* The lack of attention to proper office ergonomics is taking its toll
As the “telecommuting/work anywhere” movement continues to grow, using computers is literally becoming a pain in the neck. People huddle over their laptops with hunched shoulders and squint to see computer screens propped up at odd angles. They work on tiny little PDA keyboards that strain their hands and fingers.
This lack of attention to proper office ergonomics is taking its toll. At the end of the day, 40% to 50% of computer users report having some sort of pain, such as in their neck or shoulders or their wrists or hands. Experts who study these reported instances of pain are still debating the exact causes, but many point to poor posture or positioning relative to the computer as contributing factors.
The results can be quite serious. One of my colleagues recently had surgery to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. She had no idea that she was actually harming herself.
My colleague works at home and created her own work area in her kitchen. When her company safety officials videotaped her and observed her posture and the environment she created for herself, they were appalled. Her cheap Office Depot chair provided poor back support and was not adjusted for her height. The screen on her laptop was at an angle that caused her to scrunch down. She placed her mouse far to the right of the keyboard, causing her to extend her arm often in an unnatural motion. The infractions go on and on.
Most large companies have an office safety department that studies such issues and recommends solutions to employees to eliminate or reduce the stress on muscles and other body parts. Alas, this would be a luxury to small and midsized companies, which often let their employees fend for themselves.
The fact of the matter is, office ergonomics are a mysterious area. Although many research studies have been conducted over the years, there are few conclusions over what leads to worker’s pains. Some people have alleged that the design of devices such as keyboards and monitor screens cause problems, yet there is little to no scientific link between keyboard design and carpal tunnel syndrome or monitor design and eyestrain.
Nevertheless, computer and peripheral manufacturers continue to fund serious research in the hopes of uncovering information that can lead to improved designs and happier customers. Many such companies are members of the Office Ergonomic Research Committee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of research in office ergonomics. The OERG funds projects such as a study of the use of portable computers to see if notebook users are inherently susceptible to comfort or health problems.
To date, there have been no conclusive reports that are leading computer manufacturers to radically change their product designs. There is a general movement, however, for manufacturers to build in as much adjustability as possible in commonly used devices. For instance, a notebook screen by itself isn’t very adjustable, especially for height or depth. But, if you dock the notebook in an adjustable stand, the positioning of the screen becomes much more flexible. Scientists believe that the more adjustability in a product, the more likely the user is to place the product in a position that is most comfortable for that user. And in this case, more comfort implies less strain and pain.
Over the years, there have been numerous keyboard designs that supposedly make the devices more comfortable to use. For instance, Logitech offers a design where the keyboard is split and the keys are angled, presumably to allow you to hold your arms and wrists at a more natural angle. Microsoft offers a similar keyboard with an “ergonomic” design. Again, more natural position = more comfort = less pain.
Keyboards that remove or separate the numpad from the main keys are another popular option for reducing muscle strain. The theory is that reducing the width of the keyboard by chopping off the seldom-used numpad allows the user to bring his mouse in closer to the keyboard. This reduces the extension of the arm to reach out and use the mouse. Less extension = more comfort = less pain.
While product designs are improving and stress comfort as well as functionality, the best way to prevent pain or fatigue after using your computer for an extended period of time is to be mindful of your posture and your “comfort zone.” Take frequent breaks and adjust your computer to find positions where it feels comfortable to sit in front of the PC. You may need to adjust your computer several times a day. HP offers a free Safety and Comfort Guide in numerous languages to help you set up your workstation so that you feel most comfortable using it.
Simple tips and artfully designed products can reduce the likelihood of extended computer use being a pain in the neck.
