The postural hygiene It is a key issue of occupational health, it refers to the set of norms and recommendations that aim to educate the individual, and especially the worker, in relation to the appropriate postures to carry out each type of activity, both in movement and at rest, in order to allow a good alignment of the whole body, subjecting its parts to the least possible overload, in order to prevent the appearance of injuries.
The objective of adopting postural hygiene measures when carrying out the activities is to prevent the appearance of occupational diseases by taking care of the posture.
Scope of action of postural hygiene measures
The recommendations related to postural hygiene can be applied not only to the workers of a company or organization, currently it is trying to expand its scope of action, including also healthy people, to prevent the risk of developing injuries. They should also be observed when executing hobbies, practicing sports or even during recreational activities such as watching television.
In the case of people who suffer from some type of injury to the musculoskeletal system, adopting postural hygiene measures is the best way to prevent the injuries from progressing further deteriorating health or favoring the development of new injuries.
For this reason, it is considered that a healthy practice to educate the general population in the measures that must be implemented to protect their back and their joints, when adopting postures or making efforts, to remember these postural norms and to apply them systematically in their daily life.
Where are the rules of postural hygiene taught?
Postural hygiene measures are taught as part of a physical rehabilitation program to patients undergoing physiotherapy treatment, consisting of the Back School where the measures to prevent back injuries are taught and is complemented with postural reeducation and training in joint care.
In healthy workers, this knowledge must be transmitted through training activities as part of the occupational risk prevention program that is developed in many companies.
Main recommendations related to postural hygiene
- Try to carry out your tasks adopting one or more postures in which you feel comfortable, adjust your equipment and work instruments for this purpose. Usually there is no single correct posture.
- Avoid maintaining the same posture in a sustained way, even if you work seated, try to change your position frequently.
- Perform tasks that require you to walk or do some kind of movement.
- Toggle between various tasks throughout the day.
- When you have to perform repetitive movements try to take breaks at least every two hours to stretch and change position.
- Use tools, implements and even furniture correctly.
- Try to have sufficient ventilation and lighting in your workplace.
- Properly use personal protective equipment whenever they are required.
- Avoid sources of noise.
- Avoid clutter on the job site, keep cables to various equipment organized, and ensure that passage areas are not obstructed not obstructed by objects such as boxes.
Photos: iStock - habun / Yuri_Arcurs
