http://www.workfuture.co.uk workfuture.co.uk - Description goes here. Copyright 2010 WorkFuture. All Rights Reserved. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT en-gb 2. Blog (Laptops +mobile equipment) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=41 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=41 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Well a recent ergonomic study suggests there may be some benefits to a lap support or lapdesk. We are all familiar with the stiff or sore neck you get from looking down for long periods with your laptop perched on your knees or in other positions such as those shown below. Part of the reaso - Tags: Lap support, lapdesk, laptop computers, neck pain, wrist pain, mobile working, netbook, notebook 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=40 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=40 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Could the legs up on your keyboard be causing wrist pain? Many keyboards over the past 10 -15 years have been designed with small legs at the back of the keyboard to allow you incline the keyboard towards you while you type. For some reason many people think they should put the legs up and tilt - Tags: Wrist pain, wrist position, keyboard legs, wrist posture when keying 2. Blog (Workplace design) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=39 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=39 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Part 2.  Why Working at the Computer Can Give You Neck Pain. The first part we dealt with neck pain that is caused by neck posture. Poor posture is usually the result of the screen position , or the position of the documents or cradling the phone. The other reason you could be having neck p - Tags: Neck pain, computers, screen glare, screen position, brightness and contrast 2. Blog (Office Chairs) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=38 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=38 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Just how useful are neck rests on a chair?   Well that depends on what you intend to do in the chair. The first thing you need to know is that neck rests are not designed to allow you to work and rest your head at the same time so if you think your neck will be more comfortable while you work - Tags: Neck pain, neck rests, using a neck rests, reducing neck pain, choosing a chair with a neck rest, should I use a neck rest 2. Blog (Computer Screens) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=36 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=36 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Most of the guidelines about the position of computer monitors offer the standard rule of thumb that you should position the screen at about an arm’s distance away. So if you stretch your arm forward from your usual sitting position as in the picture below than you should be just able to touch - Tags: Monitor screen placement, distance to monitor, correct distance to put a computer screen 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=35 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=35 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Split keyboards are sometimes recommended if you have developed wrist and forearm pain and still need to do a lot of keying for their work. Ideally you would try to reduce the problem by checking your •    keyboard placement •    keying techniques or • - Tags: Wrist pain, using a split keyboard, 2. Blog (Computer Screens) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=33 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=33 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT The two main reasons for neck pain while working at a computer is an awkward neck posture or a poor visual environment. Surprisingly because the individual doesn’t feel there is a problem to begin with, they can often work for months with a stressful neck posture before feeling any symptoms. - Tags: Neck pain, cradling telephone, twisting the neck, using a document holder, position of monitor 2. Blog (Mouse, touch pads + input devices) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=32 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=32 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT The Vibrating mouse was developed to help reduce hand and forearm pain as a result of poor habits. One of these habits is where we hold our hand and fingers constantly on the mouse even when we are not using it. Hovering is where the hand is held just above the mouse. You might not even be aware you - Tags: 2. Blog (Mouse, touch pads + input devices) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=31 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=31 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT When it comes to computer work the mouse is often seen as a prime cause of hand and arm pain and there are many reasons for this. Some of these problems might be down to the actual mouse but often its the way we use the mouse.  Factors to consider include • how long you are usi - Tags: Mouse, wrist pain, mouse style, mouse shape, mouse work, 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=30 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=30 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Many people feel that their hand or wrist pain is aggravated by keying.  And while we know that the total number of hours spent keying is one of the main risk factors for developing upper limb problems there are a number of things you can do to reduce the strain on your hands and make - Tags: Keying technique, hand and wrist pain, carpal tunnel with keying, using a keyboard correctly 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=29 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=29 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Do you need help to take breaks from the computer or perhaps you feel you would benefit from doing some desk exercises to relieve the strain of doing the same movements over and over again? Its never easy to remember to take regular breaks while working at a computer and often we are so intent on f - Tags: Work breaks, desk exercises, neck and shoulder pain, arm pain, free software 2. Blog (Mouse, touch pads + input devices) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=28 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=28 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT If you think that your mouse might be causing your neck and arm pain than you could be right. Nearly 40% of people think that what they do at work contributes to their pain. It can be a useful exercise to look at whether you have your mouse in the best position for the work you do. This might appea - Tags: Mouse position, mouse placement, arm and neck pain, left hand mouse use 2. Blog (Laptops +mobile equipment) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=27 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=27 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Mobile working may sound great. After all you can keep in contact with the office where-ever you are, on the road, from the airport, in a cafe. But unless you take care the benefit of instant communication can come at a cost to your physical health. Afterall its not just the laptops you need nowada - Tags: Laptops, packpacks, back pain, shoulder pain, carrying laptops 2. Blog (Laptops +mobile equipment) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=26 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=26 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT As laptop use increases manufacturers are always trying to come up with new ways to make them smaller and more compact. One of these is to reduce the input device to minimise space. an example of this is the nipple mouse – the tiny button in the middle of the text keys that allows you to - Tags: Laptops, nipple mouse, finger pain, finger stiffness, mouse placement, external mouse 2. Blog (Mouse, touch pads + input devices) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=25 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=25 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT No its no joke. Some research has been done on mouse techniques and its shown that people tend to rest their hand on their mouse and hold their second or third fingers up in the air. You might say you can’t see that as being a problem after all its not dissimilar to the habit of drinking - Tags: finger lifting, mouse, finger pain, hand pain, wrist pain, hand position 2. Blog (Office Chairs) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=24 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=24 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT The height you sit when working at a computer is one of the most important aspects to get right, particularly if you want to sit for a long time and be comfortable. In fact I would go so far as to say if you don’t get the height of your chair correct than everything else you do will be ineffec - Tags: Chair height, wrist position, wrist pain, mouse use, elbow position 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=19 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=19 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT How much strain can you get from the position of the keyboard you ask? Plenty is the answer. You would be surprised how many people sit with the keyboard to one side so they are permanently twisting their spine and reaching across their body which can lead to neck and shoulder pain The first step i - Tags: Keyboard placement, keyboard position, wrist pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, wrist posture, keying 2. Blog (Computer Screens) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=18 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=18 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Proper placement of the monitor can have a significant affect on your comfort and ability to work. If you want to ensure your are not straining your eyes or causing fatigue to your neck and shoulders you need to think about where you put your monitor. Getting this right will not only affect how - Tags: Monitor height, eye strain, shoulder pain, neck pain, eye fatigue, monitor distance, monitor placement 2. Blog (Mouse, touch pads + input devices) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=17 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=17 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT After all if you’re using the mouse in your hand you would expect to have wrist or hand pain, wouldn’t you! Well some people do get wrist and hand pain but you can also get shoulder pain. It just depends on the technique you use with your mouse. If you are like most people you probably a - Tags: Mouse, neck pain, shoulder pain, mouse placement, mouse position 2. Blog (Mouse, touch pads + input devices) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=13 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=13 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Well for a start, you might be left handed. But even if you are right handed there are times when it can help to use the mouse in your left hand. So much computer work involves using the mouse constantly and this can take its toll on your wrist and arm. There are a number of ways to reduce - Tags: Mouse, wrist pain, left hand mouse work, 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=12 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=12 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Good question! Many people have wrist rests provided automatically when they start working in an office environment. And despite so many people using wrist rests I can honestly say that I have never been called in to an office where the staff actually knew how to use their wrist rests! Of course yo - Tags: Wrist rest, carpal tunnel syndrome, keying, mouse work, pins and needles 2. Blog (Office Chairs) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=11 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=11 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Arm rest are one of those items that cause some debate. Surprisingly even among ergonomists there are some who think every chair should have them and others who think all computer users should remove them. As usual the truth probably lies somewhere between the two. There are some benefits in terms - Tags: Arm rests, office chairs, arm pain, keyboard, wrist pain, RSI 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=10 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=10 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT When you start off using a computer its always easier to move around the screen or between different menus with a click of the mouse. However, as we sit at our computers and use a mouse for longer and longer periods, or start doing alot of intensive mouse work such as 'click and drag' - Tags: 2. Blog (Workplace design) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=6 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=6 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Whiplash is a surprisingly common injury and if you have neck and shoulder pain than you may need to give some thought as to  the way you work and more importantly how you organise your workplace......  About 300,000 people suffer a whiplash injury every year usually as a&n - Tags: Neck and shoulder pain at work, whiplash, filing cabinets, 2. Blog (Mouse, touch pads + input devices) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=5 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=5 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Have you started using your mouse in ways that it was never designed to be used? ......... well over the last few weeks we have been called in to various companies to help sort out  a number of staff who are having difficulties with hand and wrist pain. Find our more information - Tags: Mouse, thumb pain, keyboard, over stretching, 2. Blog (Keyboards) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=3 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/blog/post.asp?postId=3 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Heard the news about our dirty keyboards? Some of you might be quite surprised about the results but actually its a useful reminder..... For those of you who didn’t read or hear the article telling us that keyboards are as filthy as a loo seat in the Guardian.   If the keyboard is di - Tags: Dirty keyboards, cleaning keyboards, rest breaks at computer 3. Articles (Document Holders) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=12 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=12 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT How do you know if a document holder will help you work more comfortably and effectively? Usually we are so used to the way we work we don't even realise that we could make it better or easier for ourselves. There are a number of reasons where you might consider using a document holder. If you have - Tags: Ergonomics, document holder, writing slope, workstation assessment, neck pain, shoulder pain 3. Articles (Eye fatigue) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=10 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=10 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT These are just some of the visual symptoms that people can suffer with as a result of prolonged computer use. Having the right environment for the eyes is important if you want to minimise these sorts of problems, and the longer you spend in front of your computer the more important it is to take ca - Tags: Visual problems, fatigue, office environment, computer, glare, brightness, contrast 3. Articles (Mobile Office ) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=8 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=8 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Don’t rush into buying a new laptop until you’ve read these facts? The first thing anyone thinks about when buying a laptop is getting the fastest processor or the biggest hard drive but its important to think about other features you use to help make your work comfortable and to avoid - Tags: Laptops, neck pain, shoulder pain, accessories, external mouse + keyboard, posture 3. Articles (Computer screen) http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=7 http://www.workfuture.co.uk/articles/article.asp?articleId=7 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:26 GMT Have you thought about where to position your monitor? You may not realise that where you place your computer monitor has a significant affect on the comfort of your eyes and the posture of your head and neck. Check out our 10 top tips to get you started….. 1. - Tags: Computer monitor, height, tilt, distance, eye fatigue, brightness, glare, font 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/clients.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/clients.asp Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:33:30 GMT WorkFuture is an independant Occupational Health Service  providing health services predominanly in the East Midlands and surrounding areas. We provide  clinics in Derby, Lincoln, Chesterfield, Sheffield, Leicester, Coventry, Peterborough, Stoke on Trent, Birmingham and Telford. <h... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/index.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/index.asp Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:29:42 GMT Is the cost of your employees' health affecting your bottom line? Would you be surprised to know that absence alone can be 9% of your payroll costs? And that doesn't include the affect on productivity, the cost of temporary staff or the additional burden it places on... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/pre-employment-screening.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/pre-employment-screening.asp Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:27:18 GMT Why should you provide pre-employment health screening? Pre-employment is the first step in ensuring the health of your employees. An as an employer you are responsible for making sure your staff are safe at work. To do this you need to know if there are any health problems th... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/index.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/index.asp Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:25:40 GMT Are you missing out on the benefits of a healthy business? Everyone knows a healthy work force means a more productive business. The costs of absence and injury on businesses is enormous and that's before you even consider the impact from temporary cover, training and ins... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/work-injury/on-site-physiotherapy.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/work-injury/on-site-physiotherapy.asp Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:35:09 GMT Are you concerned over the level of musculoskeletal injuries at your workplace?         Well, its not surprising because back pain and musculoskeletal injuries are the biggest cause of sickness absence. And even if your staff are still at work the... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/management-referrals.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/management-referrals.asp Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:26:57 GMT Are you concerned with your employees’ health? There are many factors that impact on a person’s ability work and health issues can be one of them. Its not unusual to find ongoing health problems that are causing unwanted absence and poor attendance at work. Unsure h... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/rehabilitation/functional-capacity-evaluation.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/rehabilitation/functional-capacity-evaluation.asp Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:02:15 GMT Are You Having Difficulties With Long Term Absence? Most employers are keen to address the problem of long term sickness absence because they know it can be a real burden on a business. And having an effective system for managing absence can save your business money in terms of reduced ... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/pages/functional-capacity-evaluation.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/pages/functional-capacity-evaluation.asp Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:24:52 GMT Edit this page to put your info / intro here.... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/employee-health-screening.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/employee-health-screening.asp Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:54:07 GMT Should you provide Employee Health Screening? If your employees' health could be affected by the work they do then you may need to provide health surveillance. As an employer you are expected to look after your employees' health and part of protecting their health is to provid... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/case-management.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/case-management.asp Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:20:46 GMT Do you need to get your employees back to work? Getting your employees back to work faster is one of the most effective ways of reducing the cost of sickness absence. With long term absence accounting for 40% of all absence reducing the length of time an employee is off work can make an... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/absence-management.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/absence-management.asp Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:19:15 GMT How much is sickness absence costing your business? Everyone has days when they are ill and unable to go to work but employees who take frequent days off work or have long periods of absence can be a considerable headache for companies trying to run a profitable business and provid... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/driver-risk-assessments.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/driver-risk-assessments.asp Tue, 1 Dec 2009 10:16:17 GMT Does driving affect your employees health? Many employees spend a large amount of their time on the road, for example sales people or delivery staff, and we know that people who spend more than 20 hours a week driving are at a greater risk of developing back pain and other problems.... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/stress-assessments.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/stress-assessments.asp Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:18:23 GMT Why should you do Stress Risk Assessments? Stress is one of the biggest causes of absence and there are legal requirements on employers to manage these concerns. So learning to deal with stress will not only benefit individual employees but should help protect your busine... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/manual-handling-assessments.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/manual-handling-assessments.asp Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:13:52 GMT How much is back pain costing your business? As an employer you probably won’t be surprised to hear that back pain is one of the biggest causes of sickness absence and lost productivity. One of the reasons back pain&nbs... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/dse-assessments.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/dse-assessments.asp Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:01:40 GMT Are your employees suffering at their computer? With so many people using computers at work and home its not surprising problems are on the rise. Unfortunately employees working with computers are most likely to be affected b... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/disability-assessments.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/disability-assessments.asp Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:28:30 GMT Could your attitude towards disability be affecting your business? If you have lost good staff, or had difficulties recruiting have you ever wondered why? Perhaps you see your insurance premiums rising or you have had to pay out large sums in compensation. Many of these issues can be re... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/coshh-risk-assessment.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/coshh-risk-assessment.asp Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:05:12 GMT Are you concerned about your Chemical Safety? Chemical incidents can be serious. Not only do they affect your employees but they can also affect other people who might be on site or even members of the public. As an employer you need to take chemical safety seriously and part of that is... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/index.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/risk-assessments/index.asp Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:06 GMT Have you ever calculated the cost of ill health to your business? Injury and ill health from work is distressing not only for the individuals involved but also for businesses which stand to loose financially from higher absence as well as insurance costs and possible liti... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/fit-for-work-medicals.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/occupational-health/fit-for-work-medicals.asp Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:36:38 GMT Are your employees fit for the work they do? Do you know if your employees are suitable for the work they do? Do they have existing health problems that could be made worse? Are these problems putting colleagues and work mates at risk? Could your employees’ health  a... 1. Website Updates http://www.workfuture.co.uk/stress-at-work/counselling-for-stress.asp http://www.workfuture.co.uk/stress-at-work/counselling-for-stress.asp Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:21:28 GMT Do you have staff off work with stress? We can probably all think of moments when we have felt stressed but occasionally individuals can be overwhelmed to the point where it affects their health and their ability to work. When employees sufffering from stress are off work the chances ar...