The most common injuries are known as cumulative trauma disorders (CTDS) or
repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). They occur when the worker makes repeated
movements. It involves damage to the tendons, tendon sheaths or nerves of the
hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck and/or back. The most common disorders
include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and tenosynovitis. The cause is
force, repetition and posture. The most common ailments for computer users are
low back pain, eye fatigue and muscle soreness.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists ergonomics as
a key factor in preventing these injuries in the workplace.
Proper Posture
American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) member, Susan Johnson Melat's.
Susan is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) as well as an Occupational Therapist
(OTR) and Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE). These are some of Susan’s tips
to adjust your working area for better health:
When working on a computer more than 2 hours per day follow these guidelines
to stay healthy:
Keep the keyboard and mouse
at the same level and at elbow height.
Adjust your chair height
first to allow your feet to be flat on the floor, lumbar support in low
back, armrests supporting arms, pan seat tilted forward and ear in line
with shoulder and hip.
Now adjust your keyboard tray
to elbow height. If on fixed surface, raise or lower chair to get the
keyboard and mouse at elbow height.
Position monitor so the top
of the screen is at eye level. A little lower if bifocal user.
Place documents on document
holder next to monitor and same height.
Place phone to non-dominant
side. Headset if on phone more than 2 hours per day.
Do not reach for mouse or
input device. Elbows should be at a 90 degree angle. Keep wrists straight.