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Posted By Joel Benham
I have a member of staff who works in our Contact Centre who has recently been diagnosed with tenosynovitis (have notified under RIDDOR).
The HSE's guidance on WRULDS states that there is a strong association with the following job factors: repetition, force and posture.
With this as my starting point, I have begun to look at a number of job factors, for example, basic ergonomics / postures, work rates, rest breaks, job composition to avoid reptitive tasks, induction and training (keyboard skills), software package (use of function keys to avoid mouse work), etc.
However, I now need to explore whether there are any ergonomic aids (specifically keyboards and mice)on the market that, from experience, have been shown to improve this condition.
I have looked through a number of office stationery suppliers' catelogues and have found "ergonomic" mice. But it is not clear whether a partricular mouse or keyboard will improve this particular condition. Before I phone the companies and ask their advice, I just wondered whether any colleagues had ever come across this situation and found a particular product that worked wonders. I am not pinning all my hopes on this, because the other job factors need to be looked at, but I would be grateful for views.
Many thanks in advance.
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Posted By mrs.seed
Its not something I have tried in a professional capacity (as generally dont get into DSE) but personally I used to get various aches and pains in my hands and wrists and at home now have a 'touchpad' which uses a 'pen' instead of a mouse (used by those doing graphic design and 'geek types' (my husband!)). Because its a more natural writing grip, I put it down to the reason I dont ache anymore.
They can get a bit pricey. The one we have is by a company called WACOM
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Posted By FJ
Have you tried the Disability Advisor at your local Job Centre- specifically for the 'Access to Work' scheme? This is a brilliant scheme where they will get a professional Ergonomist in to look at the work and the individual and assess what "aids" are required- they will even help fund them.Obviously professional advice is of paramount importance in this sort of case and if you can get it substantially paid for...
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Posted By Kieran J Duignan
Joel
Two 'products' can 'work wonders' in the situation you refer to
1. Voice activated software, along with the special dictaphone and training to use them.
2. The mind of the injured employee when it is loaded with understanding of 'pause gymnastiks', exercises to take while at his/her desk during breaks.
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Posted By Joel Benham
Thank you for your helpful comments. I have considered voice activated software, but experience has shown that this can slow workers down with them getting frustrated as a result (even with training), and it doesn't always recognise people's voices if they have head colds, etc. The hand exercises have been recommended and the worker is trying to build these into her rest break routines.
It sounds as though there isn't one proven devise for this condition, so at least there is nothing obvious that we are missing.
I will definitely pursue the idea of using access to work for an ergonomic assessment.
Thanks, once again, for your supportive comments on this.
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Posted By Kieran J Duignan
Brightam
The Pen Clic Mouse looks interesting. What outlets sell it in the UK?
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Posted By CFT
Joel
As this condition can affect generally any part of the body (well almost) and in most cases it is the wrist and or elbow, rheumatism and arthritis can greatly aggravate the situation, I have know of people in the past be completely unaware of their condition and aggravated with the tenosynovitis, in many cases glucosamine and chondroitin with plenty of omega 3 based products and if needs be a anti inflammatory and or cortisone injection (the latter being very successful in the majority of cases)from the GP will all help greatly.
Observe the way this person works and see if it really is that different to everyone else, what are the records of recent occurrences with others, does any past health surveillance findings help at all?
On the basis it is restricted to the wrists and look out for CT syndrome in addition, try the gel pads, they are great for this problem as it cushions the users parts, check out the users elbows, if they are extremely red and angry looking I suspect to much pressure is being placed on them which in turn can on a limited number of occasions throw out the acromioclavicular joint, (run a search for more information) its a bit like a mildly herniated disc, you walk differently to ease the discomfort and create a whole new set of problems; if you like the majority of us are limited by medical experience try bringing in a really top notch qualified ergonomics assessor with medical experience (they do exist). I know what a problem this can be. Yes I suffer from this condition so know more than most but mine is not work related; far too many years pounding the iron in the gym!
Do call me if you want to discuss this further; as always, I'm only too pleased to help another.
CFT
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