Dec 3, 2018
Ergonomics: Workspace Modifications
Nate Hansford
Repeated Injury or Workspace Related Injury
As you know, not all workplace injuries are due to a random accident at work or risky occupational hazard. Many of us feel the effects of long hours sitting at a desk in our joints, low back and neck. Repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel are often related to office-type jobs where you type or move a mouse all day. Workers’ compensation for these cases may cover some but not all the treatment, as many of the injuries result in life-long pain. If you are suffering from an injury related to your desk job, you need to discuss your case with our team. At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys can help you secure the compensation that you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
Workspace Modifications
There are many ways to lessen injury, relieve pain and create a more comfortable workspace, reducing your need for medical help and workers’ compensation. These modifications are critical for those who spend long hours in one space for their occupation.
Simple workspace modifications include:
- Adjust your chair: Adjust chair height and seat position to accommodate your height and posture. Lean back, utilizing your back rest and keep both feet flat on the floor or a footrest for shorter employees. Sit with thighs parallel to the floor and shoulders relaxed and back. These adjustments can help alleviate back injury pain.
- Move your keyboard: Bring your keyboard to your hands, not your hands to your keyboard. Leaning forward to type and breaking contact with your backrest, can be a major cause of back pain. Your keyboard should lay flat, ideally on your lap, and wrists should be parallel to the floor, lowering risk of carpal tunnel.
- Move your monitor: Monitors should be adjusted so that the top line is just below eye level and if you have more than one, your gaze should easily shift between the monitors without craning your neck, reducing chances of neck injury.
- Increase Your Lighting: As we age, our eyes change, requiring more direct light and mobile light for specific tasks. In addition, the lighting of the screen itself should be adjusted. Invest in a mobile desk lamp for optimum versatility.
- Invest in a standing desk: If you sit for most of your day, your body will reflect that with tight hip flexors, stiff legs, low back pain and a barrage of other aches and pains. Investing in a standing desk allows you to shift positions regularly and increase blood flow, movement and activity during your work day.
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If you are suffering from back pain, neck pain or repetitive stress injury pain due to work related activity, you may have a workers’ compensation case. Discuss the details of your claim with our team of Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers to maximize your compensation, allowing you to focus on feeling better. Let us take care of the legal process so you can take care of yourself.
Contact our teamto discuss your workers’ compensation case.