One of the main solutions that have evolved to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and other similar injuries caused by constant repetition in the workplace is ergonomics and ergonomic products. These two things are combinations of exercises, stretches, and specialized equipment that help prevent and decrease pain from serious injuries, the most well-known of which is carpal tunnel syndrome. This article is an overview of some of the products and possibilities that open up to create a more successful business, one that incorporates a healthier work environment for its workers.
While many companies were initially hesitant (to say the least) about the concept of using ergonomic products to treat and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, today there is much less resistance, because time has shown that many times the companies that take the risk and bring the ergonomic products and procedures to their employees it has really paid off! The introduction of ergonomic products has reduced injuries, which in turn results in more efficient and productive workers. This too, as another positive result, led to lower operating costs. Some of the changes seemed pretty minor, but they led to big results. For example, redesigning check holders to reduce ergonomic risk factors, such as twisting or extended reach, can improve cashier efficiency and productivity.
There are many OSHA guidelines outlining what types of jobs ergonomic equipment and programs should be most aware of, and such lists can be easily located from the OSHA website. As the success of ergonomics became apparent, more and more companies got in on the game to provide quality products to employees in those industries. These aren’t just cheap tricks, either. The government and associated companies have invested a lot of money to find the most effective way to ergonomically attack carpal tunnel syndrome. The reason they can have such fierce competition is that other companies that need ergonomic equipment know that the right equipment reduces injuries and that fewer injuries means higher morale, less sick time, and less overtime (for people replacing injured workers); reduce employee turnover and encourage employees to stay for longer periods, even throughout their career. This doesn’t even take into account how much happier, healthier employees improve customer service, thus improving the number of customers who will keep coming back.
A wide variety of ergonomic equipment is available including, but not limited to, chairs, computer desks, specialty keyboards, mice, office chairs, office furniture, seating, software programs, stretching and exercise systems, and custom workstations. To wrap up this article, here is a list of some of the most common ergonomic equipment and a brief description of how it affects the workplace.
Keyboard Trays – Used to adjust the height and angle of a keyboard to fit the individual or allow for changing posture.
Wrist rest: one of the most common, most important and most effective ergonomic products. These help prevent the wrist from falling (rolling backwards) when typing during typing pauses or while using the mouse. This is the worst habit that can cause carpal syndrome in an office worker. These also help take some weight off the shoulders and reduce the work of the shoulder muscles to smooth out the surface under the wrist.
Mouse Support Trays – Reduce reach by keeping a mouse close to the keyboard, if using a keyboard tray.
Forearm supports: To support the arms. Helps prevent your wrist from falling off while using the keyboard. They also help prevent pressure under the wrist or elbow that can occur with wrist rests or meat arm rests.
Alternative Keyboards and Alternatives to Mice: These emphasize the use of different muscles in the upper extremity.
Height-adjustable tables and work surfaces – self-explanatory. Someone who is seven foot two is going to have very different needs than someone who is four foot ten. Helps adjust posture regardless of who is using the work area.
Monitor arms: These help free up the work surface below the monitor. This also allows for forward and backward or sometimes up and down movement of the monitor to accommodate changes in posture or to accommodate different employees. They can even be used to store keyboards when not in use.
Adjustable Seating – Allows different postures and workers of different sizes to still comfortably use the same area.
Stretch Break Software: Times for employees to take breaks throughout the day and rest overworked muscles.
Stretching and Exercise Programs: Active stretching and exercise programs increase circulation and decrease muscle imbalances, the main cause of compression syndromes like carpal tunnel.
Using these ergonomic products will help prevent injuries, keep worker morale high, and keep your business where it belongs: moving smoothly.