Workspace Week - work well from anywhere!

The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) has launched Workspace Week with a health warning urging Australians to correct their poorly set up home workspaces to avoid physical injuries that may be caused by unsafe workspace practices.

Since the pandemic began there have been numerous studies and surveys conducted by researchers, governments, organisations and healthcare professionals looking at the benefits and disadvantages of working from home.

The majority of Australians have spent the past three years working between home and office locations, with the risk to the health of those not working in ergonomically correct workspaces causing concern.

Following the survey conducted by the ACTU which found 42 per cent of Australians working from home did not have a suitable workstation or the correct equipment, and the federal government’s announcement in August 2021 that up to two-thirds of Australians were still working from home, the ACA developed new effective resources to help Australians maintain a healthy spine.

To change the way Australians work from home, the ACA’s National Workspace Week aims to alert Australians to the potential risks of unsafe workspace practices due to poorly set up workspaces at home.

During National Workspace Week, chiropractors are encouraging anyone using a computer at home, albeit for work or study, to learn some simple steps that may improve postural correctness and create an ergonomic workspace.

Those experiencing neck, shoulder, back pain and headaches and those concerned about their spinal health when working remotely should contact their health professional to help address the issues. The team at Docklands Health can help you learn how to set up your workspace correctly so you can develop safe workspace practices and provide you with advice on exercise programs specific to your needs.

We’re also encouraging everyone to participate in Workspace Week by jumping online and downloading the ACA’s free Workspace Week resources to help maintain your overall health and wellbeing, allowing you to work well from anywhere.

ACA’s Workspace Week Checklist can assist people work safely in an ergonomic setting, while using the Straighten Up app to improve posture, stabilise core muscle groups, and enhance overall health and wellbeing.

By using these free tools and implementing positive spinal health habits including using an ergonomic office chair, adjusting your laptop to eye level and positioning your knees slightly below your hips when sitting, you can help prevent potential physical injuries when working remotely. •