NFIB

Make Sure to Follow Ergonomics Guidelines Yourself
03/ 28/ 2002

While you may strive to follow OSHA guidelines in your business, you might not have considered implementing them in your personal work habits. In today's Workshop, contributor Jeffrey Moses discusses the ergonomic guidelines that can help you and your employees prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries.

It's important to set up your workstation to minimize strain on your back, neck, arms and hands. Your keyboard and monitor should be placed directly in front of you, with your mouse close enough to the keyboard so you can use it keeping your elbow close to your side.

Your chair and desk should be adjusted so that your keyboard and mouse are at or slightly below elbow level. Your feet should rest flat on the floor. To avoid strain on the neck, your monitor's screen should be placed at the proper height so that you don't have to look down, up or to either side. Don't hunch over while working. Those ads showing people working with their laptops in their laps shouldn't be your example of proper positioning. If you've had problems with a sore neck or upper back, it could be due to prolonged usage in this position.

Avoid resting on your elbow during long meetings and supporting your arms or wrists on the edge of your desk while working. Don't bend your wrist excessively by placing your keyboard too low. If your keyboard has a wrist rest, don't use it while typing. Let your arms and shoulders relax as you work. If you feel them tensing up, let them hang at your sides for a few moments as the tension drains away.

Your wrists and hands should be in a nearly straight line as you work. Avoid working with your wrists turned excessively inward or outward. Don't work for hours in one position. Change your hand and arm position frequently as you work.

Finally, remember to take breaks at regular intervals. Stand up, stretch or take a short walk around the office. Don't think of this as a waste of time. In the long run, it could help prevent injury.

If you feel pain or discomfort, especially stiffness or numbness in your arms, hands, wrists, neck or legs, these could be signs of improper work positioning. If the pain doesnÆt cease after making the necessary adjustments, consult a physician, as this could be the sign of an oncoming repetitive motion injury.

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