Ergonomics for Autumn

It’s Fall ya’ll!  The Autumn season is here!  Cool breezes, colorful leaves, Autumn festivals, and Halloween! Don’t be spooked by Musculoskeletal Disorder hazards as The Rising Workplace has put together some Fall tips to make this season comfortable.

Fall Yard Clean-up - To make raking leaves a breeze this Autumn, start by stretching and warming up.  Take 10 minutes to properly warm up the body by focusing on the neck, back, hips, torso, wrists, and shoulders.  Use proper form by holding the rake handle close to your body with one hand near the top of the rake for better leverage. Plant one foot out in front of the other for leverage. Finding the right sized rake also is important as a rake that is too large may be cumbersome for a more petite statured person.

Get Ready for Halloween - Using the right setup to carve Jack-O-Lanterns can make this event much more enjoyable. Consider the table's height and the pumpkin's height, especially when cutting out the top and scooping out the insides. Invest in tools that will help sculpt without slipping or pain. A Dremel is a great tool for designing. Use a serrated knife for deep cuts. When lifting and carrying the masterpiece, bend at the knees and use “the power zone” of your midsection to carry the pumpkin properly.

Enjoying the Fruits of the Season - It’s the perfect time to go apple picking! All that reaching, stepping, bending, and carrying can bring along some unexpected pain. Reducing awkward postures and repetitive actions by not overloading the apple bucket. Instead of pulling the fruit off the tree, cup the apples, twist, and pull.  Your wrists will thank you!

There are so many wonderful things to do during Autumn and as always, ergonomics are everywhere! Feel free to contact our team here anytime to tell us your autumn ergonomics story. The Rising Workplace wishes you a Spooktacular season ahead!