Sure, workers’ compensation covers single accidents—things like unfortunate worksite accidents, mishaps in the office place that require medical attention, and so on. Some of them are serious, and others less severe. But the majority of us don’t think of repetitive strains when it comes to what workers’ compensation covers.
Repetitive strains are more common than you think, and as good as it is that there are workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta to help in the event of damage from repetitive strains, don’t you think it would be even better to prevent them altogether?
Let’s look at a few simple ways to do just that.
Enhance Your Posture
When it comes to office work, posture can make a big difference. Slouching at your computer all day can be devastating for your health in the long haul, and lead to conditions like chronic back pain. What’s more, good posture is a great way to help prevent repetitive strains.
Bad habits die hard, but fortunately there are several mechanisms on the market these days that are designed to help us correct our posture. Strap on a posture brace and you’ll have no choice but to sit the right way. Best of all, modern posture braces don’t feel unnatural or painful. They simply quietly do the job they’re supposed to!
Move Away From That Computer…Not Too Far Though
In other words, placement is everything. Maintaining a healthy distance from your computer screen will work wonders for preventing eye, neck and back strain—30 inches is ideal. And while we’re on the subject of computer screens, watch the way yours is tilted. A tilted monitor can cause glare that makes it hard to see, which even if subtle, will lead to eye strain if this occurs on a regular basis.
But that’s not all. Your mouse’s placement matters too. Keep it close to table-level, right next to your keyboard. If it’s too high or too far away, reaching for it may not feel strenuous at the moment, but is an easy way to cause repetitive strains.
Keep your monitor straight and approximately 30 inches away from your eyes. Keep your mouse at a convenient reach. Follow these rules and you’ll be good to go.
Keyboard Shortcuts
While at first there will be a learning curve, keyboard shortcuts are a good idea for several reasons. For one, they help your workflow go more smoothly, and allow you to accomplish tasks faster. But that’s not why we’re here. The less you have to physically do, the less strain your hands will face. Use keyboard shortcuts and you’ll be at a lower risk for hand strains. These are a few basic commands for Windows systems:
- CTRL+C = copy
- CTRL+V = paste
- ALT+F4 = quit the open program
- CTRL+Z = undo
- CTRL+B = bold
- CTRL+I = italic
- CTRL+U = underline
- SHIFT+click = open link in a new window
- CTRL+click = open link in a new tab
Obviously, it’s better not become injured with repetitive strains in the first place, but if that happens to you, it will be a good idea to call an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. Give my office a call if need be, but until then, stay safe at work!
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