A telephone shoulder rest allows a telephone user to hold a telephone handset between the head and shoulder and talk into a telephone without having to hold the receiver in their hands.
Workplace solutions or adjustments
Telephone shoulder rests may be beneficial for people who find it difficult to hold the telephone to their ear for prolonged periods. However, it is not always recommended to use a shoulder rest as they can encourage awkward posture of the head, neck and shoulders. An alternative to using a shoulder rest would be a speakerphone or headset. A headset avoids awkward and prolonged static postures and offers more flexibility to move around whilst also allowing dual tasking such as computer work. See the links below for more information:
References
ComCare 2008, Officewise Office Safety: A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 18 June 2011, http://www.comcare.gov.au/forms__and__publications/publications/safety_and_prevention/?a=39570.
Access Communications Pty Ltd (no date specified), Tele-Mate Telephone Shoulder Rest, Access Communications Pty Ltd, Chatswood, viewed 18 June 2011, http://www.accesscomms.com.au/products/k2705.htm.