Safety in the Home Office

0 Comments | Insight on the News, Nov 22, 1999 | by Karen Goldberg Goff

Online

* Cornell University's department of ergonomics (ergo. human, cornell.edu) has extensive information on maintaining an ergonomically correct workstation.

* Ergonomist Scott Wright maintains a site (www.geocities.com/CapeCanaver-al/1129/) that features articles, medical information, workers' compensation information and advice on furniture and office equipment.

RELATED ARTICLE: RELIEVING CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

A common workplace malady for those who work on a computer, carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hands, wrists and fingers. It can lead to permanent disability and or the need for surgery if not addressed. Symptoms include numbness, weakness, pain and difficulty in moving the hands.

Frequent breaks, centering the keyboard in front of you and using the mouse on the same level close to the keyboard can help prevent injury.

REGULAR EXERCISE:

* Stretch and relax hands during the work day.

* Apply pressure to your fingertips, gently bending the wrists. Hold for 10 seconds every hour.

* Open and close your hand fully, squeezing it into a fist for 10 seconds every hour.

GOOD POSTURE:

This is the basis for workstation ergonomics and the best way to avoid a computer-related injury.

* Reach for the keyboard keys with your wrists as flat as possible (not bent up or down).

* Elbow angle should be greater than 90 degrees to avoid nerve compression in the elbow.

* Upper arms and elbows should be close to the body and relaxed as possible. Avoid over-reaching for the mouse and make sure the wrist is as straight as possible when using it.

* Sit up straight and use a good back support. Feet should be flat on the floor or a footrest.

MONITOR:

* It should be straight ahead at the height that doesn't make you tilt your head up or bend it down. When seated, your eyes should be in line with the screen about 2-3 inches below the top.

* Make sure lighting is not so bright as to cause a glare. An antiglare screen attachment will help to reduce brightness. Place the monitor perpendicular to a window rather than in front of it to avoid outside glare.

CHILDREN:

Kids must pay attention to ergonomics because they usually are working on equipment that is too big for them. If adults and children are sharing the same computer at home, it is important to:

* Position the monitor's screen at or below the child's eye level. Take the monitor off its base or have the child sit on phone books to reach the desired height.

* Because most office chairs are too big for children, use a back cushion, pillow or rolled-up towel for back support.

* The child's feet should be placed on a box or footstool for comfort. Feet dangling over the chair's edge can impede circulation.

Sources: American Chiropractic Association, American Occupational Therapy Association and Cornell University Department of Ergonomics