Ergonomics at the Park!  |  Early Intervention Ergonomics

Ergonomics at the Park: How to Enhance Your Park Experience

A trip to the local city park promises moments of pure joy and relaxation, surrounded by nature’s beauty. While we cherish these delightful experiences, it’s essential not to overlook the role of ergonomics in optimizing our park activities. Ergonomics, typically associated with office spaces, also applies to recreational settings, such as the park. By integrating ergonomic practices during our park outings, we can elevate our well-being and ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable time. Let’s explore practical ways to harness the benefits of ergonomics while having fun at the park.

Optimal Seating for Comfort

The city park offers an array of seating options, from benches to picnic tables. When choosing a spot to rest, prioritize proper posture and comfort. Ensure your back receives adequate support, and your feet rest flat on the ground to maintain a healthy seated position. Look for benches with backrests to encourage better posture and reduce strain on your back and neck.

Mindful Picnics for Pleasure

Picnics are a cherished part of park visits. To make your picnic ergonomic-friendly, pack a lightweight and easy-to-carry picnic basket or backpack with padded shoulder straps. Use portable and adjustable tables or trays to achieve a comfortable dining height. When spreading your picnic blanket, select a flat and even surface to prevent uneven pressure on your body.

Stretch and Warm-Up for Active Play

Before engaging in physical activities like sports or games, take a few moments to stretch and warm up your muscles. Gentle stretching improves blood flow, reduces the risk of injuries, and enhances flexibility. Simple stretches like shoulder rolls, neck tilts, and leg swings prepare your body for the excitement ahead.

Play Equipment and Safety

City parks boast various play equipment suitable for all ages. When using swings, slides, or other structures, employ proper body mechanics to avoid strains or accidents. Sit correctly and grip swing chains firmly, slide down gently, and land on your feet to minimize impact on your joints.

Stay Hydrated for Endurance

Proper hydration is crucial during outdoor activities. Carry a reusable water bottle and take regular breaks to drink water. Staying hydrated not only supports your body’s functions but also maintains energy levels throughout your park visit.

Mind Your Body Mechanics

Whether you’re playing sports, jogging, or simply walking around, be mindful of your body mechanics. Engage your core muscles for spinal support, take comfortable strides, and avoid overexertion. Practicing good body mechanics reduces the risk of injuries and optimizes physical performance.

Respect Your Limits

While the park offers numerous activities, it’s essential to listen to your body and respect your limits. Overexertion can lead to fatigue and injuries. Take breaks as needed, find shaded spots to rest, and enjoy the park at a pace that suits your comfort level.

Things to Remember

As you head to the local city park for a day of fun and relaxation, remember to incorporate ergonomics into your activities. By choosing comfortable seating, having mindful picnics, stretching before active play, using play equipment safely, staying hydrated, minding your body mechanics, and respecting your limits, you can optimize your park experience. Embrace the joy of the outdoors while taking care of your body through ergonomic awareness. A well-planned and ergonomic park outing promises unforgettable memories and a refreshed sense of well-being.

Related article:  Frisbee Lift

• What we DO NOT want to see is bending over with the frisbee way out in front of you. This will put a lot of stress on your knees and cause your back to hurt.
• With a proper Frisbee Lift, what you want to do is bring that frisbee closer to you within your base of support.

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

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Raising Heat Hazard Awareness

OSHA sponsors a ‘Beat the Heat’ Contest to raise awareness about the hazards of heat exposure in indoor and outdoor workplaces. Moreover, they held an informational webinar for the contest on May 16th. If you would like to watch the recording, you can click here. In addition, the contest welcomes stakeholders nationwide, including businesses, unions, educational institutions, government entities, and individuals. Participants must create an awareness tool, such as an infographic, training curriculum, poster, logo, etc., to improve heat hazard recognition among employers and workers in workplaces.

The contest is open NOW and the deadline for entries is June 9.

For more information, visit OSHA’s Beat the Heat Contest webpage.

Hot Tips to Stay Safe and “Beat the Heat”

Workers should be trained to recognize the symptoms of heat illness in themselves and the signs in others. Workers should not try to diagnose the illness itself (e.g., heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion) but instead be able to recognize that it’s happening and take immediate action.

Use this infographic from OSHA to train your workers to identify the signs and symptoms of heat illness and the actions to take in response to them. Don’t wait until it’s too late; train your workers today!

Encourage Hydration to “Beat the Heat!”

The redesigned infographic, Water Keeps You Going, is now available for download from OSHA’s Heat Illness Campaign website. You have a choice of 17 different images that encompass both indoor and outdoor worksites. Moreover, we encourage you to post one in your workplace today to promote hydration among workers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NACOSH Meeting

The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) has scheduled a full committee meeting on May 31 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. ET. Additionally, we are inviting the public to participate virtually in a listen-only mode. Furthermore, we will provide simultaneous Spanish audio interpretation via WebEx. To register, please visit the Highlights section of the NACOSH webpage.

More Safety Tools & Resources 

OSHA Heat Source Newsletter & Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

We wanted to make you aware that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published the first issue of The Heat Source, the newsletter of the Heat Illness Prevention Campaign. Please see below. To subscribe to the OSHA heat source newsletter, please visit OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Campaign webpage, or click here.

Employers should be concerned about heat illness because it can have serious consequences for their workers and their business. Heat illness can lead to a range of health problems such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and even death. These conditions can cause significant harm to workers, and can result in lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and potential legal liabilities for employers.

In addition to the direct health impacts on workers, heat illness can also have indirect impacts on a business. When workers are suffering from heat illness, they make more mistakes, and are at greater risk of injuries. This can lead to decreased efficiency, increased costs, and lost revenue for the business. Furthermore, employers who fail to protect their workers from heat illness may face penalties, lawsuits, and damage to their reputation.

OSHA’s Civil Penalty Amounts

The U.S. Department of Labor announced changes to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2023.

In 2015, Congress passed the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act to advance the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to maintain their deterrent effect. Under the Act, agencies are required to publish “catch-up” rules that adjust the level of civil monetary penalties and make subsequent annual adjustments for inflation no later than January 15 of each year. This year, January 15 falls on a Sunday and January 16 is a federal holiday. Therefore, new OSHA penalty amounts will become effective Jan. 17, 2023.

OSHA’s maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations will increase from $14,502 per violation to $15,625 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $145,027 per violation to $156,259 per violation.

Visit the OSHA Penalties page and read the final rule and press release for more information.

Please visit our Resources page for addition useful safety tools and information for employers.

Preventing Heat Illness at Work  |  Early Intervention Ergonomics

(FMB PHOTO | Getty Images)

Preventing Heat Illness at Work: Tips for a Safe Work Environment

Heat illness is a serious concern that can impact productivity and the well-being of employees. As temperatures rise, it’s crucial for employers and workers to take proactive steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. In this article, we will explore practical tips and guidelines to create a safe and comfortable work environment.

Stay Hydrated

One of the most effective ways to prevent heat illness at work is by staying hydrated. Encourage employees to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Provide easy access to cool drinking water and promote regular water breaks. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or sugary beverages as they can contribute to dehydration. By keeping the body hydrated, employees can regulate their body temperature and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Dress Appropriately

Choosing the right clothing is essential to prevent heat illness. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics that allow for better air circulation. Encourage employees to wear light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Implement a relaxed dress code policy during hot weather to ensure comfort while maintaining professionalism. Additionally, consider providing personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to be breathable and heat-resistant, where applicable.

Schedule Smart

When possible, adjust work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, typically mid-afternoon. If work demands outdoor activities during high temperatures, consider rescheduling or shifting tasks to cooler times. Break up physically demanding work into shorter, more frequent intervals, providing ample rest periods and shaded areas. This allows employees to recover, cool down, and reduces the risk of overheating or heat exhaustion.

Create Shaded Areas

Providing shaded areas is crucial, especially for outdoor workspaces. Set up temporary or permanent shade structures in areas where employees can take breaks and find respite from direct sunlight. Ensure that these shaded areas are well-ventilated to allow air circulation. Additionally, consider using fans or misting systems to further enhance the cooling effect. Encourage employees to take regular breaks in shaded areas to cool down and lower their body temperatures.

Train and Educate

Educating employees about heat illness prevention is key to maintaining a safe workplace. Conduct training sessions on recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Teach employees the importance of early intervention and how to respond in emergency situations. Provide information on preventive measures, including proper hydration, clothing choices, and scheduling considerations. Encourage workers to look out for each other and report any symptoms promptly.

Things to Remember

Preventing heat illness at work requires a proactive approach that prioritizes employee well-being. By implementing these tips, organizations can create a safe and comfortable work environment, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and improving overall productivity. Remember, a cool and hydrated workforce is a happy and healthy one.

By following these guidelines to prevent heat illness at work, employers can ensure the well-being of their employees while fostering a positive and productive workplace environment. Stay cool, stay safe!

OSHA Heat Illness Resources:

Heat Illness Prevention:  Employers Responsibility

Extreme Heat Can Be Deadly to Workers

Heat Illness Prevention – OSHA

 

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