Overuse Injuries
- RSI (repetitive strain injury)= strong pain or weakness in muscles and tendons; caused by doing repetitive tasks (typing, using a mouse, staring at screen) or incorrect posture
- Affects up to 450,000 workers in the UK, losing 4.7 million work days, and costing 300 pounds a year
- More prominent in jobs with a lot of computer uses (chances of getting it +40%)
- CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome)= pain or numbness in wrist; caused by excessive or incorrect use of keyboard
- Eye strain and headaches (blink less when staring at screen, eyes dry out, or eyes have problems refocusing)
- Trouble re-focusing eyes- occurs from staring at a fixed object for a long time
Prevention
- Desks, chairs, and screens should be positioned at appropriate height to avoid poor posture
- Monitor should be at correct height so neck isn’t bent (see page 268 for picture)
- Hands/wrists should be positioned so the wrist isn’t flexed
- Chairs are correct height, feet flat on floor, footrest can be used; prevent knee, leg, or back problems
- Keep work spaces free of clutter (enable mouse and keyboard to be correctly positioned)
- Good computer chair- sufficient back support and adjustable
- Lighting does not reflect on computer screen- reflection causes exacerbated eye strain
- 5 minute breaks every hour of computer use
- Ergonomic keyboards, wrist supports, wrist braces, and CTS surgery (extreme case)