You Asked for It
September 2002

Hi Sharon: You recently completed an assessment [in our office]. I have another staff member who is complaining of a sore right wrist/hand. He thinks that it may be related to his work station. Would you be able to assess the positioning of his right hand and make recommendations? I don't think that he needs a full work station assessment, as he presents no other complaints.

Thanks for your assistance,
K

The nature of ergonomics is that it is impossible to assess a particular body part - the whole body must be looked at as a system. For example, the sore wrist may be a function of his seated height or interference due to the arm rests of the chair. It could be as simple as his alignment at the keyboard or the amount of time he uses the mouse. All of these however, require time be spent to educate the worker and teach him how to better use his body and to set up the work station to facilitate correct working postures.

(When I went to the work station, I ended up making 11 recommendations for improvements to his posture and equipment!. Many of his postural concerns related to the height of his monitor, the low position of which resulted in him hunching over the keyboard, and supporting his upper body with his hands while typing and using the mouse.)

Home | Services | About ErgoSum | Contact