OH! Magazine - Australian Version February 2014 (Australian Version)

HEATH WILLIAMS Assessing the mouse position on the desk Wrist positions whilst typing Diagram 3 Diagram 2a Diagram 2a demonstrates the ideal position your wrists should be in during typing. The person in the bottom two images of Diagram 2b, would benefit from the use of a keyboard wrist pad due to the excessive flexion or extension of the wrist. Diagram 3 illustrates exactly where your mouse and keyboard should sit on the desk. Both should be adjacent to one another and approximately 10cm from the desk’s edge. The incorrect mouse position in the left image will result in the mouse arm being over-stretched. People who spend a lot of time with their arm in this position are often predisposed to an increased risk of developing neck, shoulder and upper limb strains and sprains. MORE INFORMATION… Diagram 2b If you find that you are having ongoing issues with your wrists, forearms, shoulder or neck following adjustments to your workstation, you should inform your Human Resources or workplace Occupational Health and Safety representative to arrange for a more indepth ergonomic risk assessment and guidance. If you are looking for an external consultant (osteopath, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist) to conduct an assessment, contact Corporate Work Health Australia (www.corporateworkhealth.com). Corporate Work Health Australia are an nationwide business providing ergonomic risk assessments in all major cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, Canberra and Darwin). Heath Williams is the director of Principle Four Osteopathy and Corporate Work Health Australia. Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD’s 3,000 leading osteopathic clinics. You can contact Heath by calling 1300 951 519 or visit www.principlefourosteopathy.com or www.corporateworkhealth.com ( OH! MAGAZINE ) ISSUE 7 27

OH! Magazine - Australian Version February 2014 (Australian Version) | Page 27