Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-1
Setting Up a Healthy Work
Environment
!
WARNING
Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a
risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use
your computer in the manner described in this appendix.
Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burn-
ing, cramping, stiffness, throbbing, weakness, soreness, tingling
and/or numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back,
and/or legs.
MAKING YOUR COMPUTER WORK FOR YOU
Computers are everywhere. More and more people sit at computers for
longer periods of time. This appendix explains how to set up your computer
to fit your physical needs. This information is based on ergonomics — the
science of making the workplace fit the needs of the worker.
Some nerve, tendon, and muscle disorders (musculoskeletal disorders) may
be associated with repetitive activities, improper work environments, and in-
correct work habits. Examples of musculoskeletal disorders that may be as-
sociated with certain forms of repetitive activities include: carpal tunnel
syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and trigger
finger, as well as other nerve, tendon, and muscle disorders.
Although some studies have shown an association between increasing hours
of keyboard use and the development of some musculoskeletal disorders, it is
still unclear whether working at a computer causes such disorders. Some
doctors believe that using the keyboard and mouse may aggravate existing
musculoskeletal disorders.
A
Summary of Contents for VERSA 4200
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