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3 Ergonomic Gadgets Every Office Should Try

3 Ergonomic Gadgets Every Office Should Try

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

The average American worker spends 7 hours a day on the computer.” – American Eye-Q 2015

If you’re like most American office workers, you likely spend a lot of time on the computer. In fact, “the average American worker spends 7 hours a day on the computer” says a 2015 American Eye-Q study.

Working on the computer for extended periods of time can take a toll on your body, especially if you aren’t proactive about researching what tools work best for your workstation.  

While it is always recommended to perform an ergonomics assessment of your workspace, this ergonomics blog will explore a few computer peripherals designed with computer ergonomics in mind.

Ergonomics Consultants | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Trackball Mouse

While no tools provide complete protection from carpal tunnel syndrome, the trackball requires much less movement and is considered by some to be a carpal tunnel relief gadget.

A trackball mouse, like a traditional mouse, is a pointing device. Unlike a traditional mouse, it remains stationary and has a ball on its top or side. In addition to the ball, a trackball commonly has one or more buttons that work like mouse buttons.

Operating the trackball with the three middle fingers reduces two ergonomics risk factors: static gripping and repetitive wrist movement.

Ergonomics experts recommend ambidextrous trackballs with a ball in the center rather than the side to minimize the risk of thumb tendonitis. Below are examples of a few ambidextrous trackballs:

Take a more in depth look at trackballs in our blog about switching to a trackball mouse.

Split Ergonomic Keyboards

There are many varieties of ergonomic keyboards such as split and contoured, but the split keyboard is a great way to reduce muscle strain and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel or other repetitive strain injuries.

Split keyboards that split into independent pieces are sometimes referred to as adjustable split keyboards. This type of split keyboard will allow you to move the keyboard into a comfortable position, allowing one to easily relax the wrist or entire hand.

When a split ergonomic keyboard is needed, we suggest taking a look at our article on the Kinesis Freestyle Pro.

Computer Glasses

You may have never heard of computer glasses, but with digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome being so common in today’s work place, products like computer glasses have started to gain interest among office workers.

Computer glasses look just like regular glasses and are usually around the $50 to $100 price range. Unlike regular glasses, computer glasses are designed with an anti-reflective coating to reduce screen glare and harsh light. Most of these glasses will also filter the blue light that your computer screen emits.

Filtering blue light should reduce negative symptoms of staring at a screen and make it easier to perform your daily computer work. Feeling headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes, or even neck and shoulder pain can be reduced. In fact, your posture may improve as well because you won’t have to hunch closer to the screen as much.

For an in depth look at computer glasses, check out our blog article on the subject.

In conclusion

Remember to always consult with your doctor to rule out any possible underlying cause of pain. Whether you decide to try computer glasses, split keyboards, or a trackball mouse, be sure to communicate with your staff or co-workers to see if they’d like to try any of these products.

Additionally, be sure to perform an ergonomics assessment to ensure office safety. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit your ergonomics experts at SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

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3 Ergonomics Tips for Retail Baggers

3 Ergonomics Tips for Retail Baggers

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

Ergonomics Tips for Retail Baggers

 In 2006, approximately 820,500 injuries and 581 fatalities occurred among the 21 million retail workers in the United States” Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Retail baggers (sometimes called packers, sackers, or bag boys) seem to have a pretty safe job, but it comes with its own workplace safety hazards. If you think about it, the job requires a lot of heavy lifting and body movement to put items into a bag and cart at a high rate of speed.

Workplace injury risks for retail baggers

Whether you are a retail employee or retail manager/owner, it is important to understand how to avoid workplace injury. The repetitive, laborious movement required to bag items can lead to back pain, sprains, strains, and soreness, which fall under the category of musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal pain is pain that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones

If you are not the owner or manager of your retail outlet, be sure to speak with your employers about consulting an ergonomics expert to go over your workstation. The following OSHA approved tips are just a few adjustments every retail bagger should request to work in comfort.

3 Ergonomics Tips for Retail Baggers

1. Use bags with handles

Baggers should be using bags that have handles. Handles will make it less stressful to the body to carry and are overall easier to manage.

2. Keep everything within easy reach

Installing adjustable-height bag stands is a great way to keep bags within easy reach. Hours and hours of extended reach can take a toll on the body, the top of a plastic bag should be just below the conveyor belt height.

3. Use shopping carts wisely

Keep the shopping cart close to you, this will make it easier to load the cart and help you avoid injury from repetitive, extended reaches. If you need to carry items outside, always use the cart as a long day of heavy lifting will eventually take its toll on the body.

In conclusion

While it may not seem very strenuous to lift a bag and place it into a cart, after repeating this same action for long hours it can start to take its toll. Be sure your workplace is making use of these tips for the safety of all employees.

For professional, ergonomics guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Kent, Renton, Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

3 Ergonomics Tips for Retail Cashiers

3 Ergonomics Tips for Retail Cashiers

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

3 Ergonomics Tips for Retail Cashiers

“ In 2006, approximately 820,500 injuries and 581 fatalities occurred among the 21 million retail workers in the United States” Bureau of Labor Statistics.

You may be surprised to learn how much retail jobs carry the risk of workplace injury. In 2006, retail work had a disproportionate amount of work injures, “approximately 820,500 injuries and 581 fatalities occurred among the 21 million retail workers in the United States” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

One of the major injury risks for retail workers is musculoskeletal disorders, which includes back pain, sprains, strains, and soreness.

Injury usually occurs when the workspace ergonomics have not been properly assessed to avoid injury.

Whether you are a retail employee or retail manager/owner, it is important to understand how to avoid workplace injury. This blog will provide OSHA approved guidance for retail checkers and cashiers, whom are just as at risk for injuries as stockers or truck unloaders.Ergonomics Consultants | Solutions Northwest Inc.

1. Understand your best work zone

Your best work zone should allow you to work in comfort and avoid injury. OSHA provides an illustration of where the best and preferred work zones are located:

Best Work Zone

2. Ring up items with proper equipment

Investing in the proper equipment will pay off in the long term with less injury and time off for employees.

To begin with, use a powered in-feed conveyor and place it as close as possible to the cashier to avoid having to lean or reach outside of their best work zone. Use a “sweeper” to move items on the conveyor within the checker’s reach. OSHA recommends that you set scanners and conveyers all at the same height, so that items can be easily slid across instead of having to lift each item.

3. Ensure your check stand is ergonomically sound

Keep everything in the right place. For example, locate commonly used items such as the cash drawer, printer, and keyboard within easy reach. Use a platform or install an adjustable check stand to match the height of the cashier’s waist. The cash register display should be slightly below eye level and a front facing check stand is recommended to reduce twisting motions or long reaching.

Rest and comfort options are important at the check stand. Foot rests and anti-fatigue mats are great for a cashier’s feet. Adjust the check stand height to match the cashier’s waist height or use a platform.

An adjustable sit/stand will give employees the option to lean or sit, which provides some lower back relief.

In Conclusion

Over time, the repetitive tasks of retail work can take a toll on your body. If you are an employee, owner, or manager of a retail store, consider contacting an ergonomics consultant for more detailed options.

Hopefully these ergonomics tips can help keep your workplace a safe work place. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Kent, Renton, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

Ergonomics Tips: 4 Tips to use Your Mouse in Comfort

Ergonomics Tips: 4 Tips to use Your Mouse in Comfort

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

Ergonomics Tips: 4 Tips to use Your Mouse in Comfort

Ergonomics Tips: How to use your mouse in comfort
“Evidence suggests that about 3% of women and 2% of men will be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome during their lifetime…” – The New York Times 

No matter how well a workstation is set up, repetitive work with a mouse may still lead to workplace injury if you do not properly care for your hand.

Whether you work in an office or need to use a mouse for industrial or retail work, you’ve noticed that overusing the mouse doesn’t feel very good. But if your job requires you to use a mouse, then what are your options to avoid pain or workplace injuries such as repetitive stress injury (RSI)?

Be sure you’re placing your hand on the mouse properlyErgonomics Consultants | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Injury can often occur when one doesn’t properly use a work tool. When using the mouse, it is important to keep the wrist and hand in a neutral position. The picture of the hand positioned in good form below reduces your risk of developing a cumulative trauma injury:

Don’t grip the mouse too tight

Improper grip puts you at risk for cumulative trauma injuries. When you are involved in prolonged or repetitive activities at your workstation, keeping the mouse gripped in your hand the whole time contracts the muscles without a break. Be sure to give your grip a break and grip the mouse softly, like it is a raw egg that you don’t want to crack.

Learn some stretches for your mouse hand

Beyond taking breaks every 10 minutes or so, try to break up the repetition with these 3 stretches our ergonomics experts have collected from the CCOHS:

how to grip a mouse ergonomics

1. Fist Stretch

Begin with your open hand (exhibit a) and make a fist with your thumb straight and not tucked under your fingers (exhibit b). Then, (exhibit c) slide your fingertips up the palm of your hand. Move the tips of your fingers to the base of your fingers and you should feel a stretch. Do not force this movement if something is painful.
Fist Stretch - Mouse

2. Prayer Hands

Sitting with your elbows on the desk and palms in prayer position, slowly lower your wrists to the table until you feel a stretch. Keep your palms together throughout the stretch. Hold 5 to 7 seconds, relax, and repeat 3 times.
Prayer Hand Stretch - Mouse

3. Wrist Bend

Grab your hand and hold your fingers, begin to slowly bend your wrist down until you feel the stretch. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, relax, and repeat 3 times. Next, slowly bend your wrist up until you feel the stretch. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, relax, and repeat 3 times.
Wrist Bend Stretch - Mouse

Consider a Trackball Mouse

Another option is the ambidextrous trackball mouse. A trackball mouse, unlike a regular mouse, remains stationary and has a ball on its top or side. In addition to the ball, a trackball commonly has one or more buttons that work like mouse buttons. At Solutions Northwest Inc., we recommend trackballs with a ball in the center rather than the side to minimize the risk of thumb tendonitis. Read the guide about trackball mouse options on our blog.

In conclusion

Whatever you do, always remain proactive about your health in the workplace. Hopefully these ergonomics tips can help keep your workplace a safe work place. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Kent, Renton, Arcadia, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

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Ergonomics Tips: How to Work in Comfort

Ergonomics Tips: How to Work in Comfort

Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)

Ergonomics Tips: How to Work in Comfort and Avoid Workplace Injury
Ergonomics Tips: How to work in comfort

“A total of 5,190 workers died from a work-related injury in the U.S. in 2016, the highest annual figure since 2008. The fatal injury rate was 3.6 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, the highest since 2010.” BLS.gov

Whether you work in an industrial plant or retail store, it is important to understand how to avoid workplace injury. Musculoskeletal injuries such as, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and bone fractures can be the result of working in awkward positions instead of your best work zone.

In order to avoid injury, it is important to perform the majority of your work tasks in your best work zone.

What is your best work zone?

Your best work zone (sometimes called the “optimal zone,” “comfort zone,” or “hand shake zone”) is the zone (or area) in which you can perform your work task while maintaining a comfortable or neutral posture. Working in this zone is less likely to cause musculoskeletal injury because you won’t be straining in any awkward positions.Ergonomics Consultants | Solutions Northwest Inc.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created an illustration to show exactly where your preferred and best work zones are:

According to OSHA, “work is safest when lifting and reaching is performed in these zones. Working outside these work zones results in non-neutral postures that may increase the risk of injury. It is particularly important to perform heavy lifting tasks within the best work zone.”

In Conclusion

As you do your daily work, be sure that you are working in this best work zone. You can call it your “handshake zone” as an easy way to remember or print this blog out to be sure you’re working in your best work zone.

Additionally, if you work on a work bench, assembly line, or countertop that is not in your best work zone, then you should consult with your manager or supervisor about installing height-adjustable equipment to prevent workplace injury. You may want to refer your manager to an ergonomics expert for a workplace assessment as well.

Hopefully these ergonomics tips can help keep your workplace a safe work place. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Kent, Renton, Arcadia, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.

 

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