Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is now a major industrial disease affecting millions of people around
world. RSI includes conditions such as carpel tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis and tendinitis - often collectively referred to as upper limb disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational overuse syndrome (OOS), computer related injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, or CTD. Often posotion of workstations and design of pc and accessories can affect how our health and safety. 1. Workstation Ergonomics
A well designed workstation is essential to maintaining good posture and reducing risk of lower back pain and other computer related injuries.
2. Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice
There are quite a few ergonomically designed keyboards and mice available. The Microsoft Natural Keyboard is one example. This keyboard splits keys into two panels - one for each hand, and angles each panel so that hands sit naturally on keyboard, rather than requiring them to be twisted into an unnatural position which is case with normal keyboards. Many mice are now designed to fit neatly into either hand, and can often have a scrolling wheel, which can make scrolling through documents easier and less stressful than using scroll bars.
These ergonomic devices are generally more expensive than standard designs, but can be well worth investment. 3. Ergonomic Use of Keyboards and Mice
The computer mouse was originally designed to make using a computer easier - it is much easier to point at a picture and click than to learn a relatively complicated series of keystrokes. However, research has shown that using a mouse is a significant cause of repetitive strain injury. Especially if mouse is located at same level and to side of keyboard - it's usual location. This requires extending your arm which introduces significant tensions and stresses in your arm, shoulder and neck.
The best position for your mouse is on a raised platform slightly above numeric keypad on your computer. Also, if you reduce speed of mouse and number of clicks you have to make you can greatly reduce muscle tension in your arm and hand. Additionally, you can swap primary and secondary mouse buttons (the left and right buttons), to change mouse from being right handed to left handed. Using your left hand - or right hand if you are left handed - can take some getting used to, but can be very helpful if you are suffering from any aches and pains in one hand. Regularly alternating between left and right hands can also give your arms and hands a rest, thus minimizing risk of developing any RSI condition. You can swap mouse buttons using Mouse applet in Windows Control Panel - or directly from Stress Buster context menu - with fewer mouse clicks and/or key strokes.
To reduce mouse speed, open Mouse applet in Windows Control Panel, select tab Pointer Options and move pointer speed slider to left to slow. Click OK.
To reduce number of clicks you have to make, open My Computer icon, then select Tools, Folder Options, and then under Click Items As Follows, choose Single-click to open an item.
If you can you should avoid using mouse as much as possible. Most actions and commands can be carried out using keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse. For example, to reduce number of clicks you have to make with your mouse - as described above, you could use following keyboard shortcuts:
1. Press button on your keyboard to open Windows Start Menu. 2. Use arrow keys to select My Computer (or alternative name you may have given to your computer), and then press Enter or Return. This will open an explorer window for your computer. 3. Hold down Alt key and press "T" to open Tools menu, then press "O" to open Folder Options. 4. In Folder Options, hold down Alt key, and press "S". This will select option Single-click to open an item. 5. Press Enter or Return to close Folder Options dialog.
