These newsletters are sent to staff and students regarding work environment, safety and health issues. The newsletter is published approximately 4 times a year, after LAMU meetings. Information from LAMU and the department rules and regulations can always be found at the website for Work environment. (Requires AU-network, use the VPN client from external locations).

Agendas and minutes from LAMU meetings are located on the O-drive:

O:\Nat-Tech_Geo-Faelles\Udvalg GEO\LAMU

Among the identified physical problems in the 2022 Workplace assessment, some are related to ergonomics at the workplace: In the office, at the microscope or at home. This newsletter is therefore exclusively about how to prevent and solve ergonomic problems.

Many of us have work tasks that are very static during a working day, for example there is a risk that you can easily spend many hours in the same position. Here you must consider creating variation in the position, taking breaks and doing light exercises.

Always adjust your workplace according to this prioritized list:

1. Chair
2. Desk
3. Monitor

First adjust the chair, then the table and finally the monitor. A classic mistake is to let the monitor dictate how to sit.

Once the chair and table are set correctly, the sitting position looks more or less like the picture on the left: The spine makes an S-shape, both hips and knees have an angle that is slightly greater than 90 degrees. The lumbar region is supported by the backrest.

The image on the right is a bit exaggerated, but shows a C-shaped back where the angle in the knee and hip is too small.

The chair should be adjusted so that you can sit relaxed in relation to the seat, lumbar region and height of your legs: There must be no sharp angles between the hip and your backside, nor in the knees.

Be aware that the height depends on what shoes you are wearing: There is a difference in how you sit when it is thick winter boots or summer sandals.

Take advantage of the tables that have a raising / lowering function where you can alternate between standing and sitting work.

The table should be adjusted so that you support the arms and look down with approximately 15-20 degree angle on the content of the monitor. This applies both when sitting and when standing.

The location of windows and doorways can contribute to poor ergonomy, if you (consciously or unconsciously) are bothered by light or reflections, you turn the monitor or body to see better.

If you use several monitors, you must carefully consider the design of them and how they are set up: Several monitors create the risk of you turning your head and holding it in a skewed position for too long at a time. Here you should keep in mind that the software you use most should mainly be on the primary monitor, ie. the monitor that is easiest for you to see in your field of view.

If you work with a microscope, you can consider measures to get the microscope raised to a better height, so that the neck and shoulders are not overloaded.

Many prefer home workplaces when there is a need for peace and contemplation. However, it is bad for the body if one forgets time and place. Here are a few tips to ensure variation:

• Ordinary dining room furniture, bar stools in the kitchen and designer chairs are not created for a long working day. Be active and consider variation: Some tasks may be solved by walking around (eg phone calls), standing at the kitchen table (eg reading something), etc.
• Plan the work and breaks: If necessary, set an alarm so you remember to create variation at appropriate intervals.
• If you can, try to switch the mouse from your favorite hand to the opposite hand for relief.

Preferences related to keyboard and mouse can be very individual, both in size, with or without thread, the amount of features and design. Some people may need wrist support, for others the wrist support will be in the way.

When using a laptop, you should connect an external monitor and external input tools (mouse and keyboard). A laptop is unsuitable to work at for a long time.

Staff who talk a lot on the phone should use a headset.

A touchpad with a pen can be a solution for those who work a lot with graphics etc.

If you are short, a footrest can be helpful.

Mats for standing may relieve feet and legs, however are only relevant if you stand in the same spot for a long time.

The work environment group for administrative and scientific staff (Thomas Ulrich and Thomas Lund Hansen) as well as the department's work environment leader (Charlotte Rasmussen) can provide guidance with simple suggestions for the layout of the workplace, on campus or at home*.

The department has various aids, including elastic bands with different loads and a "balance ball". Remember that elastic bands have different degrees of difficulty, always start with the lightest.

We point out that it requires professional handling if you already have injuries, are in treatment or have been diagnosed with changes to joints, muscles or bones: Colleagues who have chronic diseases related to the musculoskeletal system (eg arthritis, previously having a history of herniated discs, etc.) should only take advise from professionals.

*) For home workplaces, we need pictures of how you sit from different angles, in order to come up with relevant suggestions.

Geoscience work environment portal (including newsletters)

Geoscience work environment organisation (contact information)

Work environment at Geoscience (flyer for new staff)

Emergencies and evacuation at Aarhus University

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