Reducing the Risk of Repetitive Stress Injuries at Work

Repetitive stress injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries, can cause debilitating symptoms. You may suffer from severe pain, and muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling. You may experience the loss of grip strength, which can make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. If you’ve already experienced these symptoms, you can consult a lawyer to find out how you can obtain workers’ compensation in San Jose. Workers’ compensation can cover your medical expenses and give you some time to recuperate. In addition to consulting a lawyer about workman’s comp, it’s a good idea to reduce your risk of suffering a recurrent repetitive stress injury.

EVALUATE YOUR CHAIR

If your office chair isn’t ergonomically designed, consider going to your HR department to find out if you can get a replacement. A good office chair should be adjustable and it should offer lumbar support. If you’re tall, it’s a good idea to select a chair that has a high backrest. Adjust the height of the chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to the floor.

MODIFY YOUR WORKSTATION

Place your monitor directly in front of your face and about 25 inches away from you. Your monitor should be on an elevated surface so that the top of the screen is just above your eye level. Position your keyboard so that you can type while keeping your elbows at a 90 degree angle and your forearms parallel to the floor.

MAINTAIN GOOD POSTURE

Maintaining proper posture is among the most effective ways to reduce your risk of workplace injuries. While poor posture may not seem particularly harmful, it can gradually result in degenerative changes to the body. Your spine should always be in a neutral position, with your head over the pelvis. Keep your feet flat on the floor, your knees directly over your feet, and your shoulders relaxed. Avoid slouching or bending your head forward, since this can result in neck pain. It’s also a good idea to periodically stand up from your desk and stretch or walk around.