Ergonomics

Keep backs and priorities straight with an Ergonomically-Aware Office

Are your work habits contributing to health problems?

Working at Jacksoneye in Lake Villa, Illinois, Heidi Spaw wears many hats. She is the practice’s lead ophthalmic technician as well as its surgical coordinator, and clinical trials coordinator. Ms. Spaw works alongside Mitchell Jackson, MD, the founder/medical director of the high-volume surgical practice. Dr. Jackson has had back problems including herniated discs that caused severe pain. He attributes these problems to the compression of his spine after performing tens of thousands of LASIK, cataract and other procedures. Dr. Jackson has taken a proactive approach to managing these issues, including taking up swimming and working in an ergonomically-aware fashion. But it’s not just doctors at risk. His staff has also learned some valuable lessons about ergonomic awareness. Ms. Spaw shares some of those lessons with Ophthalmic Professional.

Q. What has your experience with ergonomics been as a technician? What are some ergonomic-related problems you’ve seen either personally or in your practice?

A. Most people are not aware of their poor posture caused by sitting in office chairs, looking at the computer or standing for long periods of time. Poor posture can easily become second nature, causing or aggravating episodes of back pain and damaging spinal structures. Fortunately, the main factors affecting posture and ergonomics are completely within one’s ability to control and are not difficult to change. Proper office ergonomics — including correct chair height, adequate equipment spacing, better shoes and good desk posture — can help you stay comfortable at work.

Q. As a technician, what are some of the biggest causes of back and neck problems? What puts a tech at risk?

A. The biggest causes of back and neck problems tend to stem from improper posture, as most of us sit on stools with no back support. As the day goes on, this causes us to slouch. Also, when we are assisting in surgical procedures, we may not have proper support in our shoes, which can also affect our back.

Q. Are technicians aware of the risk? What are some ways a practice can raise ergonomic awareness?

A. Anyone in the medical profession is at risk. Most people do not think that there can be a problem until there is one. We use many different techniques to make people aware of proper ergonomics. Among them, step-by-step diagrams and printouts from the Internet for ergonomically proper desk set-up and stretches that can be performed. In addition, books that address how to keep the office ergonomically correct are available. Make it a point to add it your training or staff meetings.

Q. What kind of preventative steps can be taken by the technician?

A. In our practice, we have made an effort to keep ourselves ergonomically set up in each work-up room, testing room and exam lane. I also make sure I am wearing proper shoes that give me the support I need.

Q. What should practice managers and doctors be looking for in ergonomically-conscious equipment?

A. There exist many good ways to keep your practice ergonomically–conscious about your equipment. The first step is to make sure you have enough space for the distance needed to obtain proper posture. The second step is to make sure your team knows how to use the equipment in a safe manner. The third step is to listen if your team needs to make a change in order to keep them, and others, safe. Of course, this may sound like common sense, but as we go about our day, we may forget to make sure to review the equipment we use periodically to see if anything is in need of being changed or updated.

Q. What can practice managers do in terms of helping staff understand the importance of ergonomic-awareness?

A. We have many different methods of helping staff members understand the importance of ergonomic-awareness. Make it a once-a-month topic at staff meetings. Hold training sessions for new employees. Most importantly, do it yourself and remind others it is for their safety and the safety of others. OP