You’re not sure quite what you’ve done. Really, you haven’t done anything except sit at a desk and type. No big deal, right?
Wrong.
This is the reality of workplace injuries. Many people think that workplace injuries must look and seem extreme. But that’s not true. Common injuries can build up for years before causing an issue. Or they can randomly occur by straining just the wrong muscle when you least expect it.
So what can you do differently to avoid common workplace mishaps?
The answer comes in something called ergonomic devices. According to The University of Chicago, “‘ergonomics’ can simply be defined as the study of work. It is the science of fitting jobs to the people who work in them.” Ergonomic devices mirror this concept in that they are designed to lessen the risk of workplace injuries like carpel tunnel syndrome associated with typing.
If you’re suffering from workplace injuries, you may want to consider adding ergonomic devices to your workstation. Check out these five workplace staples that can be purchased in an ergonomic fashion.
Just remember to do your research before you make a purchase. Test out new devices prior to buying them for size and fit. After all, we’re all built differently. What works for one person may not work for another.
1. The Right Chair
We’ve all experienced workplace chairs that are anything but comfortable. That’s no fun. However, having a good office chair isn’t just a “feel good” thing. It’s an important part of health and safety in the workplace.
According to the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), there are many things to look for in a chair designed for health. For starters, the chair of your choosing should give support to the backside, legs, back, and arms. This keeps your body in place throughout the day.
In addition, it should discourage the user from sitting in awkward positions when it comes to posture as well as contact stress and unnecessary exertions. Further, it should be adjustable with lumbar support. This helps prevent back injuries. Ideally, the chair should also recline 15 degrees at the minimum and have the ability to move. And the backrest should be lockable.
2. An Alternative Keyboard
Long hours spent typing can wreak havoc on the body. In fact, typing can lead to a condition far too many of us are familiar with -- carpal tunnel syndrome.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this issue involves pain and weakness in the hands and wrists. Contrary to popular belief, CTS comes as a result of nerve problems in the wrist as opposed to muscular issues. The severity of symptoms can also be different in each person, with some experiencing mild discomfort and others experiencing extreme discomfort.
So just what do keyboards have to do with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Some believe that one of the ways to lessen the risk of CTS is by steering clear of a traditional keyboard. According to OSHA, many keyboards can create a sideways bend in the wrists. This is because the wrist bends to reach keys.
And that’s not all. Other types keyboards can cause issues too. For example, a tilted keyboard can put the wrists in an awkward position. And tiny keyboards (like those found on small laptops) can also cause injuries.
This is where alternative keyboards can come in handy. They can position the wrist in different ways that may reduce the risk of injury. Two examples of ergonomic keyboards are split keyboards and tented and raised keyboards. These devices can help the wrist to stay in an appropriate position. That said, more research is needed on these designs.
3. A Standing Desk
Do you sit all day at work? This definitely isn’t a good thing. And it’s not how the body was programmed.
There’s a reason “sitting disease” has been coined as a concerning American issue. We spend too much time sitting. This is leading to disease and obesity. In fact, some say that sitting all day may be as hazardous as smoking.
One way around this sedentary workplace behavior is to purchase a standing desk. This is an elevated desk positioned to allow you to stand while you work and type.
According to BBC, standing while working is not a new thing. Rumor has it that Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, and even Benjamin Franklin used standing desks. Pretty cool, huh?
The best thing is that standing while working could actually help you to lose weight. Experts say that this simple act could burn an extra 50 calories an hour, which adds up fast. In just one year, this could lead to an additional 30,000 calories burned. That’s eight pounds of fat.
4. An Anti-Glare Computer Screen
Staring at a digital screen is an accepted part of society. But it’s not always good for your health. This is particularly true when it comes to preserving your vision.
Vision issues revolving around screens have led to an official medical diagnosis known as computer syndrome. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), computer vision syndrome (also known as digital eyestrain), is used to define a group of eye and vision-related problems caused by spending too much time looking at digital devices.
According to the AOA, the average worker in the United States will spend about seven hours a day in front of some type of computer or digital screen. That’s a lot of time, so it’s no wonder that these problems arise.
One way to make this process easier on your eyes is to get an anti-glare computer screen. You can use a screen glare filter to lower the amount of light that is actually reflected from the screen.
5. A Wrist Rest
Another possible way to lower the risk of injury in the workplace is to use a wrist rest. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these devices can help ensure that both your wrists and fingers remain in a comfortable position.
Getting a wrist rest doesn’t have to be a complicated procedure. They’re available at pretty much any office store. And they’re easy to install. In fact, they fit under pretty much every keyboard that is mobile.