Office Ergonomics

25Sep09

Many daily office employees experience back pain, weak joints, carpal tunnel syndrome or develop poor eye sight from computer work. In today’s workplace, the computer is the number one piece of equipment used in offices, but in proper or over use can lead to injury almost as easily as using heavy factory or warehouse equipment. Providing employees with an office ergonomics plan can prevent cumulative trauma disorders that develop as a result of excessive force, repetitive motion, awkward body posture and no rest.

To begin, make sure your office work space is designed for you. The objects you need should be within arm’s length, to avoid reaching, and your computer station should be adjusted to your height. To ensure your posture meets recommended office ergonomics guidelines, sit up straight with your back against your seat rest and your feet flat on the floor, hands and wrists should be kept straight with your fingers lightly touching the keys on your keyboard. You should be able to keep your head and neck straight while looking at your computer screen.

Office exercises are a great way to release tension that can build while sitting at a desk all day. Try stretching your hands or shaking out your wrists after typing for long periods of time. For back pain, try to roll your shoulders or stretch your arms over your head. These exercises release the tension built up from sitting for long periods of time. Repetitive motion also leads to cumulative trauma disorders, so try to change tasks every 20 to 30 minutes. If you begin to feel tired, take a break to stretch and walk around.