Ergonomics for Teachers

Ergonomics for Teachers 

Teachers need an understanding of ergonomics both for their own benefit and safety and that of their pupils. Teachers can have great influence over children and therefore it is not only what they teach the children but also how they behave that has an influence on the ultimate behaviour of the children i.e. positive modeling. There is considerable evidence that motor learning (including the development of postural habits) occurs when children are engaged in meaningful goal oriented tasks such as those in the classroom. Understanding teacher’s tasks in school is the first step. The issues that are addressed here relate to the ergonomics of school. The advice and guidelines that are included therefore aim to address primarily the needs of the teacher and consequently, the needs of the pupils or students. 

General Posture

The maintenance of good everyday posture is important. Teachers, especially those who teach young children, may spend a considerable amount of time bending down to their pupils. The teachers are somewhat at a disadvantage as their work environment is designed to suit a much smaller person. In order to avoid problems associated with prolonged or sustained poor posture, teachers need to be aware of their posture and adopt a comfortable posture e.g. if you are helping a child who is seated at his/her desk you may need to squat or kneel down to their level.  

Computer Ergonomics

It is beneficial to have some knowledge of computer ergonomics, particularly at this time of increasing use of computers. The information included here relates to the ergonomics of computer use in school, but it must be viewed in the overall context as part of a working day and apply equally to working on a computer at home and at school.  

Posture

This topic has been addressed in “Ergonomics for Children Guidelines” on this site. Advice can be found under “Recommendations for Computer Use”. Most of the photographic examples are specific to children, but these guidelines also apply generally to adults. The principle difference between computer use in adults and young children is that adults generally tend to use a computer for longer periods of time without a break. (It is acknowledged that some children play computer games for long periods of time). The length of time using a computer is associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders.

 Work practices

Frequent breaks

In order to decrease the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, it is important to take frequent breaks. This is especially important at times of unusually high computer usage. A general guideline is to change posture every 40 minutes between sitting and standing.

 Workstation design

Arrange the workspace for comfort.

Don’t forget - Consider the adjustability of the workstation especially if more than one person needs to use it.

General School Furniture

The arrangement of furniture is important.

• The desk /table and chair should be compatible. Similar to a computer workstation, the major joints of the body should be in a comfortable position without having to strain.

• Move the chair in as close as possible to the desk/table.

• Make sure that your legs can fit under the table and that the area is clutter free.

• Consider the placement of the furniture relative to the blackboard in order to reduce the need for pupils/students to twist.

• Consider having reading material on a sloping surface on the desk, or using alternative presentation methods to avoid prolonged reading from the desk level.

 Sitting

Similar to avoiding working too long at a computer, you should also avoid sitting for too long no matter what the task. When you are sitting be sure to :

• have shoulders and upper arms relaxed

• use the chair backrest for support

• have your feet flat on the ground (or a footrest)