HR Department = Prevention Specialists?

Posted on February 14, 2017January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

The most upsetting news a human resource specialist can hear is an employee complaining of pain or reporting an injury. When something like this happens, human resource specialists are often bombarded with paperwork and must spend company funds to solve the problem. Yet what if this can be prevented?

There is a great saying by hall of fame hockey player and former Los Angeles King, Wayne Gretzky: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” The way I take Gretzky’s comment is we must be mindful of our obligations in the future since this will allow us to solve problems efficiently. While something might not appear an issue now, we must ensure that problems do not arise in the future. This, to me, is the simple meaning of Gretzky’s comment. Besides for all his skills as a hockey player, this is one of the main reasons why he was so successful at his sport.

The question for HR specialists is how can we prevent future injuries or pain when there are no reports of discomfort at present? To me, there are three solutions that HR specialists can take:

1) Start of right: Ensure that employees are provided with at least some adjustable equipment. This does not mean that everyone should have a standing desk. However, each employee should, at least, have a chair that is adjustable. Chairs are the most important product that you use at your desk. Each employee should know how to use their chair and the best way adjust it to interface comfortably with the computer. HR specialists should ensure that each employee knows how to adjust their chair through personalized instruction, whether through the HR specialist herself or outsourcing this service to someone knowledgeable in the field.

2) Company Culture: Promote a positive culture at your workplace that lets employees know that you are looking out for them. This might mean educating employees about the services you offer or how the HR department can help employees work comfortably at their desks. Many employees are afraid of saying that there is a problem with their workstation. Providing an open door policy that is warm and welcoming is a great way to recognize where injury or discomfort might occur.

3) Regular check ups: Another way to prevent future pain and discomfort when using the computer is promoting regular check-up visits from an injury prevention specialist, either through an HR person himself or an ergonomist. A human resource specialist should have, at least, a basic understanding of ergonomics and be able to recognize when ergonomic problems might occur. If they do not, offering lectures or regular office visits from a trained ergonomic specialist could give the HR department the awareness about where potential problems exist and preventing employee injury and discomfort in the future.

HR specialists are experts in prevention. In the evolving workplace, where employees spend most of the day at their computer, preventing ergonomic injuries and pain is a most important task. In looking out for potential problems and providing helpful solutions for the future, HR specialist will be able to “skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent OTR/L, MA, CEAS
Lead Ergonomic Specialist
Ergonomics Advance
www.ergonomicsadvance.com

The Vertical Evoluent Mouse and the User Friendly Workstation

Posted on February 1, 2017January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

Can a vertical mouse help improve workplace ergonomics?

We were not made to hold a mouse all day. Between the pressure on our wrist and the awkward positions, using a mouse for some four to six hours a day can cause discomfort and possibly tendonitis. When grasping a generic mouse our palms and wrist rest on the mouse and we feel stress on our joints. When not in a neutral position or when having to reach for our mouse, the pressure on our joints becomes more pronounced. Additionally, when using a regular mouse the bones of our forearm twist (see the picture below). This places added stress on the joints and keeps the forearm in a non-neutral position, eventually contributing to discomfort.

In order to correct this position, I will often recommend the evoluent vertical mouse. This mouse allows the user to decrease the amount of pressure placed on their palm and wrist. Instead of constantly moving the wrist and fingers, which contributes to tendonitis, force is distributed more equally between the shoulders, forearm, and hands. The forearm and hands are placed in a relaxed “handshake” position, preventing discomfort and injury.

Please remember that in addition to using a vertical mouse the user should continue to place themselves in a position where their wrist and forearm are aligned and in the neutral position. The user should not have to reach very far for the mouse as well (for further details on the correct position of your wrist when using the mouse, see my post here).

The evoluent mouse comes in two sizes: small and regular. If there are 7 inches or more between the tip of middle finger and the wrist crease, the regular size is you. The small size are for hands smaller than 7 inches. You can also print out the following page and place your hand in the picture to determine which size will fit you best. You also must inform the seller if you are right handed or left handed as the mouse is customized to the hand you use the mouse with.

How to Avoid Eyestrain when Using the Computer? Part II

Posted on January 18, 2017January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

(This is a continuation of a post. To see Part I click here)

How can we avoid eyestrain?

1) Positioning

The first course of action is positioning the computer at an appropriate distance. We want to position the monitor at a distance that is not too far to diminish our ability to read yet not too close where it compromises our resting point of accommodation and vergence. In general, we advise placing the monitor a little more than arms length away from the user. The computer should be placed right in front of the user with the top of the computer at or slightly below eye level.

We recommend, also, adjusting the monitor slightly so that the top of the computer is farther away from the bottom (rotating the top of the monitor away from the user). This allows for a downward gaze, giving us the ability to remain more in our resting point of vergence. Looking slightly downwards, we can have the screen at a closer distance and still have the ability to view and read images with maximal acuity.

2) Word Font

Another way to avoid eyestrain and headaches is to increase the font size or zooming in slightly in order to easily read information on the computer screen. Squinting to view small type fonts place unnecessary stress on the eyes and promote poor back posture. Most importantly for people with eye problems, reading small print forces the user to view items closer, compromising our resting point of accommodation and vergance.

3) Avoiding Glare

Another suggestion that we make in order to decrease eyestrain and headaches is to reduce excessive bright light either from outdoor sunlight or intense indoor lighting. An office setting can often be intensely bright, causing unnecessary glare on the screen. This might mean removing one of the bulbs from a light fixture or simply positioning the computer away from a light source. We understand that many employee do not have control over how much light is present in an office setting or where there desk is stationed, however explaining to a human resource administrator or a supervisor about how glare promotes discomfort or effects productivity might give you the ability to make the necessary change. These changes might assist not only the individual, but the entire office. These suggestions include:

Removing the middle bulb of a four bulb light fixture
Closing the drapes, shades, or blinds, especially those that are directly in front or behind a computer.
Position the monitor so that windows are to the side (perpendicular to the screen), instead of in front or behind the computer.

4) Neutralizing Screen Brightness

One of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid eyestrain is to adjust the brightness on the monitor. The brightness of the monitor should be the same as the brightness on the surrounding area. To test this, look at a white background on the monitor (can be this page). If the screen looks like a light source and is brighter than the surrounding area, the screen is too bright. If the screen seems dark and dull, you should increase the brightness.

5) Breaks

Another recommendation that can prevent eye strain is called the 20:20:20 rule. Recommended by many ophthalmologists and optometrists, the 20:20:20 rule states that computer users should look away from their computer every 20 minutes to gaze at a distant object, at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. The 20:20:20 rule allows you to relax your eyes and give you the opportunity to focus on different objects at a farther distance, rather than staring at the closest object to us, our monitor.

We also recommend, blinking during these breaks. Viewing a monitor tends to decrease the amount of times we blink, contributing to eye dryness and irritation. Simply closing your eyes a few times for short 10 second periods can help with this.

These are a few recommendations that we can immediately implement to reduce eye glare. These solutions are inexpensive but can truly make a difference in the user experience, helping reduce eyestrain and headaches.

As with many things ergonomics, productivity is not compromised by implementing regular breaks or taking the time to adjust your monitor. On the contrary, the more detailed we are about avoiding glare and keeping ourselves within the resting point of accommodation and vergence, the more likely we are to contribute and work efficiently.

For more information, please feel free to contact us at (310) 467-5625.

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent OTR/L, MA, CEAS

How to Avoid Eyestrain when Using the Computer? Part I

Posted on January 17, 2017January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

Are we causing unwanted strain to our eyes by looking at the computer for long periods of time? Is there a way to continue working efficiently at the computer without it having to result in headaches?

There are a variety of solutions to protect your eyes when sitting at the computer. In this two part article, however, we explain steps that you can immediately take to protect your eyes, without having to resort to special light installations or glasses. While these more costly adjustments could be necessary, we first recommend taking these inexpensive steps to reduce eyestrain.

In this article, we charge ourselves with two objectives: 1) to explain why our eyes feel strained after looking at the computer for long periods of time 2) to provide five simple solutions to immediately implement in our daily computer tasks. Part I of this post deals with the first objective, explaining why using the computer can cause eyestrain. Part II deals with finding solutions to this problem.

Why do I develop eyestrain and headaches after using the computer for long periods of time?

In order to understand why we develop headaches and eyestrain after looking at the computer, we first must look at the normal processes of the eye. Two terms, the resting point of accommodation and the resting point of vergance, must be defined and explained in order to know the most neutral position for our eyes.

The Resting Point of Accommodation

Our eye’s adjusts to look at objects at different distances. Eyes accommodate and readjust when viewing items far away and accommodate again when looking at an object close by. In a completely dark room, however, where our eyes are not staring at anything and do not need to adjust for distance, our eyes remain in the most relaxed, neutral position. This relaxed position is called the resting point of accommodation.

Most people prefer staying at the resting point of accommodation. This is the most relaxed position placing the least amount of stress on the eyes. Depending on a variety of factors including an individual’s eye anatomy and age, in order to achieve the resting point of accommodation you should sit, on average, about 30-40 inches from an object.

Resting point of Vergence

In addition to accommodating to various distances, our eyes have the ability to converge or look inward towards our nose in order to allow both eyes to see an items at the same place. The ability to converge on a single object prevents each eye from looking at an item separately, in turn preventing “double vision.”

Just like the resting point of accommodation, our eyes prefer to converge in a most relaxed position. When there is nothing to look at, the eye converges and remains in the most relaxed position called the resting point of vergence. The resting point of vergence is achieved when looking at an item about 45 inches away. However, when gazing downward at about a 30 degrees angle, the resting point of vergence can be achieved at a shorter distance, about 35 inches.

What does this mean for computer users?

For a person sitting too close to the computer screen and away from this resting point of vergence and accommodation, the muscles of the eye become strained viewing the screen at a close distance. This can result in increased eyestrain and headaches. In addition to moving away from the resting point of vergence and accommodation, eye strain can be the result surrounding light or screen brightness, either being too dim or too bright. People will often need to squint to read words on a screen where the surrounding area or the brightness of the screen itself is too bright. Avoiding glare and squinting, trying to read an article in bright light, contributes to eye fatigue and strain.

Click here to see Part II.

Repetitive Strain Injuries and Computer Usage

Posted on December 20, 2016January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

Am I really at risk for injury while using a computer?

We often think of injury as a sudden occurrence. “The back pain came from the heavy object I lifted yesterday.” “The broken nose came from an elbow during a basketball game.” “The hip fracture occurred after I fell.” The common thought on injury is that it is an instantaneous, unavoidable accident.

The truth is that injury comes in two forms: sudden impact acute injuries and chronic minor impact repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Acute injuries are described above. They are fractures, dislocations and sprains resulting from a fall, a sudden movement, or an elbow to the nose. The second type of injury, RSIs, occur over a period of time. Repetitive strain injuries like De Quervains, trigger finger, and bursitis are the result of performing the same action on a constant basis.

A common type of RSI is tendinitis. Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation to the tendon, a flexible but inelastic cord which attaches muscles to bones and allows limbs to move. As a result of constantly typing or using the mouse at the computer, the tendons in your fingers, wrists, or shoulders become irritated, inflamed, and can even tear. Discomfort will often radiate from the wrist to your fingers or from your shoulder to your bicep. After a diagnosis of tendinitis, it might even be difficult to hold items let alone continue typing or using the mouse for long periods of time. Such discomfort is not caused by a sudden accident. Instead, over time, after repetitively using the fingers or neck to type and stare at a computer, tendons will start to become inflamed.

So how can we prevent tendinitis or the variety of other RSIs? Physical therapy, occupational therapy or surgery usually helps a person rehabilitate after one obtains an RSI. Yet, how can we save a person from these unnecessary conditions before? For those who have rehabilitated or are at risk for an RSI, how can we prevent onset?

The key to prevention is adjusting your workstation to meet your specific needs. We are all different. People are distinguishable both physically and behaviorally. A one size fits all model cannot solve most ergonomic problems. Instead, we must aim to adjust an individual’s workstations so the client can sit in a neutral posture. A neutral posture means sitting and working in positions that are the most natural for your body while placing the least amount of stress on your limbs. For example, to keep the wrist in a neutral posture a person should have their wrist and palm aligned with their forearm while using the mouse and typing. You should be able to draw a straight line from your elbow to your palm. With the wrist in a neutral position, your shoulders should be in a relaxed position, not raised. Your elbow should be close to your body and positioned at about a 90-110 degree angle. (To learn more about the neuteral posture of the wrist, see here.) Additionally, a person should be using adjustable equipment – whether an adjustable chair, a keyboard tray, or a footrest – that gives a person the ability to adapt their workstation to meet his or her specific needs. In short, we must creat an environment where the job fits the person, not vice a versa.

We hope this post gives you a quick introduction about the risk of injury while using a computer and gives you some pointers about ways to prevent RSIs at work.

For more information, please feel free to contact us at (310) 467-5625.

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent OTR/L, MA, CEAS

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Computer Work

Posted on December 13, 2016January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

Have you ever felt numbness or discomfort after typing or using the mouse for a long period of time? The discomfort can be annoying and sometimes even painful. Concentrating on your work, spending more than a few hours finishing a project, the tingling and numbness starts to kick in, affecting the wrist, fingers, and forearm.

Does typing or using the mouse cause carpal tunnel syndrome?

Researchers have debated about whether computer usage causes carpal tunnel syndrome for while now. For many years, it was a given: spending more than six to seven hours at a computer will cause CTS. However, in the last few years, the belief that computer work causes carpal tunnel has come under criticism. Some in the medical profession argue that only repetitive, strenuous labors like working in the meatpacking or construction industry can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Using a computer is too light of an activity to cause CTS. Recently, though, researchers from the Centre of Expertise for Health and Work Ability have concluded that excessive computer usage, especially using the mouse for long periods of time, can be a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Benefits of an Ergonomic Specialist

There are a variety of treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel can be treated surgically. A surgeon might cut a ligament around the carpal tunnel, opening up space and releasing some of that extra pressure placed on the median nerve. A physical or occupational therapist can also treat CTS. The therapist can help improve wrist and finger strength as well as decrease swelling before and after surgery. Ergonomics and working comfortably at ones work station is also part of the process. With the use of ergonomic equipment such as a adjustable keyboard tray, an ergonomist can give a client the equipment and the techniques necessary to place the wrist in a comfortable, neutral posture. Ergonomics can help a person return to work after rehabilitating from carpal tunnel syndrome. Sensitive from the after effects of surgery or trying to prevent further pain at work, a ergonomist can provide ergonomic equipment and teach people recovering from CTS about proper wrist positions to sit and work comfortably, without aggravating old symptoms.

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent CEAS, MA, OTR/L

What is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?

Posted on December 13, 2016January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

The Carpal Tunnel

Before we understand what is carpal tunnel syndrome, let us first understand a little bit about the anatomy of the wrist and hand. Under the wrist there are a variety of bones, tendons, and nerves that provide the wrist with structure and stability and give the hand the ability to feel and move. Some of these nerves and tendons are housed in little compartments. One of these compartments is the carpal tunnel, a narrow circular passageway located on the palm side of your wrist. The tunnel surrounds and provides protection to a total of nine tendons moving from your forearm to your hand and an important nerve – the median nerve – which controls some sensation and movement in your hand and fingers.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Scientists have recognized that CTS is caused by a variety of conditions, including anatomy, gender, and work. Due to one or a variety of such conditions, the tendons in the carpal tunnel begins to swell or the carpal tunnel itself slowly begins to narrow, placing pressure on the median nerve. Symptoms often start gradually. A person might first start experiencing numbness, tingling or just plain discomfort in the thumb, middle and index fingers as well as the wrist. As the disorder progresses, this feeling can increase and become constant. A person with CTS might also experience weakness and drop items that he or she was once able to grasp without difficulty.

Carpal tunnel is a common condition. Five percent of the United States – some 3 million people – have the condition. It affects people of all ages, but particularly people during the working years (20-70 years) and during old age. What can we do about the condition? How can an ergonomic specialists assist with relieve the symptoms of such a injury? Find out how in a our next post.

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent CEAS, MA, OTR/L

Tech Companies and Ergonomics

Posted on December 8, 2016January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

Does tech company culture promote injuries?

Our bodies are not made to perform repetitive movements in sedentary sitting positions. Repetitively typing and staring at a computer screen put strain on our muscles and tendons. The fast paced environment found in the tech industry, where employees work at a computer for eight to ten hours a day, can contribute to these repetitive motion injuries. How can we avoid these repetitive movements when sitting at a computer is necessary for the job? How can an ergonomic specialist prevent discomfort when injury and strain seems immanent?

Tech companies can promote a fast pace culture and still be conscious of comfort and heath as well as ergonomics and injury prevention. Health does not have to be compromised because you are working in a fast pace environment. Tech companies are recognizing that using ergonomic products, following ergonomic recommendations, and taking regular ergo breaks in fact promote productivity. Companies, for example, who have implemented a successful ergonomic program are able to reduce disability days between 10-35% and improve return to work rates by 6%. Turnover rates have also declined for those companies who have implemented a successful ergonomic program (Heller-Ono, 2014). This suggests that with a successful ergonomic program, employees are able to feel an increased loyalty to their company and are physically able to spend more time at work.

When administrators implement a successful ergonomic program work quality will improve. Taking breaks and sitting comfortably at one’s workstation, allows employees work more productively in a limited amount of time. Whether you have a motto like, “Done is better than perfect (Facebook)” or “Work hard, have fun, make history (Amazon),” ergonomics will give employees the ability to finish deadlines and complete projects more efficiently. The lost time in breaks and the extra costs for ergonomic equipment will be made up in productivity.

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent CEAS, MA, OTR/L

Source:

Heller-Ono, A (2014) A Prospective Study of a Macroergonomics Process over Five Years Demonstrates Significant Prevention of Workers’ Compensation Claims Resulting in Projected Savings. Evaluation 30:90

How Should I Position My Wrist at the Computer?

Posted on September 23, 2016January 16, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

How should I position my wrist when sitting at my workstation? An ergonomic specialist will usually recommend positioning the wrist in a neutral position.

But, what does this mean?

Keeping the wrist in a neutral posture means keeping the wrist aligned with the forearm. You should be able to draw a straight line from your elbow to your palm. When typing or using a mouse, your palm should not face the screen but the floor.

How can I accomplish this?

Most ergonomic specialist will say that ergonomic consulting is like Jenga. You try to remove one piece, but always have to be careful that another section does not tip. A person who simply follows the words, “Keep your wrist aligned with your forearm” might have to raise his or her shoulders or sit far from the desk. This can lead to uncomfortable positions, shoulder, and back pain.

As with all things ergonomics, you need to make adjustment based on your own height, work habits, and regularly used computer equipment. When we say keep the wrist in a “neutral position,” your shoulders, as well, should be in a relaxed position, not raised. Your elbow should be close to your body and positioned at about a 90-110 degree angle. You should have your elbows above or level with the keyboard and mouse. To accomplish this, you might need to use an adjustable keyboard tray or raise the height of your chair. Sometimes, simply removing the legs of your keyboard can contribute to level wrist posture. I would definitely play around with the height of your chair (maybe raising it a few inches) to try and achieve level elbow and wrist posture. Use trial and error. You should always adjust the equipment you own first before purchasing a new keyboard tray.

As an ergonomic consultant specializing in office ergonomics, when I am asked the question, “What is the correct position for my wrist?” I will say, “Keep it in the neutral position. Let’s try to get you in this neutral position without impinging on the other aspects of good posture. “

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent CEAS, MA, OTR/L
Lead Ergonomic Specialist
Ergonomics Advnace

Ergonomic Footrests: Can it Help?

Posted on September 23, 2016January 8, 2020 by shaul@ergonomicsadvance.com

Can an ergonomic footrest help me?

A good ergonomic footrest can be one of the most important items at your workstation. An ergonomic footrest is beneficial for people whose feet do not reach the floor. Many office chairs sold today are pretty tall, and shorter employees, whose feet barely reach the floor, will scoot away from their backrest to stabilize themselves. However, this “easy fix” solution will often cause discomfort in other areas. With the employee’s back away from the chair’s back, employees will often report lumbar and shoulder pain.

An ergonomic footrest might solve this problem. With an ergonomic footrest, a person can sit completely against their chair while keeping their shoulders and back in a neutral, comfortable position. In other words, with an ergonomic footrest, a shorter employee can keep their body at an elevated position while still maintaining comfort.

There are other advantages to a ergonomic footrest, even those whose feet do reach the floor. An ergonomic footrest will allow people to reduce the pressure on their thighs and buttocks. This is a great advantage for those sitting in their chair for long periods of time or those suffering from sciatica. Additionally, many of the footrests used today are adjustable. Adjustable footrests give people the ability change positions frequently, limiting body pressure and keeping soreness at bay.

Please note, people should never stand on a footrest and be conscious about walking near a footrest as it can be a tripping hazard. Additionally, people should measure exactly their height in relation to the table top before purchasing a footrest. A person might purchase a footrest and then realize that he or she can’t use it since there is not enough clearance for the thighs.

A trained ergonomic specialist can always help you purchase an appropriate ergonomic footrest. Whether your company is based in Los Angeles or on the outskirts of San Jose, at Ergonomics Advance, our ergonomic specialists come to your work and take the dimensions of your desk and workstations to make sure you are getting the right ergonomic products that meets your clients’ specific needs. We want to make sure you get the correct ergonomic products that meets your employees’ needs, saving you time and money. We want to make sure your employees can work productively and of course, work injury and pain free.

When I am asked the question, “Can an ergonomic footrest help me?” I usually answer “It can help depending on your height and the height of your desk and workstation. Let’s have you try a couple footrests to try to meet your specific needs.”

Thanks for reading,

Shaul Lent CEAS, MA, OTR/L