Card #16
Practice Good Ergonomics to Avoid Injury
Ergonomic practices are ways to use your body safely and effectively to do work, including volunteer work or tasks at home. When you use good ergonomics, you get more done, have fewer injuries, and usually have a better time doing the work.
The FACTS: What you need to KNOW
- Ergonomics apply to everyone, whether you're working in a warehouse, at a desk, or outdoors. You'll find dozens of opportunities to use this knowledge every day.
- Good ergonomics is proactive, and the benefits last a lifetime. When you apply ergonomics to volunteer tasks, you prevent long-term injuries.
- Injuries caused by bad ergonomics are expensive and can literally ruin your quality of life.
- Ergonomic principles cover areas like lifting (card #9), working at the right height, good lighting, exertion, repetitive motion, and stretching.
The Actions: What you need to DO
Make a conscious choice to evaluate your working situation and improve your ergonomics. Get creative as you look at your work environment for opportunities.
Work in neutral positions with your head level and your wrists straight. Move the work close to your body to avoid reaching and reduce excessive motions.
Practice techniques to avoid excessive force. Push, don't pull. Grip, don't pinch. Roll or slide heavy items. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Move and stretch at regular intervals while working. Change it up.
Volunteer Safety Videos are under development and will be available in 2023.
Links, Resources & More
- Take a free safety course from Nonprofit Safety Hero.
- Use the free APPapp to help your organization create an Accident Prevention Program.
- Learn more about OSHA and WISHA laws that govern workplace safety for both volunteers and paid workers.
- View a complete list of volunteer safety topics from Volunter Safety Hero.