Pain from DSE & Paperwork tasks: 6 Top Tips

Pain from DSE & Paperwork Tasks

Are you getting pain from DSE & paperwork tasks?

Are you placing paperwork in front of your keyboard leading to back, neck or arm pain? Is handwriting difficult? 

Review the following tips to see if you can resolve any issues you are experiencing.

1. Ensure your chair height is set to suit your build and is set correctly to the desk surface height. This sitting height, achieving a horizontal forearm posture is suitable for keyboard and mouse tasks.
2. Paperwork tasks need to be positioned closer to the eye, approx 5-10cm higher than the keyboarding height. If doing paperwork tasks on the desk surface and the keyboard is not required for some time, remove the keyboard. Also lower the chair 5-10cm below the desk surface. Consider angling paperwork towards you, to avoid bending over the desk. This allows a better sitting posture for the task.
3. Copy stands are available to position paperwork nearby at more suitable angles, if only reading lightweight paperwork during keyboarding tasks.
4. If simultaneous handwriting and keyboarding tasks, using heavier paperwork (notebooks, folders) a suitable layout is required. The keyboard, mouse and the paperwork all need to be positioned close to you. Also at their correct heights. Therefore sit at the correct height for keyboarding. The keyboard and mouse should be closest on the desk edge surface. Paperwork should be placed on a raised platform  between the keyboard and the monitor. This can then be moved closer over the keyboard when writing has to be conducted.
5. Avoid twisting to either side of you, in order to reach for or perform paperwork tasks.
6. If handwriting is difficult due to grip or dexterity issues, trial inky, gel type pens with different grip sizes. These can be easier to use and less fatiguing than a biro (ball bearing) type pen. Technology solutions may be available.

We hope this information is useful and practical advice to ease pain from DSE & paperwork tasks.

Discomfort can also be impacted by the keyboard use, mouse use, screen use and your sitting posture on an office chair.

If you cannot resolve discomfort or pain, you may need an assessment. This can prevent issues in the future or resolve issues you are currently experiencing.

See our Services related to this topic:

A DSE Risk Assessment may be beneficial to ensure the whole set up is correct, according to the DSE Regulations 1992 for prevention of minor aches and pains.

If discomfort is ongoing, requiring medical input, or there is a diagnosed medical condition, a more in-depth Ergonomic Workstation Assessment is required.

See our Case Studies:

DSE Risk Assessment Case Study

Ergonomic Assessment in an Office Role Case Study

Ergonomic Assessment of a Teacher Case Study

Ergonomic Assessment & Return-to-Work Case Study

See our blog articles related to this topic:

• Pain using a mouse – 12 Top Tips
• Pain using a monitor screen – 7 Top Tips
• What is a DSE Risk Assessment?
• What is a Workstation Assessment?
• Occupational Health Assessments at work
• Mobile & Homeworking DSE Assessment
• Pain using an office chair
• Coronavirus & Working from home

Contact Us for further advice and a quotation.

See our Useful Links page which includes diagnosis specific advice from organisations which can help.

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