Painters and artists know that in order to create, they must have all of their essential tool within reach.

Just think – if you have a flash of an idea for a painting, you’ll lose the it while going through piles of rags and crud trying to find your sketch pad.

No matter what you create in your business, getting to your work easily is critical to your success. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, agrees with this philosophy.

Here is what they recommend when it comes to setting up a work station (i.e. a desk) that is good for your body:

• Frequently used supplies and equipment within arm’s reach
• Adequate work surface to spread out without sitting in a cramped position
• Can reach most files, supplies, etc. without bending or reaching
• Workstation has sufficient adjustability for a variety of tasks
• Thighs have clearance space between chair and desk
• Legs and feet have clearance space under desk and movement not impeded
• Telephone can be used with head upright and shoulders relaxed at all times

What about your workspace?

1. Take a good look at your desk and see if there are infrequently used items taking up precious real estate. Where else could they live so that you have more flexibility and space to work?

2. Notice how much room you have under your desk and whether you’re forcing your legs into a cramped position because “under the desk makes good storage.” Well?

3. How many times a day do you force your body into an uncomfortable position to complete a task. The location of your printer is a prime suspect. If you’re doing anything repetitively uncomfortable, it needs a fix. Or else your body will need to be fixed someday. (Hint: one of these two solutions is less expensive.)

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You may have noticed yourself wiggling around after a couple of hours of sitting at the computer, trying to stretch out the stiff muscles. Maybe your back aches or you’re hunched over because there’s no lumbar support. You might eventually consider (like I have) bringing in a chair that would remedy your discomfort.

How does this affect your organized biz? Well, discomfort equals distraction. And distraction equals diminished productivity. You get the picture – an inadequate chair means decreased productivity and flagging enthusiasm for your work.

Green ideas for comfortable seating:

Don’t throw money at it: Often times, spending money isn’t the only solution. Your physical distress could be a result of long hours without a break. In that case, setting a timer that reminds you to get up and move around can be a good (free) solution.

“Shop your house”: You might have another chair in your house or office that is more comfortable than your current one. Claim it as your own and you’ve solved the problem without buying a thing.

Buy recycled: If you come to the conclusion that you need to purchase a chair for your office, I just learned from Anna Hackman at Green Talk about several resources for recycled and repurposed office furniture. Check out the resources and article about Anna’s office chair saga.

Want more ideas? Visit Greener Assets for a great article about greener office furniture.

And while we’re on the subject, care to share your own office chair saga?

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So, if you’re expecting a lecture about sitting up straight, think again. However, awareness of your spine alignment at work can make a difference on your productivity and health. The following suggestions can help reduce back pain and the need for frequent chiropractic visits.

And they don’t cost a dime.

OSHA’s working posture suggestions:

• sit and work so head, neck, and trunk face forward (not twisted)
• sit so trunk perpendicular to floor (not leaning forward or backward)
• shoulders and upper arms perpendicular to floor
• arms and shoulders relaxed and level (not elevated)
• sit so desk or keyboard reached without stretching arms forward
• desktop positioned close to body (not extended outward)

Remember, you are the greatest asset in your business. Ask anyone who’s been laid up in the hospital for weeks and you’ll learn how much it affects your bottom line. How you sit matters.

When you take care of your body, you can take care of your business.

How about you – what new habits or changes might support you better?

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Oh, but ergonomics is just for big companies, you say?

Well, yes, if you’re a disembodied head. But if you still have limbs and a spine, give some thought to ergonomics (the science of good working posture). Your body will thank you.

How to work with your computer to prevent strain and fatigue

Monitor

• monitor position is directly in front so do not have to twist head or neck
• top line of screen is at or below eye level
• monitor correct distance to read without leaning head, neck, or trunk
• no glare (e.g., from windows, lights) is present on the screen
• document holder is placed at same height and distance as monitor screen

Keyboard and mouse

• keyboard positioned so wrists flat and level
• keyboard tray stable and large enough to hold keyboard and mouse
• mouse is right next to keyboard so it can be operated without reaching
• wrists and hands do not rest on sharp or hard edge

The Occupational Safety And Health Administration is dedicated to assuring the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. You may visit their website at www.osha.gov.

Content provided by OSHA and OnlineOrganizing.com – offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.

Post from: My Organized Biz