COMPUTER WORKSTATION SAFETY

DEFINITION

• ERGONOMICS is a way to work smarter -not h d b d i i f t l i t kharder by designing of tools, equipment, work stations and tasks to fit the job to the worker - NOT th k t th j bthe worker to the job:– Layout / type of controls & displays– Lighting & Temperature

Process (Heights reaches weights)– Process (Heights, reaches, weights)Ergonomic and administrative controls g

can address these problems

Risk FactorsAwkward Positions• Leaning forward at your desk• Typing with wrists at an odd angle• Raising shoulders while typing• Reaching to use mouse• Twisting neck to look at monitor or phone• Lifting objects from below waist or above shouldersExcessive Force• Typing with too much force or “pounding” the keys• Stamping

WORKSTATION HAZARDS• Problems associated with computer workstations

Eyes and vision– Eyes and vision• Glare • Visual fatigue

– Musculoskeletaluscu os e e a• Simple muscle fatigue or neck and back

acheache• Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) –

Carpal Tunnel syndrome (CTS) andCarpal Tunnel syndrome (CTS) and Tenosynovitis

EYES AND VISION PROBLEMS

• Symptoms include– Visual fatigue, blurred or double vision, burning and tearing eyes,Visual fatigue, blurred or double vision, burning and tearing eyes,

headaches and frequent changes in eyeglass prescription.

• Controls To Avoid Glare– Keep the monitor at an angle to prevent light source from shining

on the screen and washing out characterso t e sc ee a d as g out c a acte s– Use blinds, drapes or shades to block glare from windows– Avoid light colored clothing– Use a micromesh antiglare filter on the screen to scatter and

absorb light or use a neutral density filter to scatter and diffuse lightg

EYES AND VISION PROBLEMS• Causes of visual fatigue

– Staring at the screen without varying eye position or focus– Dry eyes caused by infrequent blinking or low humidity (below

40%)– Maintaining a viewing angle that is above the horizong g g– Poor image quality due to improper display

• Controls To Avoid Visual FatigueExercise the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying– Exercise the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances

– Keep the screen and document holder at the same distance from the e esthe eyes

– Practice blinking regularly– Adjust the brightness control for comfort– Keep the screen clean– Consult an optometrist regarding special lenses or the use of

bifocals have regular eye examinations and indicate the distancebifocals, have regular eye examinations and indicate the distance from your eyes to the monitor

MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS

• Musculoskeletal complaints regarding muscular p g gfatigue or cumulative trauma disorders (also called repetitive stress injuries RSI).p j )

• Muscular conditions that result from repeated motions formed in the course of normal work ormotions formed in the course of normal work or daily activities due to improper ergonomics

• Examples include:• Examples include:– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

T i Elb– Tennis Elbow– Trigger Finger

MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS• Symptoms of CTDs:

– Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers – Pain in fingers, hands, wrists, or even shooting

up into the arms or forearms – Loss of strength or coordination in the hands – Numbness or discomfort in the hands which

wakes you up at night

• Control of musculoskeletal problems– Utilizing the ergonomic potential of your work

station Furniture unit design and properstation. Furniture, unit design and proper technique often go hand-in-hand

– Administrative controls- proper computer set up, monitor positioning rest breaks and projectmonitor positioning, rest breaks and project assignment

– Engineering or ergonomic controls (i.e., furniture d i t k t ti fi ti ddesign, computer workstation configuration and layout).

HAZARD CONTROLS

Engineering techniques are the preferred mechanism for controlling ergonomic hazards. This may entail redesigning the work station, work methods, and tools to reduce the • demands of the job, such• as exertion, repetition, and , p ,• awkward positions.Administrative Controls such as:• Rotating personnel to jobs with dissimilar physical

requirements• Establishing work/rest schedules• Training personnel to use appropriate work methods g p pp p

when engineering controls are not feasible

12 tips for an Ergonomic Computer Workstation*

1. Use a good chair with a dynamic chair back and sit back in this

2 Top of monitor casing 2-3" (5-8 cm)2. Top of monitor casing 2-3 (5-8 cm) above eye level

3. No glare on screen, use an optical glass anti-glare filter where needed

4. Sit at arms length from monitor 5. Feet on floor or stable footrest6. Use a document holder, preferably in-line

with the computer screenwith the computer screen 7. Wrists flat and straight in relation to

forearms to use keyboard/mouse/input device

8. Arms and elbows relaxed close to body9. Center monitor and keyboard in front of

you10 U ti tilt k b d t ith10.Use a negative tilt keyboard tray with an

upper mouse platform or downward tilt able platform adjacent to keyboard

11.Use a stable work surface and stable (no (bounce) keyboard tray

12.Take frequent short breaks (micro breaks)

* - Cornell University

Helpful Tipsp p

• Provide a 15 minute break for every two hours yof continuous computer use

• Alternate work tasks te ate o tas s• Use a stretching routine to relax the body • Keep the mouse at keyboard level• Keep the mouse at keyboard level • Do not grip the mouse tightly

H ld th li htl ith ll fi• Hold the mouse lightly with all fingers • Click gently