Computer-use related injuries contribute to lost productivity
A large factor in productivity loss is computer-related injury. Spending hours at a time using a computer can cause disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome or eye-strain, which are generalized under the term, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
Identification
Hand and wrist pain are among the most common symptoms of RSI
Symptoms of RSI generally include pain and/or weakness in affected areas. Left untreated over extended periods of time, the pain and weakness will intensify, and eye-strain can result in deteriorating vision.
According to the Mail Online, a 2008 study found that 68 percent of United Kingdom workers suffered from some sort of RSI, including pain in the back, neck, arms, and hand.
Causes
A high-pressure office environment can contribute to RSI
RSI is the result of repeated manual motions and joint overuse from poor body position and posture; office workers are among the highest risk groups for injury.
Risk factors include furniture, tools, and equipments that don't conform to a particular body-type; workspace design that encourages poor posture; and tight deadlines that discourage employees from taking breaks.
Significance
RSI costs employers money
With such high rates of RSI among office-workers, productivity loss is inevitable. According to a 2007 study conducted by the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 11 percent of arm/hand cases, 32 percent of the neck/shoulder cases, and 43 percent of the cases reporting both symptoms resulted in sick leave.
Prevention/Solution
Take a break
Most important is to take frequent breaks from sitting at a computer, which encourages blood flow and circulation to the muscles. When planning your day, mix up your tasks to avoid long stretches of uninterrupted typing.
Work station adjustment is also crucial; your forearms should be roughly parallel to the floor and level with your keyboard. This position may require chair or even desk height adjustment. When changing chair height also ensure that your feet can be positioned flat on the floor. Most desk heights are positioned 28 to 30 inches off the floor. While this is optimal for writing, it's counter to computer work. If possible, choose a desk with an adjustable keyboard and mouse tray.
The eye prefers objects farther away, so avoid sitting too close to the screen, and frequently look away from it. As well, avoid positioning your primary light source, such as a window, directly at your face or your screen.
Considerations
Encourage your employer to consider the benefits of proper ergonomics in the workplace. Request adjustable chairs and desks.
Or as an employer, educate your workers about the dangers of RSI. Promote breaks and offer wellness incentives for those employees taking a proactive approach to their workday.
Proper identification of the symptoms and prevention will result in increased productivity.
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