Suhel Miah writes about our Healthy Working apps and how they can support employee health when working at home.

With employees and their children at home from schools and work during lockdown, there is an increased risk from developing disorders and injuries as a result of screen use.

This is because the home isn’t always the best place to carry out work from devices. If we do not have an office set up with a proper table and chair adjusted for our height, spending long periods of time in poor posture can cause musculoskeletal pain.

It’s important that while working at a computer, gaming or using smartphone and tablets, that we try and achieve a neutral posture. When you notice discomfort, this is a sign that something isn’t right, and you should do something about it.

To help you and those within your household stay healthy and avoid injury, we have three free Apps available for all ages on the Android Play Store and Apple App Store.

Healthy Working apps

Each app is targeted for specific users, but they all focus on the same thing. They attempt to provide guidance and support for ergonomics in a simple and easy-to-use app. They provide content on appropriate stretches and exercises, and give support on using different device types.

They can complement existing health and ergonomics programmes either as part of a Cardinus Healthy Working programme, or separately. All our apps are free to download and use.

The Healthy Working app

Healthy Working is aimed at adults and provides stretching exercises, guidance on neutral posture and hints and tips on best practice.

It compiles 20 stretches and 10 pages of advice for homeworkers and office workers to ensure that they have the right information to make the best choices about their own ergonomics, while the stretches help to alleviate pain and maintain good working posture.

• Click here to download the app on your Android device
• Click here to download the app on your Apple device

 Move4Kids app

Move4Kids is aimed at children aged up to 11 years old, with age appropriate wording and content, to help keep them safe and healthy while using their devices for work or play when using laptops, tablets, games consoles and smart phones.

The training course shows kids the best way to work and play with gadgets to reduce discomfort. While the stretching module provides a number of suitable stretches that can help alleviate aches and pains.

• Click here to download the app on your Android device
• Click here to download the app on your Apple device

Move4Teens app

Move4Teens is at 12-17-year olds and provides training and exercises so these young people can work and play more comfortably and avoid injuries while using technology.

Similar to Move4Kids, the first module provides advice and guidance on the best way to work and play with gadgets, while the second module provides simple stretches to alleviate pain and discomfort.

• Click here to download the app on your Android device
• Click here to download the app on your Apple device

All three apps were developed with ergonomists and physios and currently used by organisations across the world to support their ergonomics programmes.

For support with homeworking and health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, find more advice on our COVID-19 H&S Hub.