Ergonomics represent the study of the environment you work in, in relation to the kind of work you do. Therefore, good office ergonomics is when your work space fits both you and your job. It is important that your workstation is setup right, because you would be less likely to experience any health problems, like headaches, eyestrain, neck and back pain and many more problems. Let’s see why your office should be ergonomic and when is the right time to consult a doctor about all health issues that can be caused by poor office ergonomics.
Why Is It Important for Your Work Area to Be Ergonomic?
Work injuries are becoming more common and they can cost both you and your employer a lot of money and time. Not to mention that it will also have a big effect on your performance at work. Many office injuries may happen by falling, the way you are sitting and your posture can be of great influence, repetitive movements and, if you bend over or lift heavy objects. So, proper office ergonomics will help you feel more comfortable at work, and it can lower health issues as well as stress.
What Types of Health Issues Can Happen at Work
The majority of injuries that happen at work are caused by strain and physical stress, like sitting in the same place for a very long time and making the same movements over and over again. All of this can cause strain and it can stress your nerves, joints, spine and muscles. The symptoms you should look out for are – feeling pain in your back, neck, shoulders, hands, arms and wrists. You should immediately consult your doctor and take some preventive measures before these symptoms become serious health issues.
What You Can Do to Prevent Those Health Issues
Here are a couple of things every doctor would recommend you do in order to prevent those work injuries from happening. Place everything you are working on in front of you, and try to sit straight and tall while you are working. If it is possible, try not to put too much stress on just one area of your body, and change your position from time to time. When you are turning to reach something, try turning your whole body instead of just twisting your head. Every 20 to 40 minutes, take breaks and stretch your body, or if it is possible, switch to some other task.
What to Do If You Get Injured at Work
professional medical doctor consulting patient in office
If you get injured at work, you can try doing some home treatments and if that doesn’t fix the symptoms, then consider going to your doctor for additional help. Try to rest the hurt area and avoid doing anything that will worsen your pain, use ice if needed to reduce any swelling. Take painkillers if you feel some pain. If that doesn’t help, then go to your doctor for some subscription medicine. Always have a good posture, and don’t slouch if you had any strain injury, because that can make your back pain even worse.
If this home treatment isn’t helpful, it is time to consult with your doctor. Be prepared that maybe you are going to need some physical therapy or some other treatment so that you prevent more health issues related to poor office ergonomics from happening in the future.
All in all, the best way to prevent all of these health issues is to properly set up your work area. It has to be set up in the best way there is, so that it fits both you and your job and so that you can be productive and focused while you are working. Consult with your doctor and ask him or her for advice on how to be safe, without experiencing some health issues that may be caused by poor ergonomics and, finally, just try to take good care of yourself.
