Don’t Let 2010 Become a Strain

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is completely avoidable and there is some amazing technology available to ensure activities as simple as mouse clicking will not immobilise you, says Gilbert Griño at BAFCO Ergonomics, a division of UAE-based corporate interior solutions specialist BAFCO.

Research has shown over a million workers in the US lose days to RSI every year. It may be true that you’re more likely to kill yourself operating heavy machinery or crab fishing in Alaska, but who would have thought sitting at a desk could be so dangerous.

Many sufferers complain to doctors that they have a feeling similar to a nail piercing their hand, and these are sufferers of Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which can be caused by prolonged periods sitting at a poorly devised computer set up. It can take surgery to correct this condition, and there are many other examples of avoidable RSIs.

Here are some tips to keep 2010 RSI-free:

Helping hands and arms: The act of typing and clicking may not involve much exertion, but if your hands are in the wrong position then over time mere finger work can tax muscles, tendons and nerves. As you type, your wrist and hand should extend straight from your elbow and parallel to the floor. This can be achieved by tilting the keyboard away from you so the space bar is higher than the letters. Also, keyboards that separate the right and left hands are more accommodating than traditional ones that force the wrists into an unnatural position. BAFCO offers the Ergonomic Mouse from Humanscale, which is specifically designed to fit your hand and take the stress out of ‘mousing’. Traditional mouse designs force you to grip the mouse between your thumb and little finger, which can strain the more delicate muscles in your hand and wrist. By relaxing your hand it allows the bigger, stronger muscles in your arm to handle the stress of repetitive movement.

Protecting your eyes: Even those who spend as little as two hours a day in front of a monitor can suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, a cluster of symptoms, including eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches and dry, irritated eyes. A visor or an anti-reflection shield can also help, as can the use of blinds and dimming room lights to reduce screen glare. Specifically designed for today’s flat panel LCD monitors, our Humanscale Flat Panel Filters are easy to install and provide exceptional eye protection benefits.

Helping your neck: You should place your monitor directly in front of you so you don’t need to turn your head to see it.. When using a laptop in the office, elevate it to eye level and use a separate keyboard to type. Our rather cool Humanscale laptop holders do the job perfectly as it lets you adjust the display to the right height and offers a built-in document holder. Each holder requires the use of an external keyboard and mouse, which promotes healthy postures and ensures you’ll have desktop comfort along with laptop portability.

Back to basics: If you put in long hours at your desk, then investment in a top quality ergonomic chair could help protect your back and make your life just a bit more comfortable. You can reduce the load on your spine by keeping your thighs away from your torso and parallel to the floor. The Liberty ergonomic chair by Humanscale even comes with form-sensing mesh technology that offers perfect lumbar support for everyone without external devices or manual adjustments.

The fitter you are in general, the less likely you are to develop an RSI. So don’t spend your leisure time at home surfing the net in the same positions as the office. Also, stay active when not at your desk, and take frequent breaks when you are. Even a walk around the office can help promote circulation and ease strained muscles.