TODAY –  March 6, 2003

Work can sometimes be a real pain in the neck. It can also lead to injury and even surgery when it’s not taken seriously. In today’s of.ce environment, most people work long hours sitting at desks, in front of computer screens, and talking on the telephone.  That’s why office ergonomics are important, says Andy Sulzer of Milton Terry Associates, Office Design and Space Planning, in Wayne.

The most common injuries related to office personnel are carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder, back, and eyestrain.  Implementing a few simple strategies today can help prevent future injury. 

The Department of Labor and Industries Web site says that the way workers organize their work affects their body position and the amount of reaching they have to do.   Long reaches to pick up heavy objects or frequently used items can contribute to discomfort and injury. 

Reaching puts the body in an awkward position and stretches muscles beyond their normal limits, making them vulnerable to pulls and strains.   To avoid these injuries, workers should place the things they use most within their easy-reach zone, or how far they can reach without straining their body. 

For most people, this zone is an area about 16 to 18 inches in front of their body. Workers should keep frequently used items, items that require finger dexterity (keyboard, mouse, telephone), items that require hand force (stapler, three-hole punch, staple remover), and heavy objects (large binders, manuals, telephone books) in this range. 

Workers should additionally make small adjustments to their posture about every 15 minutes.

This can be done by changing the way their chair is adjusted or simply by getting up and stretching or taking a short walk before returning to their workstation.  

The best thing business owners can do is to sit down and talk with their employees to better understand the discomforts they might be experiencing.  Educating and addressing these concerns now may assist business owners with employee retention, increased employee attendance, and overall health.

A happy, friendly work environment always extends to the customers’ experience.

Written by Madeline Rich, cofounder of Quikteks Inc., Fairfield, for the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce Communications Department. Comments, questions or feedback about this column can be directed to the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce Communications Department at (973) 831-7788.