4–6
Safety & Comfort Guide
Working in Comfort
Taking Breaks and Varying Your Tasks
As noted earlier in this Guide, your furniture placement,
office equipment, and lighting are only a few of the factors
that determine comfort. Your work habits are also very
important. Remember the following advice:
Take Breaks
When you work at your computer for long periods, take
short breaks at least once per hour and preferably more
often. You may find that frequent, short breaks will benefit
you more than fewer, longer breaks.
If you find that you forget to take breaks, use a timer or
specialized software. Several software tools are available
that remind you to take breaks at intervals you specify.
During your breaks, stand up and stretch, especially any
muscles and joints you may have held in an extended
static posture while using the computer.
Vary Your Tasks
Examine your work habits and the types of tasks you
perform. Break up the routine and try to vary your tasks
during the day. By doing so, you may avoid sitting in one
position or performing the same activities continuously for
several hours using your hands, arms, shoulders, neck, or
back. For example, for variety, print out your work to
proofread rather than proofing from your monitor.
Reduce Sources of Stress
Take an inventory of things at work that are stressful to
you. If you perceive that your physical or psychological
health is being affected, take time to evaluate what
changes you can make to reduce or eliminate the sources
of stress.
Breathe deeply
Breathe fresh air deeply and regularly. The intense mental
concentration that may accompany computer use may
tend to cause breath-holding or shallow breathing.
TIP
Try it and see
Contrary to what
some may believe,
several studies have
found that
productivity does
NOT decline when
frequent, short
breaks are added to
the day.
AVOID!
"Binge
Computing"
When working on a
deadline that is near
at hand—for
example, when
cranking out a report
for work or for a
class assignment—
avoid "binge
computing," working
intensely for long
periods of time
without a break. It's
during these times
you should be
especially mindful of
tension in your body
and taking frequent
breaks. Switching
from your work task
to playing computer
games is
not
a
break for your body!
