Workplace health issues

Workplace health issues

The use of computer is more and more common no matter in work or daily life. Prolonged use of computer has adverse impact on health, leading to degeneration and pain in the neck and back, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendinitis in the hand or forearm etc.

Common mistakes in computer use

• Faulty posture: Forward position of the head, round shoulder, excessive forward placement of the forearm, inadequate support for the forearm, sitting with legs crossed
• Poor positioning of the computer, i.e. angulations of the monitor, mouse being positioned too high or too low

• Inappropriate height of the chair and desk
• Light irradiating directly onto the monitor, leading to reflection
• Too much file piling on the desk
• Prolonged use of computer or staying in one static posture

Physiotherapy

Manual therapy
Manual therapy is used to relieve muscle tension and correct joint alignment.

Thermal therapy
Thermal therapy increases blood circulation in the affected area, therefore relieves tension in the soft tissues.

Electrotherapy
IFT reduces muscle tension and increases blood circulation. Ultrasound is used to reduce inflammation.

Exercise therapy
Appropriate exercise helps to release tight muscles, strengthen weakened ones, and maintain good posture

Improving the working environment
Adjust the chairs, tables and computers in the working environment to meet ergonomic requirements.

• The top of the monitor needs to be at eye level or just below
• The distance between the monitor and the operator needs to be within 350-600 mm
• The mouse needs to be placed close enough to avoid excessive extension of the forearm
• The keyboard needs to be placed so that the forearm and the arm is in a right angle, and the forearm and the wrist are adequately supported (on armrest or the desk)
• Use only a light force when typing to reduce the stress on the wrist and fingers
• The height of the chair should enable the thigh and the leg to rest in a right angle
• Keep the back straight and supported by back support
• Feet need to be flat on the ground or supported by foot support
• The eyes or the monitor should not directly face the window or light source