Office staff whether you are a Manager, Executive, Executive PA, PA, Administrator or Administrative Assistant should always look after your health when working. As you will be sitting at their desks for long periods throughout the day, it is important that you have regular breaks.
Sitting in one position will impede circulation so you should a short break after 1 hour's work. This could mean a quick diversion from your task such as walking over to retrieve a document at the printer or filing the document you have just printed. Always keep the correct posture when working.
It is also vital that you look away from the monitor occasionally, especially if you are doing long periods of close computer work. This can lead to eye fatigue which, over a period of time, can lead to you needing time off work.
As you are seated at your desk for long periods, then you should ensure the seating is comfortably paced in order to avoid muscle strain. The chair height should be adjusted so your feet are flat on the floor with your entire back is well supported. The top of your monitor should be just above eye level and at least an arm's length away the monitor. It is also important that the monitor is positioned so as to avoid any glare on the screen.
You may find that although you have observed all the golden rules in ergonomics, you may need to pay a visit to a masseur who will relieve you of any tightness or aches in your muscles. Massage is the best way for freeing tension in the muscles although you may not be aware of these rigidities in your muscles.
Companies pay great interest in Health and Safety in the work place. Health and Safety means you look out not only for yourself but also for colleagues and visitors. It is your duty to report any likely hazard to the Health and Safety Officer for example a broken chair etc. The repercussions of a visitor hurting himself or herself can cause fines for the company, legal fees, ill health, increase in the insurance premium, additional cost with replacement staff and staff confidence to name but a few.
Therefore, it is imperative that each staff member take heed of Health and Safety in the workplace as their health can be affected, their chances of promotion can be nil and, more important, the company suffers as the staff are not productive.