In today’s digital age, the importance of proper technique in typing, using a mouse, including writing cannot be overstated. Whether you’re crafting emails, designing graphics, or jotting down notes, the way you interact with your tools has a significant impact on your overall health and productivity.

BELOW ARE THREE TIPS FOR ERGONOMIC TYPING

 1. Keep your wrists straight: the straighter your wrists, the less strain you put on the tendons and nerves that run through your wrist. A split keyboard may aid you in keeping your wrists straight.

2. Let your hands float: This means don’t rest your wrists on the desk, keyboard, or a wrist rest when you are typing. Let them hover over the keys. This has three advantages:

(i) You allow the big muscles in your back to share some of the work;
(ii) It allows you to keep your wrists straight, which is impossible if they’re planted on a wrist rest;
(iii) It’s easier to reach the hard-to-reach keys.

3. Don’t strain your fingers: When you need to press a hard-to-reach key, like CTRL, SHIFT, BACKSPACE, etc., don’t stretch out your pinky. Instead, move your whole hand and use your index or middle finger to press the key. Don’t use one hand when you need to hit two keys simultaneously, e.g. CTRL-X, SHIFT-Y. Think before you type: unnecessary retyping/editing can add up. Use a light touch when typing: don’t pound the keys.

DOES AN ERGONOMIC MOUSE HELP PREVENT HAND PAIN?
An effective ergonomic mouse is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, catering to the frequency of your clicking, scrolling, and browsing. It helps maintain a comfortable hand position, allowing you to work longer without experiencing discomfort.

Injuries may occur if the mouse is not at the same level as the keyboard. Having the keyboard positioned lower than the mouse can lead to strain.

Position the mouse so that your arms remain at or below a 90-degree angle. Your hand should not feel strained or uncomfortable while using it. The image below illustrates the correct and comfortable placement of your hand on the mouse.

Ergonomic Tips for Handwriting

Maintaining good ergonomics while handwriting is crucial for preventing strain and discomfort. Begin by ensuring your writing surface is at a comfortable height, ideally allowing your forearms to rest parallel to the floor. Choose a chair that supports your lower back and allows your feet to rest flat on the ground. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid hunching over your work. Proper posture helps distribute the effort evenly across your muscles, reducing the risk of strain and injury.

Additionally, use a pen that feels comfortable in your hand and requires minimal pressure to write. Opt for pens with cushioned grips to reduce the strain on your fingers. Take regular breaks to stretch your hands, wrists, and shoulders, especially if you are writing for extended periods. Incorporate hand exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility. By paying attention to these ergonomic tips, you can enhance your handwriting experience and minimize the risk of discomfort and repetitive strain injuries.

Contact Us To Arrange An Ergonomics Assessment: info@auspicesafety.com