When working in an office environment, you do not normally fear occupational hazards, such as being cut by a machine or being crushed by heavy equipment. Nevertheless, this does not mean that office jobs are safe and not dangerous. If you work long hours behind a PC, you’ve probably already felt that tired feeling of tearing that comes with being an office worker.
Most office work requires you to spend at least 8 hours a day watching your computer. Therefore, it makes sense to make sure that you will spend at least 8 hours comfortably and avoiding, hopefully, any injury.
On the other hand, most problems with using a computer are preventable and minor. Unless something is really wrong in your work environment, you are not likely to be electrocuted in most situations. In addition, contrary to technological superstition, there is no evidence that electromagnetic radiation from computers causes problems such as miscarriages or cataracts.
If you still follow the guidelines below, you will probably be less tired at the end of the day. And you can just have enough motivation to want to redo everything tomorrow.
Posture
This may seem obvious, but not everyone practices a good work posture. Poor posture could actually be the beginning of back problems in the years to come. Good posture starts with a well-fitting chair and a computer height. Make sure your chair is adjusted to support your lower back, that your knees and hips are level and that your feet are flat on the floor. At the same time, adjust the screen of your computer so that your eyes are at the same level as the top. If your feet do not reach the floor, be sure to have a stand such as a footrest. You should be able to request one from your employer if he does not have one.
Eye care
Do you remember those anti-glare screens that were popular 10 or 15 years ago? The good news is that, on most LCD monitors, anti-glare is already integrated.
The light that lights up on computer screens is in itself tiring to watch for a prolonged period. The anti-glare is there to prevent additional reflections on the surface of the screen from getting your eyes tired. Make sure you do not wipe your screen with wet wipes or anything that may dissolve the chemical coating used as anti-glare on some screens. Also, place your computer so that it does not face a window and light does not bounce off the screen toward you.
Take a break in your eyes by focusing from time to time on distant objects. Blink frequently.
Repetitive stress injuries
If you spend a lot of time hammering a keyboard, you may want to consider using devices to avoid repetitive stress injuries. The use of an ergonomic keyboard and mouse avoids repeated movements at binding angles. The wrist rests ease your wrists by keeping them at the same level as your keyboard and can help prevent injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Your arms and wrists should be parallel to the floor as you type.
Rest and exercise
It is important to give yourself a break from time to time. Stand up and stretch, walk for a moment. If possible, do it once an hour. Short frequent breaks are preferable to longer and less frequent breaks. It is also important that you do not let your sedentary 8 hours slip into the rest of your life.
The health and safety around computers can be tedious but necessary. In the worst case, a stitch may save nine points, especially if these points are surgical points for the treatment of your repetitive stress injury. Keep going and save that click-ey finger! You may need it when you are old.