Tips and information for comfortable use

vii

Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury.

Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:

•numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation

•aching, soreness or tenderness

•pain, swelling or throbbing

•stiffness or tightness

•coldness or weakness

If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your company's health and safety department.

The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.

Finding your comfort zone

Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the following tips:

•refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture

•avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward

•stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg muscles

•take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders

•avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders

•install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within comfortable reach

•if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the center of your desk to minimize neck strain

Taking care of your vision

Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on how to reduce eyestrain.

Eyes

•Rest your eyes frequently.

•Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and focusing on a distant point.

•Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.