Ergonomics gets more and more attention as the comfort and health of office employees shifts into the spotlight.
The office workspace is a dangerous environment that affects the health of all employees who reside in it. Its dangers may not seem as obvious as working with heavy equipment and toxic chemicals, and that is because these injuries and effects operate under the long-term, not the immediate.
Humans were not meant to sit in a chair for prolonged periods of time. It’s an unnatural form, and sitting day after day, hour after hour, can seriously affect one’s health. One of the most undervalued devices is the computer mouse. The way our arm and wrist must contort in order to use it is unnatural, too, and can lead to various complications. Here are a few tips on how you can use the computer mouse safely and prevent any joint issues down the road.
- Your grip on the mouse should be loose–avoid grabbing and gripping it tightly. A tightly gripped mouse only increases muscle tension and fatigue.
- The mouse should rest on the same level as the keyboard and as close to the middle of your body as possible.
- The wrist should be straight, avoid bending the wrist as much as you can.
- Set up macros for repetitive and complex tasks–this will reduce your joint movement and also save you time, increasing your productivity.
Hoffman Brown Company encourages you to review office and computer equipment to avoid injuries. Contact us with any questions about commercial insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
