The ergonomic expert will review the injured employee's workstation to ensure it is properly arranged to reduce strain. The expert will look at the computer, keyboard angle, monitor height, position of the chair, and type of mouse being used. Workers with problems such as tingling, aching, and numbness will be sent to an occupational medical department pre-selected by the company. There, a medical professional will examine the employee and may order tests to examine nerve conduction. Employees may be asked to wear a splint or wrist rest, or to sleep with a special device designed to reduce wrist mobility.
Some physicians use steroids to reduce swelling.
Employees generally must show that the injury is related to work performed on the job. Workers with less severe problems may be instructed to take breaks or to limit the amount of repetitive work they do. Stephanie Armour Safeguarding computer users' health Federal workplace safety regulators want new ergonomics rules - but opponents say they're going too far. A controversial government rule will require employers to do more to prevent ergonomic injuries and react when workers experience problems. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued new rules on Monday, Nov. 13, that will cover more than 100 million Americans.