Over the past recent years, the trend of standing desks has picked up in offices across the country, with claims of the practice serving as a cure for health risks associated with excessive sitting at work. Although far from the total safety of a typical sitting office work environment, the new workstation does not come without potential danger.
Consulting with a knowledgeable Phoenix workers comp attorney to assist you through the myriad processes of filing a claim and seeking compensation for your injuries. This expert will first analyze the case to verify liability and take suitable measures to assure that the official relationship ends up helping you receive adequate care for any working aggravated/related injury.
The Rise of Standing Desks
Prolonged sitting is largely associated with adverse health effects, which have been well documented. These could be the reasons for which some seek alternative ways to work. Some of the alternatives observed in the market are standing desks, which are offices in which one can stand while working or occasionally sit while working. They are thought to offer the benefits of improved posture, added calorie burn, and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Human Health
There are several health benefits proven by research on using standing desks:
Lack of risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
Lowered risk of some cancers
Better Posture, Less Back Pain
More productivity and energy
Elevated happiness, employee satisfaction
These benefits have resulted in many employers investing in standing desks as part of the different workplace wellness activities.
Hidden Risks and Possible Injuries
While standing desks have their benefits, they are not hazard-free, though the constant standing practice may bring forth its own health risks, which include:
Long-term ache in the back
Pain: Feet and legs
Varicose veins
An increased risk of the development of deep vein thrombosis
Tiredness and sleepiness
Poor fine motor skills and poor concentration
Furthermore, an ergonomic problem due to badly positioned standing desks can cause a neck or shoulder injury with several possibilities for wrist injury as well.
Correct Use and Ergonomic Considerations
The benefits of these modern gadgets are maximized and their risks are minimized with proper use. NIOSH suggests guidelines on ergonomic workstation setup:
Key considerations include:
Adjust the height of the desk so that the top of the computer screen is at or slightly below eye level
Keeping elbows close to the body and at a 90-degree angle
Using an anti-fatigue mat to reduce the strain on my legs and feet
Changing positions at regular intervals of the day
Regular breaks with some physical activity and stretching
Employers thus have to train and promote consciousness to use the sit-stand desks, allowing employees to disembark and establish habits of listening to their bodies.
Legal Implications for Employers
The rise of the standing desk among workers has led employers not just to know and be conversant with their legal responsibilities for the safety and well-being of all. Ergonomics standards at the workplace and injury-avoiding standards are portions of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Employers offering standing desks should:
Conduct ergonomic assessments to ensure proper setup
Such training could include proper instructions on how to use a standing desk safely.
Provide other options for those employees who cannot understand stand-up desk use.
Attend immediately to any reported discomfort or injuries
Without these precautions in mind, the employer may end up facing various compensation cases or other legal implications.
When Injuries Happen: Getting Legal Help
In the eventuality that standing desk-related injuries do occur despite best efforts, you need to be well conversant with your rights on the same, in the case health issues or evident injuries have been raised from the use of the standing desk. Consult with a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney to assist you through the myriad processes of filing a claim and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Background of Ergonomics
As our conception of workplace ergonomics changes, so should our notion of office items and furniture. They are designed so as to create a balance between the dynamic traits of motion benefit and working comfort under sustainable working positions. Looking ahead, we're likely to have more adaptive workplaces that will encourage regular position changes throughout the day. Both employers and employees should consider themselves lifelong learners of the best practices in the field and be willing to change as new research continues to be published.
Standing desks can bring important health outcomes but are not one size fits all. Understanding both benefits and potential risks, proper ergonomic practice, and addressing issues in a timely manner help both the employee and the employer in creating a very safe and healthier workplace.
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