Ergonomics At Your Desk: Wrist Rests and Foot Rests

Would you wear a pair of pair of pants that are four inches too long, or a pair of shoes three sizes too small? Most people will answer this question: “No, I wouldn’t wear something that does not fit!” However, we often find ourselves in a work environment that doesn’t “fit.” Whether it be the chair is not the right height or wrists flopping around when typing….an ill fitting work environment can cause more than just discomfort.

Ergonomics refers to the science of fitting design- to people. In the workplace this is often misrepresented as just a physical task. But ergonomics is not just limited to the physical aspects of a worker. It also looks at: psychological aspects, worker limitations, social environment, physical environment, equipment, information, and work demands.

Applying ergonomics will: reduce accidents, reduce injury, reduce work absences, improve performance, and improve productivity. In the UK, there are many regulations that require not only risk assessment related to work place ergonomics, but employee health and safety training. Part of this safety training deals with posture. It does not matter how well the workplace is designed… if an employee has poor posture.

In the workplace, ergonomics focuses heavily on safety issues. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is one common work place injury. It occurs from repetitive use of equipment (like a keyboard)while in bad posture. Yet, simple steps can avoid them. Here are two common causes of RSI in the workplace, and what to do:

When using a key board, the hand and forearm should be in alignment. The hand should not flex up and down. Using a proper wrist rest will ensure the wrist and hand will not flex. And, it will help you stay in a good posture position. The Fellowes Crystal Purple Gel Flex Rest is a good example of a stylish and comforatable wrist rest, which is greata for keeping the forearm in the correct position when using a mouse.

Keep feet flat on the floor and sit back in the chair. Many people with short statures tend to rest their feet on the chair, or only have the toes touch the floor, but this misaligns our body. A proper foot rest, such as the 5 Star Tilting Anti-Skid Office Foot Rest, can support the feet and push you back into the chair.

While there are laws in the UK that make employers comply with ergonomics in the work place, the regulations only work if the employee complies. Wrist rests and footrests may not seem important, but using them can prevent long term injuries. When you come home at the end of the day and your back, legs, wrist, etc… are hurting, that means you are not using good posture. Often we need help to align our bodies correctly. That is where wrist rests, footrests, and other adaptive equipment come in. Not everyone can touch the floor from a chair or have the wrist mobility to keep proper alignment. So, recognizing the signs of a problem are important. Speak out if you need these items and are not getting them.