Tag Archives: carpal tunnel syndrome

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

WHY ERGONOMICS MATTERS: THE SCIENCE OF SAFETY IN THE OFFICE (GUEST POST)

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Dictionary.com defines ergonomics as “the study of efficiency in working environments.” This one word encompasses just about everything about your workplace, including the size and brightness of your monitor, the space on your desk, and even how you hold your hands when typing an email. An improper ergonomic workspace can leave you feeling unnecessarily tired, grouchy, and sore. Over time, the wrong ergonomic setup can even cause debilitating and painful degenerative problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are five common physical problems improper ergonomics can cause, along with ways to combat them!

1)      Bad Posture

Sitting hunched over a keyboard or a steering wheel all day can lead to painful lower back problems such as bulging discs and strained muscles. The human body is designed to be in motion and can only sustain a single position for about twenty minutes without pain. In common seated-job scenarios, people tend to sit toward the front of their seats to focus more intently on the road or the computer. The best way to combat this is simple: sit back so the seat’s lumbar and neck supports can do their job. Place your feet flat on the floor. Finally, shift positions or stand up and move around as often as possible, but no less than five minutes per twenty minutes of sitting time.

2)      Carpal tunnel syndrome

Many professional writers and people who spend a lot of time typing are prone to this extremely painful degenerative disease. Carpal tunnel is so named because when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel into the palm, thumb, index, and middle fingers becomes inflamed, it can affect the range of motion and strength in the hand, as well as causing numbness, tingling, and pain. To combat this, you can use a special ergonomic brace for your keyboard or lower your desk so your wrists don’t raise upward while you’re typing.

3)      Eye Strain

Eye strain is one of the most common problems an ergonomically incorrect workspace can cause. If left uncorrected long enough, this can result in degenerative eye diseases such as astigmatism and nearsightedness. These can frequently result in the need for corrective lenses or eye surgery. Keeping your computer screen dimmed, especially when you are using it for long periods, and making sure your workspace is well lit can help prevent this problem. It’s also a good idea to take frequent breaks, especially when staring at a computer monitor or plan text for long periods. If possible, arrange your computer screen so it’s 18-24 inches from your face and you’re reading it from a downward angle.

4)      Repetitive Strain Injury

Anything you do repetitively day in and day out can cause RSI. This applies equally to typing and pushing wheelbarrows, as well as using a hammer, turning a wrench…just about anything your job requires on a regular basis can bring on RSI. Keeping a good posture and using appropriate safety equipment (see Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, above) can help reduce or eliminate RSI symptoms.

5)      Twisted Posture

This may seem to tie in with bad posture, and in some ways it does. However, in many offices, space is at a premium, forcing employees to sit in awkward positions. If possible, arrange your desk, monitor, and chair so everything sits in a straight line. Keep your desk phone and other things you use frequently close, so you can reach them without straining. If there’s not a way to reorganize your cubicle, ask your employer if it’s possible to move the wall back enough to give you a proper alignment to prevent posture and RSI problems.

Our thanks to Joe Shervall, of  www.officefurnitureexpress.co.uk, UK office furniture specialists.

Please note: Texas America Safety Company has the perfect Ergonomics Poster for your office. 

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

EASY WAYS TO REDUCE INJURIES IN AN OFFICE SETTING (GUEST POST)

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 Sent to us by Brandon Allred.

Work injuries that are related to computers are quickly becoming the most reported incidences on the job. This is because using computers in the work place are so very common nowadays in almost every area of the world. Since this is fact we have to take into consideration how these injuries occur and how to prevent them as much as possible. New standards set forth by occupational safety committees recommend safer ways to use computers and other such devices that will lessen the effects that cause the injuries in the first place. These tips are important to follow because using computers for a large amount of your workday can cause back problems, neck problems, and hand/wrist problems such as carpel tunnel syndrome. If you are someone who works heavily on computers at work (or even at home) keep reading to find out how you can boost your chances of sustaining injuries.

Tip 1:                                                      

The chair that you sit in can make all the difference. It can cause or prevent damage. Your chair should be designed ergonomically so that it fits your back (and your entire body) in a way that is more natural and comfortable, thus preventing strain in any one area and preventing injuries.

Tip 2:

Even with ergonomic chairs your body still needs a change of position every now and then. At least once per hour, get up and move around for a couple of minutes in order to get your blood flowing and your muscles moving.

Tip 3:

Many workplaces that require you to be sitting at desks or computers for long periods of time will require that you have a morning and afternoon exercise session. If your workplace does not have this then suggest it yourself. If the suggestion is not taken then do the small exercises on your own to help protect your body.

Tip 4:

If you are typing for long periods of time, move your wrists often. This will help relieve them from the stress being put on them from the mouse and keyboard which can cause carpel tunnel syndrome. This is a painful condition that may render you unable to work at the computer anymore and require surgery to fix.

Tip 5:

Use an ergonomic keyboard that tilts at a good angle to relieve any pressure put on your wrists and hands. Using one at home is also a smart idea and they can be purchased at most any store that sells computer items.

Tip 6:

Adjust the position that you are sitting in if you feel any strain or pain. Your shoulder, hands, wrists and arms should feel totally relaxed. If they are not then you are not sitting properly to prevent injury.

Tip 7:

Your eyes should also be protected while working at the computer. Make sure that the screen is tilted at an angle where you do not have to strain your neck or eyes to see it. Also make sure that the screen is not too light or too dark as this will strain your eyes as well.

Tip 8:

Your eyes should also be rested frequently throughout the workday. Staring at a screen all day can take a toll no matter how well your position is. Take several breaks by focusing your eyes on objects in the distance. This only takes a few seconds to be helpful so do it frequently.

Tip 9:

Avoid tensing your body’s muscles while working at the computer as this strain can cause all types of work related injuries.

Tip 10:

Have your computer fitted with a glare screen to keep your eyes as safe as possible and avoid further strain.

All of the above can make a real difference in workplace comfort and lessen the chances of becoming injured. Keep these tips in mind if you are often on your home computer as well.

Protective Technologies provides advanced http://www.pti-world.com/walk-through-detector security products.  Please check out the link for more information. 

An extra note: motivational posters placed in the office also offer reminders that go well with the above tips. Pat

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE “GETTING A GRIP” ON THINGS?

Lately, I have noticed pain in my right thumb and wrist.  Because I use a computer so often,  I am concerned that it could be carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).  Osteoarthritis could be another cause, but thankfully, there is relief for both.  The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the “thumb side” of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger).The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow,  so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard is probably the most common cause of carpal tunnel. The condition occurs most often in people 30 to 60 years old, and is more common in women than men.

Other causes include:

  • Sewing
  • Driving
  • Assembly line work
  • Painting
  • Writing
  • Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate)
  • Sports such as racquetball or handball
  • Playing some musical instruments

Symptoms:

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
  • Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
  • Pain extending to the elbow
  • Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands
  • Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
  • Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
  • Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
  • Weakness in one or both hands
  • Pain in thumb when trying to open a jar or door.

Don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor, if you have any of the above symptoms.  The doctor may find:

  • Numbness in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger
  • Weak hand grip
  • Tapping over the median nerve at the wrist may cause pain to shoot from the wrist to the hand (this is called Tinel’s sign)
  • Bending the wrist forward all the way for 60 seconds will usually result in numbness, tingling, or weakness (this is called Phalen’s test)

CTS symptoms may last beyond six months, but can be surgically relieved.  This procedure will release the pressure on the median nerve.  With older adults (me), osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage padding your finger and hand joints begin to wear away.  There are many home treatments.  Your physician may give you certain exercises that will help to lessen your hand pain.  Try hot or cold applications to ease pain, or splinting your thumb or wrist to give it a rest.  Ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can all help to reduce the swelling of arthritis.  A cortisone shot will give longer-term relief.   Try to keep your joints active, before CTS or osteoarthritis “get a grip” on you!

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Society for Surgery of the Hand; National Institute on Aging; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases,  AARP/Strive.