The sloped slab in front of your keyboard, known as a wrist rest, does more than just take up room on your desk. It can help alleviate tension and stress-related injuries to the shoulders and neck while you're using your computer. For optimal benefits, several general safety tips and guidelines apply to wrist rests and should be followed at all times.
Wrist Rest Design
The slope of the wrist rest, as well as the height and width of its design, should match the front edge of your keyboard. Additionally, the wrist rest's edges should not be sharp. The end goal is to keep your wrist position neutral and straight when you are using your keyboard, not bent up or down. Thus, one wrist rest may not work for all keyboards. You may need to invest in a new design if you're using a new computer.
Cushioning
Some wrist rests are crafted from hard plastic, which defeats the purpose of it creating a gentle cushion for your wrists. The padding must feel firm but also give way when pressed. The best wrist rests are made from gel-type materials. Such material creates a firm surface but, when pressed, gives way with a little spring.
Positioning
Don't just slap the wrist rest down in a haphazard fashion and expect it to perform adequately in terms of protecting your health and safety. For the best ergonomic benefits, the wrist rest should be placed approximately 1 1/2 inches away from your keyboard.
Hand Positions
When you're typing on your keyboard, keep in mind that your hands should be positioned to best take advantage of the wrist rest. When in the resting position, the palm or heel of your hand should be resting on the pad of the wrist rest. Despite the product's name, your actual wrist should not be on the wrist rest.
Breaks
Don't wrest your hands on the wrist rest at all times, particularly when you're typing. Instead, your hands should be on the wrist rest only during break periods between your typing sessions. If you do this, you put extensive strain on both your wrists, your tendons and your fingers.
References
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Wrist Rests
- Work Safe Alberta: How to Use Wrist Rests (PDF)
- U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Wrist/Palm Supports
- U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Computer Workstations Checklist
