HP Jornada 600 RSI symptoms, Avoiding RSI, Setting up your working environment, Reducing eye strain

144 HP Jornada 600 Series User’s Guide

RSI symptoms

By following the guidelines on proper setup and use of equipment and work environment, the risk of developing RSI can be minimized. However, if you experience any discomfort, seek professional advice immediately. Typically, the earlier a problem is diagnosed and treated, the easier it may be to resolve.

Avoiding RSI

Recent literature suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to soft tissues, especially in the hands and arms, and the prolonged use of keyboards or other equipment requiring repeated motion of the hands and forearms. Literature also suggests that there are many other risk factors that may increase the chances of such soft-tissue injury. You can minimize the risk of suffering from RSI by following the guidelines detailed in this chapter.

Setting up your working environment

You must have enough space to move around and vary your position. To avoid eye strain, the ceiling, walls, and floors should have a medium level of reflectance (approximately 75 percent of ceiling reflectance, 40 percent of wall reflectance, and 30 percent of floor reflectance). Try to avoid excessive contrast between the screen and its surroundings. The work environment should be as quiet and distraction-free as possible, with background noise below 58 dBA. Where possible, relative air humidity should be in the range of 40 to 60 percent. Recommended room temperature is 19 to 23 ºC (66 to

73ºF). If possible, adjust the temperature to a comfortable level. The work- place should be well ventilated.

Pay attention to your posture; relax your shoulders and keep your wrists straight. This is easier when your keyboard can be positioned right under your hands while bending your elbows at 90º. Pull your chin in to look down, and try to lean back in the chair. The backrest should support you in the hollow of your back.

Reducing eye strain

Have your eyes checked on a regular basis and ensure your eyeglass prescription is suitable for working on a computer screen. Look away from the screen from time to time. Focus on distant objects briefly. Blinking periodically helps to lubricate the eyes.