SOMA 4 Work FAQ’s
Ergonomics is setting up a workstation (equipment and work flow) so it minimizes the risk of injury and strain on your living body.
Participatory ergonomics, human factor ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, FCE or functional capacity evaluations, physical demands analysis are different important specialized approaches. Soma 4 Living Ergonomics is a practical integration of the these specializations brought and taught to the expert doing the job- you.
Workplace services?
SOMA 4 LIVING provides ergonomic and injury prevention system consulting and training.
Ergonomic Assessments
Injury prevention system development
Back-Care and injury prevention workshops
Most popular workshops?
Computer Ergonomics?
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is setting up a workstation (equipment and work flow) so it minimizes the risk of injury and strain on your living body.
Participatory ergonomics, human factor ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, FCE or functional capacity evaluations, physical demands analysis are different important specialized approaches. Soma 4 Living Ergonomics is a practical integration of the these specializations brought and taught to the expert doing the job- you.
Is it important to get an ergonomic assessment?
If you have any pain, repetitive actions or spend a lot of time sitting it is very important. You can find all kinds of information on the internet and for some they can do it themselves. You will notice though that many of the diagrams and illustrations or good set up and of stick people and animated diagrams of humans. They create these straight lines and proper positions that many times aren’t comfortable for people or even that accurate of how to real create effective set up for your living body. If you need the income from your job you need to be able to be productive at work now and in the future. Pain, repetition, static positions, habits and old injuries take away from our productivity and ability to stay healthy. To get the most value check out the Soma 4 work living body assessment and training: Link: Combining education, training, ergo awareness and assessment, life skills, work skills, power
How do you select a chair?
You want to get a chair that fits your body size and the actions required to do your job. You want to get a chair that is sturdy, supportive and adaptable.
Is your chair the most important piece of equipment? The most important piece of equipment is your body. If you spend many hours sitting during the day your chair is definitely very important as well.
How much does the appropriate chair cost? You don’t have to go into debt to get a good chair that works for you, but usually you have to pay $350. People who are more body aware and knowledgeable can make keep themselves comfortable and supported on very inexpensive chairs. Many people who sit all day find it worthwhile to invest in a really good chair which you pay $1100 or more for.
Should I use a ball as a chair?
How good are physio or stability balls for sitting on? Fitness, physio or stability balls can be controversial. Some of the organizations I have worked with and WorkSafe BC do not recognize physio balls as a safe and effective chair. However some people who have had back problems swear by them and some therapists recommend them. There are upsides and downsides.
Upsides: Helps a person become more aware of their sitting position and pelvis position. Can keep core more active. Can encourage people to be less stationary when sitting. Can help people with their posture.
Downsides: Does not have any back support. Can be a danger if a person loses there balance, Doesn’t work for many people who have a quick work pace and are always up and down. Doesn’t have wheels.
What are my options if I really like the theory behind or feel of the ball? You can bet a base for the ball that has a back rest and wheels. You can use a sitting disc, which gives you the feel and benefits of the ball but you can use it with your present chair. Email for information about bases or sitting discs. (Make this part into email link)