Date Posted: 9/17/2012 11:49:11 AM
Posted By: SimonMburu Membership Level: Silver Total Points: 838
As workers spend more of their time using computers, several workplace computing issues have become important. Physical stress caused by excessive use of computers affects many employees. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) affect many workers who hold their hands over a keyboard. RSI is caused by speed, repetition, awkward positioning, and holding a static position for a long time.Although the use of computer cannot be avoided, workers can do a number of things to take care of themselves. A good point to begin is with an ergonomically designed workstation. Ergonomics is the use of research in designing systems, programs, or devices that are appropriate to use for their intended purpose. In the context of computer, it refers to human factors related to the use of computers.Besides using properly designed and configured equipment, workers must use the equipment correctly to prevent injury. The following are guidelines to follow to ensure the best results and healthy use of computers.1. The monitor screen should be turned away from the window in order to reduce glare, and cover your screen with a glare deflector. It is also advisable to turn off overhead lights and illuminate the work area with a desk lamp.2. Place the keyboard low enough to avoid arm and wrist fatigue. The user's elbow should be bent at a right angle and the forearm should be parallel to the floor.3. The user should not bend his or her wrist when typing. It is good to use an inexpensive raised wrist rest. One should also avoid resting wrists on sharp edges.4. Positioning of the seat back is recommended so that the lower back is supported.5. Computer fonts can be enlarged so that they are easier to see; one can turn them back to normal before printing.6. The most important part of all is to take a break by stretching or taking a walk outside the office, or rolling the shoulders and rotating your wrists. 7. Make sure you seat with your feet firmly on the ground. Shorter people might need to use an angled footrest.8. Finally keep fingernails short or at least not too long.
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