With the onset of Covid-19, many people have transitioned to "work from home" (WFH). Many were unprepared for this .
Every day in the news, more companies are announcing a permanent transition to full or part-time WFH.
Many people are working from un-optimized workstations such as the kitchen table or a small desk in a corner of a room. They didn’t foresee or plan for needing a workspace at home for doing their day job. Regardless of what kind of space you’re using, it’s crucially important to plan your workspace with good office ergonomics to avoid serious injuries.
What Kind Of Injuries Could I Get From Poor Workspace Ergonomics?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a repetitive-motion injury to your hands and wrists. You can get this injury from typing or other repetitive motions where your wrists are bent in an awkward position for prolonged periods. This painful and disabling injury can be avoided by having the right ergonomics in your computer workstation.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is injury to your hands and elbows. Repetitive motions such as reaching, lifting, and bending the elbow can cause this injury. Leaning on the elbow for prolonged periods can also cause Cubital tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include pain, numbness and, eventually, clumsiness and limited use of the hand.
Sciatica is an injury to your back caused by sitting for extended periods. Sciatica is a painful condition which could eventually affect your ability to walk, sleep, and sit. This disabling injury can get better if you stop working or doing activities to aggravate it. It takes around 6-weeks to heal.
The above are merely the most commo injuries you can get from poor workspace ergonomics.
Integrate Proper Ergonomics into Your WFH Space
Most employers are aware of the need to consult with experts and plan company office spaces around ergonomics. This actually saves time and money because there are less workplace injuries and employees are more productive when they’re not in pain. Also, since workspace injuries can be disabling, some workers have to file for workers comp and take off work for a period of time to allow their injury to heal, or even permanently.
If you’re an independent contractor, home office equipment that provides for proper ergonomics can be written off as a business expense. If you’re a regular employee, your employer may want to help you to obtain the right equipment to work safely from home.
Ergonomics in your workspace is a safety measure that benefits everybody and can save a lot of money in:
•medical bills and higher insurance
premiums
•overtime paid to other employees filling in for you in a medical emergency
•overall productivity
The most important reason to create a safe home workspace with good ergonomics is to avoid becoming temporarily or even permanently disabled and limited in your abilities to move, exercise , and enjoy life.
You want to stay healthy, happy, and physically fit, and continue to enjoy doing the work you love to do.
Mike Williams has covered the topics of health and wellness, including ergonomics and assistive technology for over 15 years. He frequently contributes to Strategic Consulting Incorporated.