Office work is an ergonomic risk for employees because it involves body movement with limited blood flow and high stress. This combination incurs the challenge of exposing muscles and connective tissues to thousands of low-force movements that eventually break them down to the point of injury. This cycle, when improved, only reduces the exposure which is why ergonomic interventions early on are critical.
Depending on the exposure, it can take months or years, for the exposures to lead to a repetitive motion disease (RMI) which is very difficult to recover from. Asking somebody to stop typing for a week to recover would be impossible, which is why workplaces must protect their workers from interactions with their computer leading to the cause of these incidents.
Ergonomists use body mechanics to optimize how the body moves and positions itself while performing physical activities to reduce ergonomic risk factors related to computer work. In an office environment, body mechanics is best observed during true work (not demonstrated or reenacted). The specialist will evaluate during their assessment posture, joint rotation and limits, muscle activation, movement patterns, force, and duration.
Research shows that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are ubiquitous among computer users, and the risk factors are influenced by the fit of their workstation and habits. Prolonged computer use has intrinsic risk factors that contribute to the epidemiology of ergonomic disorders and diseases.
When typing and using the mouse, each keystroke and mouse movement requires muscular activity and joint movement. These actions and movements are repeated for hours and when considering repetition and duration, it brings tissues to their limits usually with not enough recovery time.
Posture is also just as important. Postures can be comfortable but still might incur risk of development of a RSI or MSD when maintained for several work hours. These low-force activities can turn into an irreversible injury repeated thousands of times without adequate recovery.
Ergonomics research supports a comprehensive approach to ergonomic injury reduction. At Ergobility, we approach office ergonomics with effectiveness in mind. We utilize top tier observation and coaching along with and effective equipment recommendations that do not break the bank.
When companies employ an ergonomic specialist to help shed light on body mechanics and factors that influence RSIs and MSDs, they foster a work environment made up of comfortable and healthy employees. If your organization is experiencing increasing ergonomic concerns, employee discomfort, or repetitive motion complaints, a professional ergonomic assessment with Ergobility can help identify practical opportunities for improvement.
