try to reduce the frequency of reaching out with the arms to grip equipment while working.
• Try to reduce the amount of lifting or raising the arms during gripping movements.

Movements:

• Move slowly and consistently.
• Avoid lifting or throwing the workpiece above the head.
• Use placement instead of throwing to put down the workpiece when finished.

Maintaining the same posture:

• Avoid maintaining the same posture throughout the work.
• Use rotation to change the task being performed.
• Use tools to assist in gripping equipment or workpieces while working.
• Exercise and stretch the shoulder and arm muscles to relax them.

3. Neck and Back

Working while sitting:

• Normal posture while working:
• Sit in a posture that arranges the spine in a natural position.

Use an adjustable chair.