Why is office work high-risk work? Workers do NOT recognize the risk factor of computer use and many employers ignore these same risks. There are many risk factors working at a computer such as static postures, awkward postures, eye strain, and contact stress.
Along with the many risk factors, office workers, whether in-office or remotely, tend to work long hours in front of a computer screen. Most workers have no idea that the neck pain, back pain, or headaches they are having are related to working with poor ergonomics.
Numerous office workers are scheduled for back-to-back online meetings preventing recommended posture breaks every 20-30 minutes. Posture breaks and movement are needed to increase blood flow to muscles and tendons and give the static muscle a break from over-work.
Because office work is sedentary work, many workers will not report early symptoms nor recognize that the symptoms are related to their office work. If a worker is in a heavy job they know if they have back pain, it is likely related to heavy lifting or some other work-related tasks and will report. Office workers think their physical demands are such that they cannot cause symptoms and do not report.
The problem with office workers keeping early symptoms to themselves is that mild early symptoms will, over time, become chronic symptoms that are difficult and costly to resolve. For example, there are steps one can take to alleviate the early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These steps include ergonomic changes, worker behavior changes and early interventions such as bracing at night and stretching.
If both workers and employers understand the risk factors of computer work, they can take proper steps to eliminate the root cause of computer-related MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders). By reducing the risks, studies have shown an increase in productivity. Early intervention can also improve employee retention and happiness and reduce overall worker’s compensation claims.
Do you need early intervention for your office workers? Contact us today.
