Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) are a collection of painful disorders involving the muscles, tendons, and nerves. Examples of WMSD are tendinitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, and tension neck syndrome. The main cause of these disorders are work activities which require frequent and repetitive motions or activities which require the person to remain in an unnatural or awkward position for an extended period of time. Since most work environments request the use of the arms and hands, most WMSD affect the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, and shoulders.
Here are several tips to help prevent WMSD from developing.
1. Create an ergonomic environment in your workplace/office. Chairs with proper lumber supports help the back maintain a more natural position which helps reduce the stress to muscles, nerves, and bones throughout the body. Ensure that the keyboard, mouse, and computer monitor are properly positioned to reduce stress to the body and straining of the eyes.
2. Take regular breaks from working to help break up repetitive motions; it is recommended to take a few minutes at least once an hour.
3. Alternate work tasks to further break up continuous motions, for example, switch between computer and non-computer tasks.
4. Become familiar with keyboard shortcuts for applications that you regularly use.
Author Amy Pedersen has worked in the ergonomics and office industry for a number of years and is currently co-founder of Sit On This Ergonomics, operating a number of ergonomic websites dedicated to office chairs and the practice of good workplace ergonomics. Featuring a wide variety of executive, leather, mesh and task office chairs with an online sales catalog, their website also provides detailed ergonomic information on proper chair positioning and seating in the workplace environment.
Sit On This Ergonomics:
http://stores.ebay.com/sitonthisergonomics
More Ergonomic Info:
http://stores.ebay.com/Sit-On-This-Ergonomics/Ergonomic-Positioning-Explained.html
