TMCnews Featured Article

With all of the possible dangers that surround workers each day, those in the office environment or who find themselves working in front of a computer for long periods of time, put themselves at an especially high risk each day, just by sitting at their workstations.

 

For those spending long hours in front of the computer, like those in the call center, this risk increases greatly.

 

To get comfortable, workers typically know they need adjustable furniture to fit their body and various work needs.

 

But not only is it important to adjust oneself to a comfortable position, there also needs to be training involved on the correct way to position oneself.

 

Things like the angle of a computer screen, or the way in which a user types on the keyboard, all take a toll on worker's health.

 

For this reason, it is important to have an ergonomic work area-- one that maximizes on productivity, while also reducing fatigue and discomfort.

 

Though a keyboard might not raise a red flag in people's minds when they're thinking of ways to make furniture more ergonomic, keyboard mechanisms are in fact an essential part of the ergonomic work environment.

 

By using a keyboard correctly, and having the proper positing of wrists and fingers, it is possible to decrease carpal tunnel syndrome and make working much more comfortable.

 

Correct positioning, as outlined in a recent whitepaper from call center furniture provider, Interior Concepts, includes having the keyboard placed in a position so that the height is adjusted to allow upper arms to hang relaxed from the shoulders and the elbows at roughly right angles. It is also important that the keyboard tray has a slight negative tilt, so that wrists are in a neutral posture.

 

Chances are most workstations don’t include all possible ergonomic elements to reduce risk, and enable workers to be more productive and comfortable. Education and training on these elements will provide an improved, healthier and more efficient work environment.