As a large percentage of the state moves to in-home offices, attention shifts to in-home office safety. How can employers provide a safe and insured office environment remotely? How can employees create the safest and most productive work space? Let’s break down possible risks in the ergonomic and insurance spheres.

At-Home Office Ergonomics: 

Your recliner may be prime real estate for watching the game but between spinal and wrist alignment, it is also one of the worst places for responding to emails. Typing a quick note with your laptop on top of your lap might work once in a while, but with remote working assignments extended to weeks or months, taking the time to set up an ergonomically correct working environment is key for maintaining productivity and health.

Variables to consider when choosing your workspace:

• Chair: Your chair should allow you to sit with your feet comfortably flat on the floor, your knees in line with your hips. You should not be dangling your feet, or be sitting so low that your knees are pushed up towards your chest. *Consider a standing workspace for increased blood flow, or switch between standing and sitting throughout the day.
•  Surface: Choose a surface that allows your keyboard to sit at such a height that your elbows bend to a 90° angle when you are typing. Additionally, your surface should permit your screen to be 18-24 inches away from your eyes, and no more than 15° below your neutral eye level. You should not be using your neck to look up or to look down for extended periods of time.
• Lighting: Your workspace should be properly lit. Although our monitors provide their own light, this blue light is especially penetrating and can cause damage to your retinas over prolonged periods of time. Use additional lighting, and be sure to take screen breaks, including time outside if possible.

Take the time to invest in your at-home workspace, and you will be rewarded with a comfortable and productive environment. Dynamic movement minimizes fatigue and discomfort, so be sure to take breaks throughout the day to walk, stretch, and get your blood and breath moving again.