3 Ergonomic Risk Factors You May Not Know About

According to Small Biz Trends, a lot of employees have started to work from home more often than from the office. With many employees now working in a home office, employers may find it easy to forget or ignore a worker’s ergonomic risks. However, remote workers need help designing their home office workspace now more than ever before.

That’s why it’s quite important to educate your remote employees (and yourself) about the various ergonomic risks that could affect them. This will help prevent workplace injury and reduce the burden on your health insurance plans and the health care system in general. It will also increase and improve employee productivity by reducing injury and improving efficiency. 

Let’s read on to see some ergonomic risks that aren’t so well known. 

1. Awkward Postures

Sitting in an awkward posture where your spine, neck, legs, or feet are twisted in unusual ways will leave a toll on one’s body. Workers might be able to sit like this for a few days or even a few weeks, but after a while, the body is going to feel the ravages of sitting in a way that’s not natural to its structure and workers will feel pain, and/or get injured. 

Remote workers must not get in the bad habit of sitting on a couch or armchair to work for long periods. These places are not designed to be ergonomically friendly. A couple of hours, now and then, is fine, but not 8 or 10 hours a day for an extended period. 

The obvious remedy is to invest in a proper desk. Furthermore, an ergonomics assessment can be done remotely by an ergonomics consultant to design a home office that creates a safe and productive environment for a specific remote worker’s setup.

Related article: “The Ergonomic Way to Sit at Your Desk and View Your Monitor”

2. Ignoring Worker Fatigue and Skipping Breaks

When working from home, it is easier to forget to take a break. Workers should never work the entire day without taking a single break.

Whenever our body feels tired or our mind feels like it needs a break, it’s a sign that we need to stop, walk around, drink some water, and take that time out. Taking frequent stretch breaks throughout the day will improve productivity! Share apps or encourage workers to use a timer to remind them to get up and take a break.

Related article: “3 Free Apps that Serve as  Break Reminder at Work”

3. Digital Eyestrain

Remote workers all have one thing in common – tons of screen time. There is no way to cut out screen time in this digital age, but there are some tools available to help.

One tool to help prevent digital eyestrain is ”computer glasses.” Computer glasses look the same as regular glasses but are designed to reduce eye strain associated with staring at a screen. The lenses in these glasses filter out the blue light that your screen emits and can help prevent headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes, or even neck and shoulder pain caused by straining. Many prescription glasses also offer this protection, and it is well worth looking into.

You may also want to start doing some “eye exercises.” Read our blog “4 Eye Exercises to Rest Your Eyes at Work” to learn more.

Ergonomic Risk Should Not Be Ignored, No Matter What

It’s important to emphasize to remote employees the importance of avoiding all ergonomic risk factors, no matter what they might be. A great way to do this is by doing an advanced ergonomic risk assessment. It will give a clear indication to your employees how their current work desk setup fails and how it could be improved. 

If you wish to do virtual ergonomic assessments, our company can help. Contact the experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. today to check up on the ergonomic risks of all your remote employees. This will pay off a great dividend for your company in the future. 

Using remote workers? The ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. are now offering affordable Virtual Ergonomics Assessments specifically for remote workers (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Office Ergonomic Safety Tips for a More Efficient and Comfortable Workplace

Whether employees work from home or in the office – having an ergonomically-designed office not only prevents pain and fatigue, it also boosts productivity. Is your office as ergonomically designed as possible or does it need work?

Being proactive when it comes to creating a safely designed workspace should be a priority for employers. You’ll save money and boost sales in the long run with a happy, productive, and safe workforce.

Let’s go over some ergonomic safety tips from our ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. that will make your workplace the best it can be.

Ergonomic Office Furniture

A recent survey revealed that the number one thing that employees say is an ergonomic priority is their office chair. Most office work is done sitting down in front of a computer, so it only makes sense that office chairs should be as well designed as possible.

While a great office chair with lumbar support, adjustable height, and spinal alignment might cost more up front, the investment is worth it. Splurge on a high-quality chair that will last a long time and give employees the support they need.

Even if you can’t spend a lot of money up front on a great computer chair, you can make adjustments to those that you have. A few supportive cushions can improve the chairs you have on hand.

Additionally, you should consider investing in an adjustable desk. The surface of an ergonomic desk should provide space for your equipment (keyboard, mousepad, printer, etc.) and other aspects like available leg clearance between your desk and chair. Additionally, an ergonomic office desk should be adjustable to allow for suitable leg space and proper monitor level.

Because every work station or home office is different, look into getting an ergonomics assessment to decide what works best for you.

Related Article:  “Choosing the Right Ergonomic Furniture for Your Home Office Setup”

Setup Your Computer the Ergonomic Way

Another component of desk work is the ever-present computer. There are important computer safety ergonomics that you can deploy that don’t cost a lot and still make a big difference.

For example, mount a keyboard tray slight below the desk to make typing easier. Add an ergonomic mouse with a wrist support to help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome.

Consider adding a standing desk to get employees out of their chairs from time to time. You can even buy a unit that fits on top of a regular desk instead of splurging on a whole standing desk system.

Related Article: “The Ergonomic Way to Sit at Your Desk and View Your Monitor”

Think Outside of the Cubicle

Ergonomics and safety don’t end at the cubicle. There are still other areas of the office you can apply ergonomic safety principles to ensure a happy and healthy workforce.

Are there any areas where employees might have to do heavy lifting, like getting boxes of paper from a supply closet? Invest in the equipment they need so they don’t strain their back.

Ergonomics can extend to the break room, too. Adding plants or making sure there’s enough natural light contributes to a healthy environment.

More Ergonomic Safety Tips

Taking a proactive approach to how you design your office or home office ensures you and your employees are always focused, well-rested, and productive. Follow these ergonomic safety tips to make your office the best it can be.

Don’t forget to listen to your employees, too. If they have special needs or suggestions to improve your shared space, take them into consideration.

Boosting your office safety and ergonomics is a wise investment in your future. In fact, if you’re ready to invest in the safety, productivity, and happiness of your workers – consider contacting the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc.  for an ergonomics assessment.

Using remote workers? The ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. are now offering affordable Virtual Ergonomics Assessments specifically for remote workers (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Regardless of profession, it’s important that workers treat their body well in the work that they do.  

Some computer workers (both in the office and remote workers) incorrectly assume that work on the computer isn’t too taxing to the body. When one does something repetitive for 8 hours a day, though, it will start to wear on certain parts of a worker’s body. When it comes to desks and computers, a worker’s joints and ligaments might be taking a toll from the typing they perform daily. 

That is why it is important to always perform an ergonomics assessment in the workplace, whether employees are in the office or working from home.

To illustrate the importance of ergonomics in the workplace, the ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. have gathered 8 benefits of using an ergonomic mouse and keyboard:

1. Proper Ergonomics Improves Employee Productivity

You might notice that working at your desk all day leads your hands to get tired by the end of your workday. Your mind might be fit to keep working hard, but sometimes you have to stop to give your wrists a break. 

This happens because most of us don’t situate our wrists in a healthy way when we type. An ergonomic keyboard can fix that and leave you with no pain so you can keep working. 

2. An Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard Benefits Long-Term Health of Workers

You might be able to push through a little pain here and there, but the improper form of typing will come back around in different ways. 

If you want to have full mobility in your hands and wrists when you get older, it’s smart to invest in ergonomic equipment that supports those parts of your body. The last thing you want is chronic pain, physical therapy, and lack of motion from poor ergonomics in the workplace. 

3. Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a Computer user

Carpal tunnel syndrome comes from the excessive use of the ligaments that run through your carpal tunnel. This is an area at the root of your wrist that allows the ligaments to direct your fingers. 

When your wrists are at the wrong angle, ligaments get inflamed, tight, and start to tense up. The ergonomic mouse and keyboard options keep your wrists healthy, so you don’t develop that syndrome. 

4. Ergonomic Gadgets are More Intuitive to Use

Another nice thing is that you don’t have to relearn anything when using ergonomic devices. The ergonomic keyboard and ergonomic mouse mechanics are the same as others in the way they operate. 

Any worker can easily adjust to using an ergonomic mouse or keyboard and won’t have to hold up productivity with any steep learning curve. You buy them, set them up, and keep going. 

5. Faster Typing with an Ergonomic Keyboard

Ergonomic keyboards are often situated in a way that allows you to type faster. It’s still the QWERTY setup, but both sides of the keyboard might be in unique placements. 

Equipping workers with ergonomic keyboards will save any office time and improve workflow as well. 

6. Ergonomics Improves Posture

Our bodies are very interconnected systems. Issues in your wrists run up to your shoulders, which affect your back, which plays a part in your spinal health. 

So, one little issue can spread out into the rest of your body. You might notice that these ergonomic keyboards help your back pain over time. If you’re trying to maintain good posture, your current keyboard isn’t helping the way an ergonomic keyboard will.

7. Ergonomic Equipment Adjusts to Your Needs

Many computers are created in a very particular way. Their keyboard and mouse situation is uniform, and you’re forced to fit that mold. 

However, ergonomic mouse and keyboard options come in different shapes and sizes for everyone, allowing you to invest in devices that work for you. You might be surprised at the variety that you have to choose from. 

8. Longevity

The final thing to consider is that ergonomic options tend to be made better than standard keyboards and mouses. They’ll last longer and save money. 

Further, workers themselves can handle the workload better and become more efficient in their job when they’re working with comfortable, ergonomic devices. 

Interested in Creating an Ergonomic Workspace for Yourself or Your Employees? 

Hopefully, our look at the benefits of the ergonomic mouse and keyboard was helpful. Be sure to share these tips with your employees and co-workers. And keep in mind, there’s a lot more to do to make the workstation ergonomic, but our ergonomics experts are here to help you take the next steps. 

Explore our site for more information on how these devices can improve your work environment and support your joints, muscles, tendons, and more. 

Remote Workers and Workstation Ergonomics – there is more than just mouse and keyboard ergonomics.

When you’re comfortable, happy, and pain-free – your work becomes more efficient. That is true for tools like a mouse and keyboard, but also for a remote worker’s entire workstation or home office design setup.

If you’re ready to invest in your remote worker’s productivity or your own home office space, consider an affordable virtual ergonomics assessment.

The ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. are now offering affordable Virtual Ergonomics Assessments specifically for remote workers (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

Looking for More Tips on How to Create an Ergonomic Workspace? Contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Hand cramps, finger, wrist, or even shoulder pain while typing can be attributed to poor posture at the keyboard, and the traditional keyboard may be the culprit.

What can you and your employees do to improve the situation?

The average American worker will likely spend much of their time typing on a traditional keyboard. Every workplace (or home office workplace) should consider investing in an ergonomic computer keyboard instead. In this article, we’ll explore the top three benefits of using an ergonomic keyboard from the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc.

1. An ergonomic keyboard is easy to use.

Why use an ergonomic computer keyboard in your workplace or home office? For starters, they are easy to use even for non-techies. Installation is easy as most employ plug-and-go technology. Plug in the USB cable, and you’re all set.

Introduced to the market about thirty years ago, ergonomic keyboards are well-designed and built to last. The sleek, modern designs mean they’re not cumbersome and can be easily portable to wherever you decide to work.

The keys are designed to be responsive to even a light touch, requiring less motion and effort from your fingers. These ergonomic keyboards usually produce less noise than their traditional counterparts as well.

Related article: Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard Review: Goldtouch Go!2 Mobile Keyboard and FlexMouse

2. Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an often-painful medical condition caused by repetitive motions that put stress on the wrist. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. When there is too much pressure on the nerve, the result is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include hand numbness and tingling in the hand, wrist, and forearm. It’s possible for the pain to continue up the arm into the shoulder. Left untreated, surgery could be required to resolve it.

An ergonomic computer keyboard positions your hands, wrists, and forearms naturally. This positioning reduces strain and pressure on the median nerve, resulting in a decreased risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

3. Boost Productivity

Everyone wants to figure out how to boost productivity, to accomplish more in less time. Whether you and your employees work in a corporate office or a home office or the corner coffee shop, getting your work accomplished in a timely manner is important.

The solution may be a simple change that you haven’t considered before. It’s possible that an ergonomic keyboard can increase productivity by increasing typing speed with better hand positioning and responsive keys that require less effort.

Better hand positioning results in more comfort and less pain and fatigue. By decreasing fatigue, we can increase employee work time and physical endurance. When workers are able to remain at the keyboard comfortably for longer amounts of time, more work is accomplished. Productivity is boosted.

Experience an Ergonomic Computer Keyboard for Yourself

If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I get an ergonomic keyboard?” The simple answer is yes! “Are ergonomic keyboards worth it?” Again, yes.

If your office spends any amount of time typing at a traditional keyboard, and especially if employees experience any symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, do your office a favor and invest in an ergonomic computer keyboard.

If you would like some more ergonomics suggestions for yourself or your employees,  contact the office ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc., which has recently began offering affordable Virtual Ergonomics Assessments specifically for remote workers nationwide (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below: