Article from Coverys Insights Blog • 3/24/2020
By Janice Homola, ARM, and Sandy Allen, CHSP, Coverys Workers’ Compensation Services To slow the spread of COVID-19, healthcare coders, medical records employees, and others now work on laptops from home. In the absence of office equipment, you may need to be creative to set up a workspace that works for you. Create a productive work area
Your work surface and screen
Your chair
Your mouse Place the mouse right next to the keyboard; reaching can cause shoulder discomfort. If you choose to use a wrist rest, use something soft with rounded edges, like a rolled up microfiber washcloth. Phone use Headsets or earbuds cut down on outside distractions, are a visible cue to others, and do not require neck bending. Other options are to use a speakerphone or take calls in a quiet area. Educate your family about interruptions during calls. Cords Reduce trip hazards: move your work surface near the wall, use a three-prong grounded extension cord, or tape down the cord with duct tape. Lighting Good light reduces eyestrain and improves alertness. Sit with a window by your side and/or use a lamp for task lighting. Stretches and movement Change your position, stretch, and move occasionally to reduce stiffness and discomfort. Take a walking break outdoors to improve comfort and reduce stress. For ideas on stretching, see Stretches for Workstation Comfort. Take the time to experiment and find what works best for you.