Work Modification

People who work more productively and more safely when there is a proper physical environment. In the modern work place people have attempted to adapt to fixed work areas which have resulted in injuries to the soft tissues of the body including nerves tendons and muscles. These injuries develop over time as a result of frequent constant repetitive actions.

In order to avoid injuries from occurring in the work area the employee should modify the work station and maintain good body posture. The employee should also maintain a good personal fitness program.

The first thing that should be addressed is the desk area. The computer monitor should be set at eye level with the key board directly in front of the monitor with the employee looking at the monitor just below the horizontal level. If working on the telephone as well as the computer for more than fifteen minutes a headset is strongly recommended. This will prevent incorrect posturing of the cervical spine and shoulder girdle. The employee should type with their forearms and upper legs parallel to the floor with the elbows kept in at their sides.

When typing, wrists should be in slight extension. If the employee is short and their legs are left to dangle they should be using a foot stool. The employee should avoid activities that will cause flexion of the wrists and fingers at the same time, as this causes compression of the median nerve at the wrist. If the employee is to carry out activities requiring overhead reaching more than twice an hour or for prolonged periods of time a small standing stool should be considered to keep reaching overhead a minimum.