From a Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics report, back injury accounts for nearly a fifth of all illnesses and injuries at work. Interestingly, onlycommon cold surpasses back pain in terms of the most common reasons people take time off from their workplaces.
By practicing safe workplace habits and with the right education, most of the back injuries in the workplace can be avoided. Your favorite back pain specialists, The Spine Center of Texas, have assembled the following vital tips so that we can be productive at our places of work, and most importantly, be safe.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics can be termed as the study of work and work environments. To ensure high-efficiency, productivity, and safety, ergonomics experts recommend using suitable equipment, especially in the office. In an office setting, ergonomics can come in handy in setting up your workspace in an ideal manner.This process will increase comfort levels and reduce the chances of a back injury in the workplace.
Ergonomic Best Practices:
- Always place your computer monitor below eye level.
- While at work, it is recommended that your elbows are kept close to the body supported by the chair’s armrest, keeping your shoulders relaxed. In case your chair lacks an armrest, look for one that has one.
- Avoid slouching. It is advisable to keep your neck and head balanced and in line with the torso.
- Utilize lumbar support dials on your chair by adjusting them to bolster or brace your lower back and lessen the chances of lower back pain.
- When you are typing, avoid using the keyboard wrist rest. It is to be used only when you are not typing. Also, make sure that your feet are flat in the workspace.
- Keep moving. Stand, stroll around the workplace, and stretchevery few hours. It will keep the blood flowing, in addition to relieving tension in the muscles of the body and the neck.
As your back pain specialists in San Antonio, New Braunfels and Seguin, theSpine Center of Texasrecommends having an ergonomic office setup. This will not only reduce soreness and stiffness in your neck and back, but it will also lessen eyestrain, muscle strain, and headaches. In addition to maintaining an ergonomic setup, stay activeto minimize injuries such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis, all associated with repetitive tasks.Both lower the chances of chronic injury to the back and neck.
