Ergonomics in the Office: The Computer Mouse

Ergonomics in the Office: The Computer Mouse

17April,2017
By Hoffman Brown Insurance | , , , | No Comments
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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.

COVID-19 Update:

The Coronavirus, officially COVID-19, has become a global health emergency. One of the measures Hoffman Brown Company has taken to keep our CLIENTS and Teammates safe was to design a complete virtual work environment. For the foreseeable future, our colleagues will be conducting business virtually to avoid any disruption in our ability to serve you. These measures are based on the CDC’s guidance and will evolve with the situation. Please know that we are fully functional, available and look forward to being of service.