Non-Workstation Considerations
HANDLING BOOKS
- do not grab too many books at once
- use two hands if lifting heavy books
- hold books close to your body
- use your entire hand(s) when grabbing books - avoid the pinch grip
- do not twist your body, take a step and turn instead
WORKING IN THE STACKS
- do not reach over your head, use a step stool
- do not bend over when reaching low, squat or sit on the step stool and keep your back straight
- alternate between your left and right hand when shelving
- wear closed toe shoes
- work in pairs if possible, especially when working with books on the higher shelves
BOOK TRUCKS
- push book trucks from the end not the side
- go at a normal pace
- keep your wrists straight
- keep the truck close to your body but allow enough space for your feet
- push book trucks except when going through doors
- when pulling a book truck keep it close enough so that your arms are not fully extended
- pull book trucks when exiting elevators or going through swinging doors
- do not use a damaged book truck, wheels should turn and rotate freely
- do not completely fill up a truck, keep it light enough to be moved easily
- if a book truck, falls let it fall. Do NOT try to catch it. Get out of the way.
- CAUTION: some book trucks have four wheels that turn instead of two
OTHER NON-WORK STATION CONSIDERATIONS
- vary your work tasks, do not do the same thing for hours on end
- take frequent microbreaks to prevent fatigue, stretch, focus your eyes on something else
- work at a comfortable pace
- do not repeatedly use forceful exertions in your work tasks*
- have minimal contact with sharp and/or hard edges and surfaces*
- do not perform work tasks at the end of your range of movement, example: lifting things with your arms fully extended*
Note*: from http://office-ergo.com/alternat.htm