Ergonomic Breaks

Ergonomics is the study of how the human body relates to environments in which we live and work. The attention paid to this idea is on the rise every year, with more and more companies encouraging employees to take and offering them information on “ergo breaks.”

The importance for all employees, from warehouse workers to secretaries, to pay attention to their bodies while on the job is incredibly important, and ergonomics is very much concerned with our habitual actions and posture. For example, proper positioning of one’s hands over a keyboard can prevent major issues of carpal tunnel down the line.

However, ergo breaks, resting periods, and stretches are just as important as being mindful while actually working. Take mini-breaks for a few seconds every 10 to 15 minutes to stretch out any muscles that may feel tense, and to correct yourself if you are slouching or bending in potentially dangerous ways. Longer breaks every half-hour to hour of about 5 minutes will give your body a chance to regroup as well.

If you can, try to vary your physical tasks by putting them in a sort of informal rotation. This will keep your muscles warmed up and active, and ultimately increase productivity by reducing the effects of fatigue on any one part of the body.

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Laws exist on both federal and state levels that mandate periodical breaks for workers throughout a day of salaried employment. Illinois is one of several states that allows ten minutes of paid rest for every four-hour shift. If you have suffered from a repetitive injury or single traumatic episode related to ergonomics, and you feel that your employer’s negligence may have been at fault, you could be entitled to compensation.

Contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman and Bonebrake, P.C., today by calling 312-466-8200 for more information on your case.