Rachel Mitchell

With the transition to permanent hybrid work models, and with 65% of Canadians working two or more days/week remotely, Ergonomists are seeing employers fail to grasp easy opportunities to provide guidance and make improvements to hybrid workstations. These failures not only put employees at risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injuries, but can negatively impact employee productivity, job satisfaction and increase absenteeism and turnover; which ultimately impacts an organization’s bottom line. This presentation uses case studies to reveal common and costly mistakes to avoid.

Low back pain is a common issue that most people experience at some point in their lives, with an increased prevalence as we age. Furthermore, most people who experience low back pain endure recurrent episodes during their lifetime. Low back pain is not only potentially debilitating, but it affects our productivity at work and our ability to participate in activities outside of work. Through awareness of body mechanics and posture, care taken in the activities we perform, and attention to maintaining our general health and wellness we can minimize the loads we place on our backs, protecting them into the future. In this presentation we will discuss Why posture matters to the health of our backs What postures are ideal to protect our backs How to apply these postural principles to activities of work and home, including computer work, driving, and yard work Strategies to optimize physical and mental health and wellbeing

This presentation will outline what ergonomics implementations should employers consider to ensure staff are protected from musculoskeletal disorder hazards, and set up for optimal productivity and work satisfaction. This presentation will review the key components to a successful ergonomics & injury prevention program, with special consideration for how these components might be affected by our changed workplace situation. Points of discussion will include: The role of management and importance of ergonomics policies Incorporating a participative ergonomics approach Broadening your risk identification strategies Evaluating your implementation efforts How work from home and hybrid working models may affect our approach Strategies to encourage physical and mental wellbeing