Just as the person in the office, and maybe even more so, the person who works from home is just as vulnerable to ergonomic bodily discomforts. It is nice to be able to do all your work in the comfort of your own home office, not having to worry about getting dressed up and just lounging around in your PJ's, while not paying much attention to the kind of chair or desk you are sitting at. At some point in the future, you may experience musculoskeletal discomfort.
The leading cause of ergonomic Worker Compensation (WC) costs are Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI's), which are also referred to as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD's). Until you take into account the entire equation of the workspace and how it affects the Human Body, it is not a thorough evaluation to reduce WC costs by changing the furniture.
OSHA defines Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) as injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilages, and spinal discs. Excessive and repeated physical stress on the musculoskeletal system - the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back - can cause MSDs.
OSHA estimates the average cost per incidence of an MSD to be $12,000, which encompasses lost work with full wages, replacement wages, lost productivity, and medical treatment (not including surgery). According to the American Society of Orthopedic Surgeons, if surgery is required, the average cost increases to $43,000 per incidence.
However, these figures do not take into account the long-term impacts of these injuries, which are not always easily visible.
The costs incurred from slower production, lower quality, job retraining, unemployment, and long-term disabilities are often hidden.
Workers with severe MSD's often are unable to return to their jobs or even manage the simplest of tasks, such as combing their hair, resulting in the pain and discomfort of these unfortunate injuries affecting the lifestyles of millions of people each year.
A study of Office Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) demonstrated that ergonomic training resulted in a decrease in MSDs. Programs
Office Ergonomics Training Programs were published in Applied Ergonomics, Vol.44, No.1, pp.73-85, 2013.
Design an ergonomically efficient and office-like work area even if you live at home, as this will reduce WC costs for your employer and prevent the potential loss of your job.
Here are a few suggestions that could save your body from much agonizing discomfort:
The Home Office Equipment should be arranged so that it is comfortable and within easy reach.
Purchase a chair that is comfortable and suitable for your body. Take away the arm rests.
If needed, a foot rest should be employed.
In order to avoid glare, make sure to have good natural lighting.
Place a document holder in front of your keyboard so that you don't need to look down while typing briefs.
Position the backrest to offer support to your lower back.
Your knees and arms should form 90 degree angles.
Please adjust the monitor.
Bring the keyboard close enough to place your hands over it without laying them down on a desk, and then adjust the legs in the back to lower it.
In order to prevent dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of fresh spring water throughout your day.
Stand up every hour and stretch. This will assist you in getting your circulation flowing.
Don't forget to take a breath. Sometimes when we are concentrating hard on a project, we forget to take deep breaths. The better your brain functions, the more oxygen you take in.
