Poor Work Ergonomics
Work ergonomics addresses the way that your office workstation is set up and whether it works efficiently with your daily tasks and your body. Poor work ergonomics can lead to pain and chronic conditions. Here are some work ergonomics to consider for your workstation:
Make sure the position of your computer screen doesn’t cause you to sit with your head tilted upward or downward, rotated to the left or right, or bent to either side for when you’re working. Misplacement of your computer screen can cause strain of neck muscles, headaches, and misalignment of the joints in the neck. This can cause acute and chronic pain.
While at work, sit in a chair that has adjustable height. This allows you to properly rest your feet flat on the floor. The chair should also have an adjustable back that has lumbar support. The lumbar support should fit comfortably against your low back. It’s a good idea to try out a few chairs in your office and select one with these features.
Your workstation may require you to elevate your chair to a height that makes it impossible to rest your feet flat on the floor. An ergonomic footrest is important to have if this is the case.
Your mouse and keyboard should be on the same surface. You should keep your wrists straight and your arms close to your upper body. If your wrists are resting on a hard desk surface, you should use a wrist rest for padding to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve irritation.
Improper Lifting Techniques
Lifting incorrectly can cause an acute or chronic injury to your low back. Even if you are lifting a