12-8Safety and Comfort

Forearms, Wrists, and Hands

Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands aligned in a straight, neutral position, whether you are working at a desk or table, or sitting on a couch or bed. Avoid bending or angling your wrists while typing or using a pointing device.

Don't Anchor Your Wrists

When typing, do not anchor or rest your wrists on your work surface, your thighs, or a palm rest (sometimes called a wrist rest). Resting your palms while typing may be harmful because it can cause you to bend your wrists back and can apply pressure to the undersides of your wrists. A palm rest is designed to provide support during pauses, when you are not typing.

RIGHT!

Hold a straight, neutral wrist position while typing.

WRONG!

Don’t rest your palms on a work surface while typing.

RIGHT!

Hold a straight, neutral wrist position while typing.