Repetitive strain injuries may not be the most commonly known workplace injury, but they are the most costly. A report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration shared that overexertion was the most expensive disabling injury in the country.
Many people assume if they work in an office, they do not have to worry about workplace injuries as much. However, sitting at a computer for hours at a time can lead to some dangerous conditions. Be aware of how much time you are spending at your desk each day so that you can avoid damage to your musculoskeletal system.
Take breaks
One of the simplest pieces of advice for avoiding these injuries is to take breaks once in a while. The recommendation is that once an hour or so, stand up from your desk and walk around. This does not have to be a long break. You can get up to get a glass of water or talk to somebody. The important thing is that you are resting your eyes and getting the blood moving.
Use good posture
As you are typing, you want to sit up straight in your chair. A specially designed ergonomic chair can help with this endeavor. Other posture tips include:
- Avoiding excessively strenuous activities for fingers
- Floating hands above the keyboard
- Keeping wrists straight
- Adjusting seat and backrest height if necessary
You should give your eyes a rest once in a while. Staring at the same spot at a keyboard for eyes can become exhausting, so you should look away once every 30 minutes or so and focus on something else in the room.
Beware of symptoms
If you notice certain symptoms coming on, then you need to take a break from typing immediately. Some of the signs of RSI include fatigue, tingling in hands and a lack of coordination. In the event your symptoms become so severe you require medical attention, then you may also want to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney you can trust.
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