Do you protect your body from desk abuse?

18 replies
I was wondering if people are taking the time to make sure they are working in a safe environment? There's so much time we spend working at our desks, but in the real world, businesses are required to invest heavily in health and safety to protect their staff (and avoid lawsuits) from injury and subsequent claims. But who's gonna protect YOU as a self employed desk clinger? That's why this post is important in my opinion.

So, are you sitting comfortably? If so, are your wrists ever aching? How about your back?

Furthermore, what about your environment? Is it noisy, distracting or tranquil? What have you done recently to make sure you are working in a comfortable and productive environment?

Why do I care? Well, I guess someone ought to point out how much damage you can do to your physical body from sitting at a computer all day. (Eye strain, back problems, wrist problems, stress...)

Here's a suggestion:

Why not post a picture of your work office, so we can all see how you work? (I'll get one up too when my camera is charged)

P.S

If you've got a pimped out office, show it off! If you're working in a barn shed, then don't be afraid to confess...it could be killing you!
#abuse #body #desk #protect
  • Profile picture of the author Sean Hoffman
    My wrists and back are always aching. It's from poor posture, that I know. I usually am using my laptop while sitting on my bed...
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    I am always very comfortable when working, though my set up is a little odd, I guess.

    I am either on the couch in the living room, or a recliner in the spare room when I need fewer distractions. So, that means I don't claim any office space at all on my taxes, but it is comfy.

    The odd part is that I use a 18" X 18" X 3" box to rest the laptop on. Nothing fancy, but it dispels heat marvelously.

    ~Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author gimmick
    Thanks for reminding me, my sittin work position often looks like laying on the chair :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    I watch my toddler while I work, which unfortunately doesn't include being in an office setting. We do have a desk in our family room where he plays- but since the big comfy chair is right there that is where I'm sitting No wrist or back problems yet...knock on wood.
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  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    Been doing quite well lately. Here are a few things I do:
    1. Drink plenty of water
    2. Use ergonomic keyboard
    3. Alternate the mouse hand
    4. Get up and go for a walk at least twice per day
    5. Because I am a ballroom dancer, I am always trying to improve my posture.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
      Originally Posted by dvduval View Post

      Been doing quite well lately. Here are a few things I do:
      3. Alternate the mouse hand
      4. Get up and go for a walk at least twice per day
      Great advice. Fresh air makes me work twice as hard, especially when the sun (eventually) shines here in England.

      Originally Posted by gimmick View Post

      Thanks for reminding me, my sittin work position often looks like laying on the chair :-)
      Lol, I've caught myself out doing the same. Sometimes my butt slides off the front of the chair when I'm in super lazy mode. I end up with my chin stuck into my chest.
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    • Profile picture of the author glchandler
      Starting out fresh my posture at desk is great>>>>then I slide into a near recline as time passes. Cannot get feet under desk in a comfortable position as that is where the chihuahua sleeps all day (and of course CANNOT!!! disturb him).

      Salvation is the Border Collie who comes in and nose-dots me until I take them both for a walk>>>but every hour on the hour gets bothersome.

      Still manage to get something done each day but have yet to cross off all of my "to-do" list.

      glchandler
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      • Profile picture of the author johntanyishin
        The other day, i was reading about an article. A worker died in her office because of some blood problem. It happened to her lower part of the body, in her legs. I'm not sure what it is called.

        She had worked non stop for 6 hours, didn't leave her desk at all.

        I guess, it will be good to at least stand up and walk around once every hour to get your blood circulate around the body, looking at the green plants and trees as well.

        I work in my own study room, with a steady chair and healthy sitting posture.

        Guess, we have to take care of our health and not overwork!

        JTYS
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        • Profile picture of the author PeterArnold
          I totally agree with the original question here, and comments about our home offices.

          Most of us spend far too much time at our computers and on the phone running our Home Businesses - I know I do.

          With (predictable) poor posture and habits, we are vulnerable to all sorts of body aches and pains - especially lower back.

          Personally, I've probably 'rubbed way too much salt into the wound' as far as my own lower back is concerned - it's a problem! :-)

          However, here are a few of the things that I've found helpful - - -

          Breaks - I do find it very helpful to take many 'breaks' during the day - mostly with stretching, moving around and taking and short walks.


          Positioning - I've also found that if I bring my work, food, computer screen or reading to a position that allows me to keep my eyes straight ahead - my head high - and which does not require me to crane my neck forward - I'm far better off. It takes a little concentration at first - but after a while, it becomes routine, and most helpful.

          Chair - I invested in a good (computer) chair - one with excellent lumbar support. I've discovered that the backrest should fit into the natural curve of our lower backs, filling in the space between our back and the back of the chair. In my own case, this helps avoid excess pressure on the spine and makes it easier to maintain good sitting posture. Adequate lumbar support also helps me prevent 'muscle fatigue', which causes many of us to lean our heads and upper backs too far forward, or to slouch downward.

          Sound familiar? :-)

          Good thread - thanks.

          Sincerely / Peter A.

          Peter Arnold, CLU, CFC / Founder
          Business Achievers Academy / Canada

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        • Profile picture of the author Paul1234
          Originally Posted by johntanyishin View Post

          The other day, i was reading about an article. A worker died in her office because of some blood problem. It happened to her lower part of the body, in her legs. I'm not sure what it is called.

          She had worked non stop for 6 hours, didn't leave her desk at all.

          I guess, it will be good to at least stand up and walk around once every hour to get your blood circulate around the body, looking at the green plants and trees as well.

          I work in my own study room, with a steady chair and healthy sitting posture.

          Guess, we have to take care of our health and not overwork!

          JTYS
          It's called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and is basically blood clots. The legs swell up and are very painful, the danger is if part of the blood clot detaches and goes toward the heart. 6 years ago I had DVT in both legs due to sitting in the same position at the computer desk for long periods, I had to spend a week in hospital on an IV drip and the following year on blood-thinning medicine injections. I was lucky.

          I take more care of my body now (obviously).
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          • Profile picture of the author tiger325
            yea i redecorated my office about a year ago and i got more work done..tripled my sales
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          • Profile picture of the author johntanyishin
            Originally Posted by Paul1234 View Post

            It's called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and is basically blood clots. The legs swell up and are very painful, the danger is if part of the blood clot detaches and goes toward the heart. 6 years ago I had DVT in both legs due to sitting in the same position at the computer desk for long periods, I had to spend a week in hospital on an IV drip and the following year on blood-thinning medicine injections. I was lucky.

            I take more care of my body now (obviously).
            That's scary, sounds like stroke, blood clots.

            I guess, another good way to set alarm for every one hour. So that it really reminds you about the time you've spend sitting in front of your computer.

            "Time to stand up and walk around, dude."

            JTYS
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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    I could probably be in a better chair, but dang am I ever comfortable. I sit in a recliner-type chair with my legs up. Totally lazy. But also probably a little slouchy.

    On the plus side, I do get up every hour and walk around, stretch, etc.

    Cheers,
    Becky

    p.s. Kim Standerline is going to come in here and wag a finger at everyone who's at risk of back pain.
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  • Profile picture of the author X
    I just bought a treadmill, on a buddy's
    recommendation. He's got a makeshift
    wood platform across the handles, or
    whatever you'd call them. He spends
    most of his working time (he's a copy
    writer) on his treadmill.

    He got the idea from Joe Polish who
    has some high-end treadmill with the
    "desk" built in.

    I've found that just getting up every
    2 hours and doing a 10-15m walk while
    I read email, listen to audio, etc, has
    already made a difference for the back
    pain that makes me a grumpy old fool.
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    • Profile picture of the author kumar
      Hello Nick,

      Sorry to be a spoilsport here, but as much as your thread is useful (after all health is wealth!), we already had a few threads like these very recently in the main discussion forum. And probably, most of us agreed that such discussions are best suited for the Off Topic sub forum.

      Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
    Originally Posted by Nick Brighton View Post

    Why do I care? Well, I guess someone ought to point out how much damage you can do to your physical body from sitting at a computer all day. (Eye strain, back problems, wrist problems, stress...)
    Eye strain is not damage.

    No computer-related physical problems here, and I don't have any special setup beyond a good executive chair.
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  • Profile picture of the author colmodwyer
    I'll write for an hour and then get up for a quick five minute kick about (soccer) when I'm working from home... Think I'll probably lose my deposit when it comes to moving apartment because there's ball marks all over the walls.

    Good to get the blood pumping and the old bones moving though.

    Colm
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