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APPENDIX
Health, Safety, and Maintenance Tips
For your own safety and that of your equipment, follow all the instructions in this chapter.
Keep these instructions available for reference by you and others.
Health-Related Information About Computer Use
Muscle soreness, eye fatigue, and other discomforts and injuries sometimes associated with
using computers can occur from performing any number of activities. In fact, misuse of the
same muscles during multiple activities can create a problem that might not otherwise exist.
For example, if you engage in nonwork activities that involve repetitive wrist motions—such
as bicycling—and also use your computer’s keyboard improperly, you may increase your
likelihood of developing wrist problems. Some research indicates that certain individuals are
at greater risk of developing these problems because of their health, physiology, lifestyle, and
general exposure to stress.
Work organization and conditions, such as workstation setup and lighting, also play a part in
your overall health and comfort. Preventing health problems is a multifaceted task that
requires careful attention to the way you use your body every hour of every day.
The most common health effects associated with using a computer are musculoskeletal
discomfort and eye fatigue. We’ll discuss each area of concern in this appendix.
Musculoskeletal Discomfort
As with any activity that involves sitting for long periods of time, using a computer can
contribute to making your muscles sore and stiff. To minimize these effects, set up your work
environment carefully, using the guidelines that follow, and take frequent breaks to rest tired
muscles. To make working with your computer more comfortable, allow enough space in
your work area so that you can change position frequently and maintain a relaxed posture.