

It is no news that due to the technological achievements working process became much more easier, no one needs to retype the text just because mistyped the word, or take the letter to the other office, or to the post office, even to print the paper out does not need any movement but take the papers out of the printer. Averagely the worker spends 8 hours at the computer. Sometimes the way we are sitting is not the right way that later on causes back pains.
According to the SourceWire.com 80% of Britons suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, RSI and other musculoskeletal disorders. The research made by Fellowes says that
53% of workers do not know that the work station assessments are a legal requirement,
36% of the population has never had a formal assessment,
12% admitting that their last assessment took place so long ago that they can no longer remember the advice they were given.
Fellowes and BackCare set up the website www.ergonomix.info that will help hard workers realize what are the threats and how to avoid them.
Dr Dries Hettinga of BackCare said “If you are experiencing any form of discomfort, speak up!”. “You might be entitled to a different chair or simple additions to your work station - and if your employer feels that they cannot provide more than basic equipment, y2q3ou might be eligible for government assistance through the Access to Work scheme. There is definitely no reason to continue working uncomfortably.”
Louise Shipley, Fellowes’ ergonomic expert, shares this position: “With the majority of our work now being computer based, and many of us having computers at home as well as at work, we are spending much longer at a computer and more time working than not. This, coupled with poor posture and repetitive movement, can cause strain to many parts of the body, including backs, necks and wrists.”
“Back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented by conducting a computer workstation assessment and by taking simple steps to ensure that you are working comfortably.”
The site provides with the information that will improve sitting position and release from the probable back pain:
1. Look straight ahead
Make sure your monitor is directly in front of you at arm's length. When you're working on a document, the top line of text should be just below eye level. Don't forget that if you change the position of your chair, you need to adjust the monitor as well.
2. Keyboard in front
Your keyboard should be directly in front of you. Your shoulders should be relaxed with your upper arms free at your sides. Turn your chair sideways to check that your elbow is level with the spacebar for the correct height.
3. Avoid 'mouse shoulder'
Putting the mouse too high or too far away means that the upper arm is forced away from the body when you use it. This puts the shoulder in an awkward position and places strain on the muscles. If the position is held for a long period of time, the entire "mouse" side of the body is affected, from the neck to the upper back. Make sure you can use your mouse without stretching and with your elbow comfortably bent.
4. Take care with your chair
By law office chairs (those used at workstations) must meet a certain minimum standard. They must be stable - the classic office chair with five legs in star shape. The height must be adjustable with an adjustable seat back in both height and tilt; ideally the seat back should move independently of the seat to allow for a more comfortable position. If you feel you need more support consider a separate back support.
When you're seated, your thighs should be at right angles to your body or sloping slightly down. If your chair is properly adjusted your feet should be firmly on the floor, but if it's more comfortable, use a footrest. The basic rule is to plant your feet on the floor and support your back.
5. Keep moving
Never forget that the human body is not designed to sit for long periods, even in the best posture. Get up and move around. Shift your position often - at least every 45 minutes, every 20 minutes is even better - and stretch.
References:
http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=37750&hilite=
http://www.ergonomix.info/computer.asp?s=2
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