Yellowknife (May 03/04) - Ensuring comfort in the workplace is not only a wise business decision, but one that protects a worker's long-term health.

By using the principles of ergonomics, or the science of designing a workplace to fit an employee, everyone gains, said Bruce Graney, acting chief safety officer with the Worker's Compensation Board in Yellowknife.

"Repetitive strain injury is often aggravated by an improper work station," Graney said.

From the tip of the fingers to the feet, musculoskeletal disorders can be the result of on the job strain.

Workers who experience symptoms such as back or neck discomfort, eyestrain, wrist and hand pain or muscle aches may be experiencing the effects of an improper fit with equipment.

"For example, a chair is quite important for proper support," Graney said.

Adjusting one's chair to a proper height ultimately will reduce strain, as will putting one's feet up off the floor (but not on the desk) while working on the computer.

Graney said WCB will conduct ergonomic education within the workplace to ensure a proper workstation is set up.

"We will do an assessment of the work stations and show how they can be corrected," he said. "We also have courses here in the NWT."

Another factor to consider to make the workplace safe includes ensuring the height of one's computer screen is at eye level with the top line of the text, not the monitor.

Proper lighting

And proper lighting reduces computer glare and eyestrain -- a necessity when one spends many long hours on a computer.

One popular technique to ease any strain put on the body is to organize the workday to include breaks and exercises which vary the posture and prevent muscle tension.

The upcoming North American Occupational Safety and Health Week in the territories from May 8 - 12 will provide a valuable resource for workers wanting to learn about workplace safety, Graney said.