Headsets Improve Phone Use Ergonomics
When you picture the practice of proper computer workstation ergonomics, we typically develop an image of proper neutral postures and ergonomic equipment or furniture such as office task chairs, standing desks, and vertical mice, and split keyboard to just name a few. However, headsets are sometimes overlooked but can make a huge impact on proper neck and shoulder postures when working.
Most employees do not have a private office space all times of the day that would allow them to keep their phone on the “speaker” function. Headsets are key in preventing worker injuries that stem from cradling a phone receiver on the shoulder, or pinching the phone receiver against the ear. This results in contact stress, neck lateral flexion, and shoulder elevation.
Physical trauma associated with phone cradling include things like:
Muscle or joint soreness
Headaches
Tingling or numbness in the shoulder, neck, or arm
Pinched nerves in the neck and shoulder
Headsets help to keep employees from cradling the phone on their shoulder which is well-known to be an ergonomic risk related to posture but here are some things that you may not have realized:
Headsets allow you to comfortably have both hands free to use a keyboard
They provide enhanced audio characteristics that give callers a better experience and can give the employee a better hearing experience as well.
Wireless headsets allow you to multi-task around the desk space.
Headsets improves morale as they feel as if they have the right equipment to be most efficient.
Having the right ergonomic devices will help reduce the risks and rather than searching blindly, you can be assisted by an ergonomic professional. Having an ergonomics assessment good for those who spend their day working at a computer or on calls for more than two hours a day. These ergonomic experts are trained in proper body mechanics and have knowledge of the applicable devices to reduce ergonomic risks associated with the tasks performed.