Comfortable Use of Keyboard and Mouse

Medical research shows that the number of cases involved in hand or wrist injuries are rising in the modern age as more and more workers work with computers, and they found out that most of them are data entry personnel and programmers, those who use the keyboards frequently.

Repetitive motions, awkward hand position, poorly set workspace and bad working habits can generally cause intense pain and stress on muscles, tendons and nerves. If you start having discomfort like tingling sensations, numbness and muscle pains, you should consult your physician.

That is why, keyboard makers are gradually learning the ways of ergonomics and apply its principles in their production of their keyboard and mouse products to help minimize wrist injuries.

1.) Properly Set Up your Working Space

- Your working space is going to be your place for quite a long time, so it is wise that at the start, you should take into consideration its arrangements, design, and space.

- Your keyboard desk should be at the same level of your elbow so that your arms will be in relaxed position while typing. 

- The mouse should be of the same level as the keyboard, so your desk width should be bigger.

- Level your desk in such a way that the upper edge of your computer screen as at your eye level or lower. 

- Put a comfortable distance between you and your working desk.

- Your desk should be wide enough to accomodate the keyboard and a considerably large space for your mouse to move about.

- Have your feet well supported.

- When working with documents, use document viewer or holder that you can place beside your computer screen to minimize the need to constantly swivel your neck and change focus.

- Allocate a space within reach for commonly used things.

- Things that are seldom used should be placed further away to avoid cluttering your desk. 

2.) Keep your Hands and Arms Relaxed or Comfortable as you Work

- Your hands should be at the same level as your elbow as you work.

- Your arms should be set apart a little, they should not be parallel or your wrists will have to turn when typing in the keyboard.

- You can use a palm rest, but use it only when you’re not typing or using the mouse.

- The areas beside you should be clear so you can take some time to let your arms dangle down towards the floor once a while.

- When typing in the keyboard or using the mouse, avoid supporting your wrists.

-Do not slouch or hunch. Sit properly, set your spine straight to avoid back pains.

3.) Establish Good Working Habits

- Maintain a work discipline all throughout. 

- Develop a routine and organization of tasks so that you don’t have to spend more hours working when you could have finished it earlier.

- Take short breaks to relax yourself.

- Establish a routine exercise for your wrists, arms, and head.

4.) Be Conscious of your Health

- Do not disregard symptoms of an injury to not make it worse. 

- If at any moment you feel pain, numbness or tingling sensation, have a break. If it gets worse, seek the help of a medical professional. You may have skipped your work for the day, but it will benefit you in the long run.

published 1 year ago

elitesky

325 points