By: Shaun Parker
When it comes to dangerous jobs, you can think of things like the armed forces, pilots, tanker drivers, those types of things. One place you wouldn't expect to cause you any health problems is an office. That said, every year employees take vast amounts of time on sick leave through injuries related to not using their equipment correctly. DSE risk assessment is a training module designed to teach people how to use their computer equipment at its safest, including placement of chairs and desks to avoid repetitive strain injury. Ok, so repetitive strain injury is not in the same league as the danger posed by some of the more precarious jobs, but it's all about quality of life. For those who choose to ignore their DSE risk assessments and go ahead thinking that the pressure of the job is more important to relieve than an ache or twinge, then they are sadly mistaken. After a relatively short period of time sitting awkwardly, or for long periods of time, a back problem can be brought on that takes months to get rid of and that's only if you choose to rectify the cause. Health issues with backs are a very common thing for doctors to see and one of the hardest things to treat. Whatever activity we are involved in throughout the day, our back is our main support structure and strain will be put on it. This is why recovery takes so long. If, during that recovery time, we still try to push ourselves to sit at a desk for long periods of time, then the long and the short of it is that we won't get better. This reduces the quality of our life, putting us under strain even when we are not at work. Constant pain is a well known trigger for depression and so the cycle begins. DSE risk assessments will suggest that an office chair is positioned so that lumbar support is catered for, the angle of the back rest is supportive and not allowing your back to twist and that the seat allows for your feet to sit flat on the floor or a foot support is in place. With these things in place, you have covered most of the aspects that will look after your back. The only one left is to make sure you take regular breaks and get up from your desk, moving around and stretching. Others aspects of DSE risk assessment cover the positioning of monitors. The top of the screen should be at eye level height. This is the best position to avoid neck strain. The keyboard and mouse should be within easy reach in order for you to not have to continually stretch. Having the keyboard or mouse at an uncomfortable angle can cause carpal tunnel syndrome - a painful condition affecting the hands and wrists. Tennis elbow is another problem that comes with thoughtless use of office equipment. When using a computer the arms are constantly bent at a forty five degree angle. After some time, this can cause a strain or stiffness that is difficult to get rid of and very painful to work with. According to all DSE risk assessment worth its weight, once all equipment is set up at the most ergonomic angle for the individual, then regular breaks should be taken where the body can be moved into another position and stretched. There is no job that is worth diminishing your quality of life for and these considerations should be implemented by all employers.
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Shaun Parker is a leading health expert with many years of experience in the field of work related accidents. Find out more about DSE Risk Assessment at www.complywise.co.uk
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