Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Nick House
One of my colleagues is on a workplacement from Uiversuity in our IT development team. He has mentioned to me that he is sufferring from pains in his left wrist. I have already carried out a DSE assessment on his workstation, and he is pretty diligent, and has as close to an optimum workstation setup as I have seen. I have re-checked his working practices (without him knowing) by watching him from a distance, and I cannot see any way in which I can help to improve things.
However, he has admitted that last weekend he spent an evening playing computer games on his PC at home with his mates. He said that his hand was bent back a lot of the time, which I feel could have strained the tendons in the wrist (hence the pain).
Has anyone any advice that I can give him to try to reduce the strain on his wrist, thereby giving it a chance to settle down? My primary concern is that if this gets worse, then as well as a potential claim against the company, this could potentially harm what is turning out to be a potentially glittering career for him.
Any advice would be greatly received.
Regards,
Nick.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By John Ridd
As you might imagine it's impossible to give advice without a lot more detail which can't really be discussed effectively on a BB. But a couple of points: it is unusual for the problem to begin in the left arm/hand/wrist - usually it's the right because of mouse and/or numeric pad use; hence, is there any reason for this ? (e.g. does he use the mouse with his left hand? does the work require greater use of the left hand? does he hold the phone for a long time in the left hand etc.?)
If he has triggered the problem in a non-work activity, then any use of the injured joint/limb when at work, is likely to aggravate the problem, slowing down recovery. You may have to take him off (or reduce his) keyboard work for a while.
Certainly you should make sure he has been trained and has been given information on DSE health and safety issues, and that he understands how other activities might contribute to the problem. At least then (together with your DSE assessments AND consequent actions) you can say that you have done as much as you reasonably can.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Ken Taylor
Your employee may subscribe to a general misconception that WRULDs are just associated with DSE and pneumatic drills. For a simple booklet on the subject I tend to use the Scriptographic Publications 'About WRULDs' as one of the hand-outs on training courses - but there are other, more technical type publications that might be more appropriate to issue (and record).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Andrew Powell
Hi Nick,
I would like to add the following to the advice already given,
What is your policy on WRULDS? ie
Do you reccomend reporting the problem to your Occ Health Specialist (OHS) if you have one.
Do you advise your staff to see their own GP if symptoms persist (with OHS on site) or straightaway (No OHS)
If this chap is a "gamer" is he a serious gamer or new to it? I ask that because;
Are his symptoms new to him, has he suffered from similar before, ie is it a consequence of his gaming, DSE use or both.
If you get him to see his GP he should reccomend suitable measures, ie rest as stated above.
If you have conducted a DSE assessment presumably with him that is great, have you considered him carrying out a self assessment I have a copy somewhere, this may ensure that you have enough evidence to confirm you have done all practical steps.
Sorry to ramble, I hope it is of some value
Regards
Andrew Powell
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Ashley Williams
Nick,
Sorry if im telling you how to suck and egg but, have you considered things egonomicly other then the workstation layout?
I ask this as I have experiance of problems suffered by tall users over 5'10 steming from the fact that desks and chairs are designed for people upto 5'8 unless you spend serious money or shop at Ikea (Can i say that Martin?).
Taller users can develop WRULDS because they are simply not in the correct position for their bodies, they may appear to be sat correctly but often are not. The taller they become the bigger the problem.
Hope that helps
Ash
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Peter Rees
Nick,
A couple of comments to clarify what has already been stated:-
1. In our experience DON'T send him to his GP - he will only get a sick note stating that the problem is work-related, so lending almost indefensible weight to his (potential) claim. Instead, use your OH specialist, or a specialist recommended by your insurance company.
2. He may not be tall, but you need to look at his body size - we recently had a lady complaining of similar problems. It turned out that they were caused not by her height, but by the length of her body in relation to length of legs. Unfortunately, you will have to measure all of the relevant dimensions to determine the best fit (any ergonomics book will give these).
3. From what you say in your original query, which admittedly does not give very much information, I would be very surprised if a succesful claim was brought against your company - again this is through recent experience, and finding out that DSE risk assessments, correct ergonomic workplace setup and employee time-management make any claim virtually unwinnable (is that a word?!).
This is obviously a generalisation so please don't take my word!
Pete
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Nick House
Thank yo all for your responses to this thread. I realise that I may have been a little vague. The peson in question has already consulted his GP, who has in turn told him not to use a computer for 2 weeks, to give the inflamation a chance to settle down. They have also referred him to a consultant rheumatologist.
As for the recording and DSE assessments, he carried out a self assessment (after initial training on how to do so, as well as comprehensive guidance notes attached to the form. Following on from this, I also carried out a full DSE evaluation myself, and found a few minor changes that could be made. The person in question adhered to these modifications quite readily.
He stated to me that he spent a weekend 'gaming' and as there were no prior symptoms, he has agreed with me that this is more than likely what has triggered the problem.
I have also consulted ourIT department, and they will be purchasing an ergonomic keyboard at his request, to see if this helps him in any way.
Once he returns to work, I will be carrying out a further DSE evaluation, and if necessary, I will consult with an ergonomics specialist.
All steps that have so far been taken have also been comprehensively documented.
Hopefully, this will have a satisfactory outcome for all involved, and once again, thanks for your comments and advice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.