About Repetitive Strain Injury

3 Working in Comfort

Improper and prolonged use of keyboards and input devices are among those tasks that have been associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI) to soft tissues in the hands and arms. If you experience discomfort or pain while using any computing equipment, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician as soon as possible. In addition to the information on RSI given in this chapter, you may also consult the online version of Working in Comfort preloaded on the hard disk of the your HP computing equipment, or visit HP’s Working in Comfort web site at: www.hp.com/ergo.

Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly recommend that you use HP computing equipment in accordance with established ergonomic principles and recommendations. Scientific literature suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to soft tissues— especially in the hands and arms—and prolonged improper use of keyboards or other equipment requiring repeated motions of the hands and forearms. This literature also suggests that there are many other risk factors that may increase the chance of such injury, commonly called Repetitive Strain Injury.

What is RSI?Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI—also known as cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive motion injury) is a type of injury where soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, nerves, or tendons, become irritated or inflamed. RSI has been a reported problem for those who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work. RSI also has been observed in those who frequently engage in activities such as carpentry, knitting, housework, gardening, tennis, windsurfing and lifting children.

What causes RSI? The specific causes of RSI have not been established. Nevertheless, the incidence of RSI has been associated with a variety of risk factors, including:

•Too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion.

•Performing an activity in an awkward or unnatural posture.

•Maintaining static posture for prolonged periods.

•Failing to take frequent short breaks.

•Other environmental and psychosocial factors.

In addition, there have been reports associating the occurrence of RSI with the use of computer keyboards, mice, and other input devices. Also, certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes, may predispose some people to this type of injury.