In previous posts, we discussed how workers and employers can help alleviate some of the office environment risks of developing cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) or repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) through work style and habits, and, the proper selection of furniture and equipment. With industries specializing and narrowing job descriptions for maximum productivity, there is little flexibility and break-up in the routine of a job for most workers. Minimizing some of the repetition by designing the job around the worker, or allowing or forcing periodic breaks can keep your most productive workers from becoming part of the statistical loss of 31+ work days due to RSIs for U.S. businesses each year. Designing jobs with tasks that offer a variety of physical activity: standing, sitting and walking, not only help break up the routine physically, but allow much-needed mental relief as well. Allowing tasks to be performed intermittently rather than [...]

Second in a three part series of articles on providing an ergonomically safe computer work environment that minimizes risks for cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) or repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). We discussed last post on how workers can help alleviate some of the risks of developing RSIs through their work style by changing posture, habits and recognizing their own health risk factors. However, the burden of safety lies not with the worker, but mainly on the employer to provide a safe and healthy work environment. With the high costs of RSIs costing U.S. employers $80 billion in medical expenses and worker's compensation claims along with 31+ days of lost work time each year, employers cannot afford to ignore the environmental and equipment needs of computer users. For a little more research work, money and willingness to look outside the typical retail office supply source, employers can minimize the risk [...]