Ergonomic Resources

Please reach out to Ontario Tech’s Environmental Health & Safety Officer if you have any questions about ergonomics and when considering what equipment to purchase for campus use. Many areas have unique requirements for chairs, keyboard trays, monitor arms, etc.

For specialized areas including labs, each task/job may require different workspace dimensions and the Environmental Health and Safety Officer is available for consultation.

This video will overview common ergonomic challenges we experience in our home setting and make suggestions to improve home office configurations.  Exercises will be suggested that can be used to combat some of the most common injuries associated with desk work.

• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)/Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Information
• MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario
• Office Ergonomic Fact Sheets
• Laboratory Ergonomics Tipsheet
• Participatory Ergonomics
• Ergonomic Guidelines

Indulge in a quick break, rest your eyes and avoid eyestrain. 

Check out this YouTube Video on how to master the 20-20-20 technique in reducing the effects of eyestrain while using electronic devices.  Make the 20-20-20 technique part of your daily routine! 

WATCH 20-20-20 Video

Are you feeling like a desk jockey? Tired or tense muscles? Experiencing eyestrain?

Sitting at a desk for extended time periods can have an adverse impact on your health. Are you interested in taking breaks and reducing the risk of such things as repetitive strain injuries and low back pain?

Here are some tips for your physical, emotional and mental well-being:

Take a walk

Even a 10-minute walk can help you to feel re-energized! Send a friend an invite, check out your neighbourhood or explore the beautiful surroundings at Ontario Tech University!

Stretch/Move More

• Utilize LIFT, a fitness platform, which provides various Stretching and Mobilization on-demand video options within their Workout Lists. Access is free to all Ontario Tech employees, courtesy of the University’s Employee Assistance (EAP) providers. 
• Access our Dimensions of Wellness webpage under the 'Physical' section to view content in relation to taking care of your Physical well-being. 
• Office Yoga : Watch this YouTube video to guide you through a 5-minute Yoga exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fnLKyRJsrs 
• Stretch Break: Take a stretch break for your hands/forearms, neck/shoulders, and back/side/legs.
• Make space for calm! Watch this YouTube video to guide you through a 3 minute stretch break!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXXV15lGlN8
• Chair Exercises : Try 6 chair exercises that you can do at your desk. 
• Refresh with this 8-minute guided Micro-Break (click on the 'Straight to the Goods' video to view).

Grab a nutritious snack

Take the time to fuel your body with a nutritious snack. In doing so, take a moment to relax your mind and listen to calming music before returning to your workstation.