October 10, 2020
Avoiding Common Work From Home Injuries During the COVID Pandemic
Posted in: Work Injury
Many employees are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Offices are closed and people are staying home. However, people must still sit at desks and participate in Zoom meetings. While not being in the office reduced the risk of some work injuries, others are more prevalent. Read below to learn more about avoiding common work from home injuries.
If you are injured while working from home, you should speak with an Illinois work injury attorney to review your workers’ comp claim and determine if you also have a valid third party claim. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. is here for you. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form.
Common Work From Home Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Work from home injuries often involve repetitive motions and ergonomic problems. They can be avoided with the proper work from home equipment.
1. Musculoskeletal Issues
Neck and back pain are common for anyone sitting at a desk for eight or more hours a day. Sitting at a desk at home is often dangerous because home office setups rarely have the proper desk height, ergonomic chair options, and typing accommodations.
You can prevent musculoskeletal issues at home by having proper back support, which may include a chair with a cushion or a rounded back. You should also have computer monitors at eye level so you don’t have to look down. This may require getting monitor stands or drawers to boost their height.
2. Eye Fatigue
Looking at a computer screen for hours can result in short- and long-term problems for your eyes. In the short term, you may experience fatigue or general ache. You may have soreness in your eye muscles as you strain to see small font sizes and manage the brightness of your screen. Long-term you may face permanent damage and reduced ability to focus for long periods of time.
You can improve the way you view your computer screen by using blue-light reduction glasses and turning down the brightness on the screens. You can also increase the font size of things you read and zoom in on software that you use.
3. Leg and Lower Back Pain
Sitting in a chair for a long period of time without getting up can cause leg and lower back pain. Your muscles may become stiff and your spine can ache. If you have conditions such as arthritis or other chronic issues, they can be exacerbated.
These issues can often be relieved by getting up frequently to stretch and walk around. You might set a timer every 30 minutes to remind yourself to move. Lunch breaks should be taken away from the desk as well. If you can afford a standing desk, they can greatly benefit your long-term health.
4. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Typing and other repetitive motions can lead to carpal tunnel, which has always been a risk in office settings. People are even more at risk in home offices because they often do not have comfortable desk spaces with ergonomic keyboards.
You should advocate to your HR division to make sure you have the equipment you need to prevent repetitive motion injuries. That may include a special keyboard or soft wrist rest to prop your wrists up.
If You Are Injured At Home, Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
If you are injured while working at home, you may have a valid workers’ comp claim. However, if you were using equipment that did not prevent your injury, you may have a third party claim against the manufacturers of those tools.
Call Staver today to find out more about your case. We can be reached at (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.