Audit Your Computer Workstation!
Posted on Apr 7, 2006 in General, Wisdom
If you’re anything like me and work way too many hours on the computer, you’ve no doubt experienced some kind of chronic pain as a result. I’m constantly adjusting my workspace trying to find that holy grail of perfect pain-free workstation symmetry.
Although my run with physical therapy helped me a great deal to get through some severe pain resulting from long-time neglect, I tend to find myself slipping back into bad habits without realizing it. Until the pain slowly creeps back in, of course. I recently stumbled upon a great little checklist and information page that has some excellent tips on the subject. I felt better within 10 minutes after making just a couple of minor adjustments.
It is often working overtime and the stress of deadline situations that force people to ignore and work through their pain and discomfort. It is very important that once you start to notice some pain or discomfort to be very careful.
Pain that goes away over night is usually a sign of fatigue, pain that is continuous and does not go away over night is more serious and should be attended to immediately… It is much easier to treat and recover from a pain episode the earlier you are treated. Ignoring pain can lead to serious injury.
Here’s the link… I was hoping that at the end of the page there would be a “submit’ button to click and it would take the information I entered via the check boxes and magically give me a personal assessment of what my problems specifically are. It’s simple to figure it out manually just by addressing all of your “No’s” but I like “easy” buttons. 
Computer Workstation Self-Audit Checklist
6 Comment(s) so far... Don't be shy, join in!
By michael callen on Apr 7, 2006 | Reply
Additional ergonomic guidelines can be found at the Desk-Trainer website which incorporatew mini breaks throughtout your day using awareness through movement (ATM) therapy.
http://desk-trainer.com/about/guidelines/chair.php
By Chana on Apr 7, 2006 | Reply
Thanks for the good tips. I’ll pass them on to my sis, she’s having a hard time with her wrist and neck…thanks
By rob on Apr 22, 2006 | Reply
My work is really good when it comes to getting us new desks and other things to help our working pains. I am at the computer all day, and we get about 1/2 each day beyond our regular breaks just for extra ‘computer breaks’. So, we can go for a walk, stretch, or choose to sit at the computer if we want. It also helps that it is unionized too.
I think all companies should help employees to be pain free, inspite of the cost. I know a lot of people who work elsewhere where simple gel pads are not provided for wrists, and the chairs are falling apart. They eventually end up suing. Why not correct it now?
By Chana on May 18, 2006 | Reply
well i hope you are well and just haven’t been blogging because you are terribly busy with an amazing project…
By Erik Olsen on May 22, 2006 | Reply
Hey I love your work & your blog Brad! Great information! I totally feel your pain about working on a computer all day… Best, erik
By Fitz on May 25, 2006 | Reply
Rob, excellent points. Prevention is the best medicine. I hope more companies like yours are taking more of a proactive look at this growing epidemic.
Chana, I have been pretty busy… thanks for noticing
Erik, much appreciated! Looking forward to seeing your portfolio.