A Pain In The Neck
1 Jan, 2009
By: Nick EisnerTips to Make Your Facility More Ergonomic
Despite the wealth of information available, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) continue to plague office workers. The latest Bureau of Labor and Statistics data show MSDs still accounting for a third or so of workplace injuries leading to absence.
The incidence of that most famous of MSDs, carpal tunnel, has actually decreased while that of others has risen. Carpal tunnel’s very fame, or should we say infamy, is a suggested factor in its decline - companies readily accept the wisdom of deploying specific tools to combat carpal tunnel, such as gel wrist pads and ergonomic keyboards, but most important, employees are highly aware of the condition and therefore readily accept and use the tools.
This signals the opportunity to reduce injuries further through provisioning and education for other MSDs.
A recent survey showed that neck and shoulder pain was the most common complaint of those using a computer or telephone for long periods of time. Thirty-three percent of respondents reported neck and shoulder pain while only nineteen percent cited wrist pain or carpal tunnel disorder. The recently hyped condition “Blackberry Thumb” was reported by only three percent of those surveyed, suggesting that, while texting behind the wheel may lead to a world of hurt, smartphone use in the workplace is relatively benign!
There is good general awareness of basics like monitor positioning and posture. Numerous ergonomic checklists online offer detailed information on proper position of chair, monitor and mouse. Information on accessories such as foot rests, document holders, ergonomic keyboards and wrist pads is also readily available.
Most work-related MSDs develop over time and are caused by the working environment or the work itself (injuries or disorders caused by slips, trips, falls, etc.,. not MSDs).They typically affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments or nerves in the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs.
One of the most unnatural and painful postures, and yet one of the most familiar sights in any office, is “cradling the phone” between ear and the shoulder while struggling to manipulate other equipment, typing on a keyboard, for instance. Cornell University’s Ergonomics Website includes tips for healthy workstations, and points out that phone cradling is a great way to create muscle strain and/or nerve compression in the neck, shoulder and back.
Phone cradling seems almost second nature. It’s so easy to park the phone on your shoulder as you type, grab a file, take a few notes, or (worst of all) lift some item heavy or awkward enough to require both hands. However, the action by its very nature places excessive stress on a misaligned spine. Do it often enough and it you won’t need a psychic to see an MSD in your future - more likely a chiropractor to fix it.
Speakerphones and headsets are the best solutions for those who need to keep both hands free during a call. Speakerphones provide hands-free convenience and avoid bad posture. However the associated lack of privacy, compromised sound quality and noise intrusion on others mean they can only be offered as a solution to a very specific subset of personnel. For the mass of workers based in cubicles or shared offices headsets are more universally applicable solution.
There is a wide variety of corded and wireless headsets meeting a range of individual personal preferences and professional needs. Wireless headsets are great for those best served by being able move around during a call, or answer while away from their desk. Some will prefer an easy and inexpensive corded headset attached to their phone.
Wearing styles also vary: a compact unit sporting earpiece and microphone may be slipped over one ear, or mounted on an over-the head band. In the latter case a second earpiece becomes an option for greater isolation from background noise.
But, as we have seen with carpal tunnel, awareness to drive usage is the key. Getting employees to see that holding their body in an unnatural pose over and over again can create expensive and painful health problems is the first step in protecting them from MSDs. Then they will adopt the tools and habits in which you have invested for them. Like seatbelts, no amount of headsets will reduce your workplace injury statistics if your employees do not choose them and use them!
