One of the most crucial, yet one of the most overlooked, components of everyday computing is ergonomics. Ergonomics is a term that encompasses the ‘science’ of creating a suitable work environment that is most comfortable and accommodating to your body.
According to Jonathan Bailin, Ph.D., repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term for many injuries that occur after repetitive, ongoing manual stress with, but not limited to, the hands and wrists (http://www.netsci.org/Science/Special/feature01.html). RSI is one of many names for numerous job related injuries that can lead to the often extremely debilitating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS occurs as the median nerve of the hand is pressed upon by inflamed and swollen tendons in the wrist as the nerve descends into the hand. Many physicians, including Dr. Bailin, recommend IMMEDIATE medical attention and care if symptoms of RSI are encountered.
Although it may be difficult at times to create a suitable workstation with all of the specific needs that each individual requires, there are many ways to minimize the risk of RSI and CTS . One simple illustration provided by the United States Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) depicts a general, proper ergonomic workstation for use by all (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html#).
Also, within the OSHA website lays a simple checklist to evaluate and give information on how to correct potential hazards dealing with computer workstations. General topics to consider while creating an ergonomic workstation are the physical working postures, keyboard and input device placement and the platforms themselves, monitors, the general work area, seating, accessories such as palm rests and telephones, as well as taking appropriate breaks from the computer altogether.
To conclude, the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) has offered a few simple guidelines to ensure comfort and sustainability of the computer work environment.
· Monitors should be clean, positioned directly in front of the user, free from excessive glare, approximately an arm’s length from the user, and the top of the viewing screen should be at eye level.
· User Seating should be adjusted to support the curvature of the lower back, to ensure that the feet are resting flat on the floor, to use armrests for relaxing the arms and shoulders while keyboarding, and to avoid a static, stationary seating position for an extended period of time.
· The Keyboard should be close to the user with the forearms parallel to the floor at a height to allow the arms to rest at the user’s side.
· The Mouse should be placed right next to the keyboard at the same height and should not be used as a hand rest while not entering data into the computer.
· Lighting should be of low wattage with as much emphasis on glare reduction as possible by proper monitor placement or by use of a glare shield. Use shielded or indirect lighting instead of overhead lighting whenever possible.
· Exercises and Stretches for both the eyes and the body should be used as often as needed or practicable to alleviate stress and fatigue. Some options include focusing on an object 20 feet or more away from the user, deep breathing, stretching the neck and shoulders by rolling the head or by other movements, hand massages, and stretching the wrist.
Another illustration presented by www.ergonomics-ohs.com represents many of these common ergonomic positions to help fight fatigue and strain on the body.
Although there are many options to help create a more ergonomic work environment, I believe that comfort is everything. Play around, try new options, and create a positive, effective and efficient environment that fits YOUR needs while ensuring a safe, healthy, positive workspace.
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