SMARTPHONES: THE NEWEST ERGONOMIC HAZARD?

Today, smartphones account for more than 60 percent of all mobile phones sold in the United States. Relying on thumbs to type for extended periods can cause "BlackBerry thumb," a repetitive strain injury (RSI) that can cause the tendons at the base of the thumb to become inflamed.

As with other RSIs, BlackBerry thumb can become a chronic condition if not addressed soon enough. At their worst, BlackBerry thumb and other smartphone-related RSIs can cause chronic pain, fatigue and loss of productivity, and may require surgery.

To ensure that your employees' use of mobile devices means more productivity rather than more injuries, consider conducting trainings on the proper use of smartphones and tablets. Key points to cover include:

1. Use the right tool for the task. Where possible, reserve smartphones and tablets for brief uses while on the go. When reading a lot or sending a lengthy email, for example, using a desktop computer will result in less strain on eyes, neck and hands.

2. Limit repetitive motions — primarily entering text and information. Small keypads make dialing numbers or inputting text more difficult. Store commonly used numbers in memory. Keeping messages brief will reduce keystrokes and resulting stress, as will using cut-and-paste and other shortcuts.

3. Mind posture. Smartphone and tablet users often slump or crouch over a small screen to see it. A tablet stand will hold a tablet vertically for easier viewing, helping workers avoid muscle strain.

4. Use hands properly. If you must hold a smartphone or tablet while typing, hold it vertically, which decreases thumb reach to push a key. To further reduce strain, type using the pads of fingers versus fingernails and maintain a neutral grip, with straight wrists.

5. Bigger is better — to a point. The newest "phablets" — morphs between smartphones and tablets — have 6-inch screens. A couple more inches might not sound like much, but the increase makes a phablet's virtual keys 25 percent larger than a standard-sized phone's. This could reduce strain on the fingers and hand.

Larger screens can also reduce eyestrain and enhance reading comprehension. So is bigger always better? A recent article in The Wall Street Journal points out two downsides to larger smartphones — first, they can be harder to grip. And second, after a certain point, your thumbs can't swipe across the entire screen. The author cautions readers to test these two important aspects of fit before buying a new smartphone. (You might also want to consider the extra space a case will take, particularly if you use a heavy-duty case.)

6. Minimize eyestrain. Workers who use devices outdoors or in natural light might want a monochrome screen for less eye strain when reading in direct light. Those who use their smartphones indoors or in reduced-light environments will need backlight for optimal reading.

Also, consider screen resolution. The longer the reading time, the higher the resolution you need. If you have a lot of text to read, save it for a laptop or PC.

Cleaning the screen periodically and using a screen protector can also help reduce glare and eyestrain.

Finally, these exercises can help reduce screen-related eyestrain:

a. Palming: Cover your closed eyes with your hands, so that the palms are over (but not touching) your eyelids. Take several deep breaths and take in the complete darkness. After 20 seconds, uncover your eyes and allow them to refocus.

b. Refocus Routine: Identify two objects that are roughly 20 feet away and relax. Comfortably focus on one object for approximately 10-15 seconds, then focus on the other object for 10-15 seconds before returning your focus to your screen. Repeat routine regularly throughout the day.

7. Take frequent breaks. Taking a break to walk, stretch your arms and hands and change postures can reduce stress, reduce the potential for injury, and make your workers happier and more productive.

For suggestions on preventing RSIs and other workplace injuries, please contact the PCOC Insurance Program department of The Leavitt Group at (877) 860-7378 or, email us @ ProPest@Leavitt.com.

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