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Newsletter about Work environment
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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
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Follow-up on the workplace assessment 2022: Ergonomy
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V a r i a t i o n i s t h e k e y
Many working positions are primarily bad for you because you stay in the position for too long.
Variation in working position is just as important as the right furniture and office setup.
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How do you setup your workplace?
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The chair must be stable (5 wheels) and should be adjustable in the seat, height and back, as well as having the option of tilting.
In general, chairs with a high gas cartridge are good, as they allow for more variety: An "ordinary" office chair can therefore suddenly be used as a chair support, where you get up and use the chair to support you while standing.
The higher you sit, the less need you have for lumbar support.
Chairs with armrests are generally a bad idea:
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They are in the way of varying seating positions
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They cannot be adjusted sufficiently
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You rarely use them as intended (to rest your arms)
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They often prevent you from adjusting the table correctly
Some people prefer chairs completely without backrests, such as saddle chairs or knee chairs. Usually they are not recommended for prolonged use.
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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.
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Prevention and other measures
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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.
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Do you need guidance or aids?
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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.
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