Work Comfortably, Stay Healthy – Essential Ergonomics Training for School Staff

 

Many school staff spend significant parts of the day working at a computermanaging administration, communicating with parents, preparing lessons or completing reporting tasks. While desk work may appear low-risk, prolonged sitting, repetitive keyboard and mouse use, and extended screen time can lead to a range of health issues including poor posture, eye strain, muscle stiffness, and repetitive strain injuries. 

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Why this course is helpful

This course provides practical guidance on creating a safer, more comfortable workstation and developing simple daily habits that protect long-term health.

 

Participants learn how to set up their desk, chair, keyboard, mouse and screen correctly, recognise early warning signs of strain, and incorporate movement and stretching into the school day.

 

Delivered online, the course includes video presentations, downloadable notes, practical demonstrations, and a short completion task, enabling staff to apply ergonomic principles immediately in their working environment.

 

Session 1 – The Impact of Sitting and How to Counteract It

• Understanding how prolonged sitting affects posture, muscles, hips and overall health

• Simple strategies to reduce risk, including correct seating posture

• The importance of standing regularly and taking micro-breaks

• Incorporating moderate daily activity into a busy school schedule

 

Session 2 – Preventing Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

• What RSI is, common causes, and early warning signs

• How keyboard and mouse positioning affects wrists, hands and forearmsPractical exercises to strengthen hands, wrists and forearms and reduce strain

• Correct typing posture and wrist alignment

 

Session 3 – Working Safely with Screens

• Understanding the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations and responsibilities

• How screen positioning, lighting, glare and brightness affect eye comfort

• Reducing eye strain and headaches when working on screens

• Practical eye exercises and screen habits that support visual health

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Session 4 – Creating a Healthy Workstation

• Adjusting chairs, screens and desk layout to support posture

• Organising frequently used items to prevent unnecessary strain

• Practical ergonomic tools such as lumbar supports, ergonomic keyboards, anti-glare screens and standing aids

• Building simple daily habits that support long-term comfort and wellbeing

 

Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Set up a comfortable and ergonomically sound workstation
• Maintain correct sitting posture and reduce strain on the back, neck and shoulders
• Recognise early symptoms of RSI and take preventative action
• Position keyboards, mice and screens correctly to protect hands, wrists and arms
• Reduce eye strain through improved screen habits and positioning
• Incorporate regular movement and stretching into the working day
• Apply practical strategies to maintain comfort and wellbeing while working at a computer

This course equips school staff with simple, practical steps to work more comfortably, prevent common desk-related injuries, and maintain long-term health while using computers as part of their daily role.