Many jobs require people to use office equipment and tools for a large part of their work. Some office equipment can be difficult for many people to manage, particularly if they have difficulties with fine hand use.
Typical office equipment that may require handling includes workstation items such as telephones, stationary and computer peripherals, such as keyboards, computer mouse, files, books and reams of photocopying paper.
A worker may find it difficult to lift, carry or handle these items due to decreased grip strength or range of movement. Underlying causes of these restrictions may include pain in the arms and hands as a result of conditions such as occupational overuse syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome, upper limb amputation, quadriplegia or neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of solutions available to assist with handling office equipment and tools for workers with reduced fine motor skills:
Mouse and mouse alternatives:
Keyboards:
Computer accessories:
Software:
Writing aids:
Reading aids:
Other:
Additional to the workplace solutions identified above, people with fine motor impairments may also need to incorporate on the job strategies to assist them to complete office based tasks such as:
- alternate between work tasks to minimise fatigue on fine motor muscles
- take regular postural breaks
- perform upper limb stretches at work to reduce the cumulative impact of repetitive fine motor use
References
Independent Living Centres Australia 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia, Canberra, viewed 15 March 2010, <www.ilcaustralia.org.au>.
Workcover NSW 2004, Health and Safety in the Office Guide, Workcover NSW, viewed 15 March 2010, http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/health_and_safety_in_the_office_guide_1319.pdf.