Client case studies

The case studies described below are based on real clients that WorkWell has assessed and provided recommendations for.

Case study 1

Referral for
“Heavy computer use causing pain”

Issue: Frequent User of a personal computer suffering from neck and shoulder pain, especially on the right side.

Step One: Assessment

After full assessment it was established that:

1. The user spent up to 8 hours sitting at the computer per day, with few breaks.
2. User had heavy usage of the mouse, which was positioned away from the keyboard on the right hand side (RHS).
3. Telephone was used frequently. User also tended to cradle handset into the neck to free both hands for computer use.
4. User had a height adjustable chair and a fixed height desk. Seat height was particularly low, requiring User to rest forearms on the desktop when keying.
5. Frequently used items (e.g. cell phone, stationery) were positioned at the rear of the desk.

Step Two: Recommendations

1. Ensure frequent changes of posture occur during the workday e.g. stand up, walk around. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods.
2. Learn to use the mouse with both hands on the RHS and LHS of the keyboard. In preference, use the "hot keys" on the keyboard as an alternative to frequent use of the mouse. Keep the mouse close to the keyboard.
3. Obtain a telephone headset from the telephone supplier for use on prolonged calls or when interaction is required with the computer. NEVER cradle the telephone into the neck, as this can cause Musculo-Skeletal Disorders.
4. Elevate the seat height so the User can key without resting the arms on the desktop.
5. Bring all frequently used items closer to the seated position to avoid over-reaching.
6. Incorporate gentle stretches of neck and shoulder muscles two-three times into the workday.
7. Relax! Muscle pain can result from feeling stressed and tense. Identify aspects of the job that may cause muscle tension and discuss strategies to address these issues.

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Case study 2

Referral for “Assessment of the manual handling skills of the office cleaning staff”

Issue: Manager concerned that the office cleaning staff had no training in correct manual handling skills in order to prevent possible injury. (None of the (Korean) staff spoke English, so assessment and training had to be facilitated by an interpreter.)

Step One: Assessment

After full assessment it was established that:

1. Cleaning staff all worked full-time hours engaged in a variety of heavy and light cleaning tasks.
2. Almost 100% of their work-time was spent standing and moving. Some kneeling and squatting was also noted.
3. Some of the staff had pre-existing injuries, e.g.: chronic low back pain or knee pain
4. Aggravating factors for both were lifting heavy buckets of water to mop, and emptying bins. Cleaning staff tended to work in pairs, allowing them to share heavy tasks.
5. All staff were assessed in performing the tasks of mopping, vacuuming and cleaning low skirting boards. All staff were observed twisting and bending their backs during these tasks.
6. Staff were not putting out any signage about slippery floors after mopping.

Step Two: Recommendations

1. Correct manual handling techniques for heavy cleaning tasks were explained and demonstrated to the staff. All were shown alternative ways to complete tasks by moving their feet more and keeping their backs more upright. They were also shown how to bend to reach low areas by squatting or extending one leg behind them.
2. All staff then performed problematic tasks under supervision, to fine-tune their techniques.
3. Staff were asked to monitor themselves and each other with these new cleaning techniques, in particular monitoring pain levels.
4. Staff were encouraged to share or avoid any tasks causing pain, and to communicate such issues to their supervisor.
5. Staff were also encouraged to transfer this newly knowledge to other environments and tasks e.g. when cleaning at home.
6. A one-month then 6-monthly review of all staff was recommended.

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