Study finds Americans at risk for computer injury
Study finds Americans at risk for computer injury
Poorly designed workstations are the main cause
If your workers’ comp clients include employers with large computer workforces, the findings of a recent national survey may cause you to implement an aggressive computer risk-reduction program. A national study of computer office nationwide finds that a large percentage of the nation’s 18-million-strong computer workforce runs a risk of repetitive stress and lower back injuries.
The study, by Office Organix, an ergonomic office solutions company in Montauk, NY, found that most of those injuries are due to avoidable risks such as poor work space layout, unhealthy posture habits, and poor attitudes about office comfort.
The study included an ongoing sampling of 7,000 active keyboard users over a six-month period. Questionnaires were mailed, and samples were taken electronically. Respondents came from every state, age group, office size, and a variety of job titles. Office Organix found that poor equipment placement headed the list for injury risk.
Computer hazards
Specific findings include:
• Roughly 65% of respondents improperly place computer monitors, most placing them too high, which causes neck and shoulder strain.
• 23% of respondents position monitors off at an angle, forcing them to twist their upper body to view the screen.
• 53% reported experiencing monitor glare from office lights, sunlight, or window glare.
• 33% complained of headaches after long monitor sessions.
• Roughly 61% experienced blurred vision, dry burning eyes, delayed focus, or altered color perceptions.
• 46% reported that they cradle their telephone in their neck to type while talking, causing neck and shoulder strain.
• Roughly 54% reported typing with the keyboard too high or too low.
• More than 50% reported supporting their upper torsos with their wrists as they use their computer mouse, placing a high degree of strain on their wrists.
• Roughly 18% reported that they continue to clutch their mouse even when not using it.
• More than 62% reported suffering from wrist pain related to computer work.
• Roughly 16% reported that they sit in chairs with no height adjustment.
• 64% reported using chairs with no active or passive lumbar support.
In addition, the study found that certain workplace attitudes also appear to affect injury risk. Among those attitude-related findings are:
• Roughly 35% reported believing that the term "comfortable office" was an oxymoron.
• 50% reported a tendency to get caught up in their work for hours at a time, ignoring ergonomists’ advice to take frequent stretch and eye breaks.
"We expected to see significant differences in ergonomic awareness between respondents from offices with less than 10 employees and those from offices with more than 100 employees, but this was not the case," notes Michael Grossman, president of Office Organix. "What is clear is that even with OSHA legislation and big corporations with ergonomic training programs, the overall computer workforce is ill-trained, ill-equipped, and dangerously at risk. Stress injuries cost real dollars, the personal pain is real, and lost productivity is real."
Office Organix’s World Wide Web site, www. officeorganix.com, includes a free directory of ergonomic professionals and an ergo nomic newsletter that includes case histories of successful business programs for workers. Also, a free pamphlet, "The User Friendly Office," covers healthy office setup tips and may be requested at the Web site.
In addition, the Office Organix catalog sells ergonomic equipment, accessories, solutions, and furniture.
[For any of the resources listed, visit the company Web site or write Office Organix at 47 Farrington Road, Montauk, NY 11954. Telephone: (800) 569-9236.]
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