HP 820 E manual Avoiding RSI, Setting up your working environment, Ergonomics

Ergonomics 161

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 equip- ment 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 reflec- tance, and 30 percent of floor reflectance). Try to avoid excessive contrast between the screen and its surround- ings. The work environment should be as quiet and distrac- tion-free as possible, with background noise below 58ÊdBA. Where possible, relative air humidity should be in the range of 40 to 60 percent. Recommended room temperature is 19 to 23ʼC (66 to 73ʼF). If possible, adjust the tempera- ture to a comfortable level. The workplace should be well ventilated.

Pay attention to your posture; relax your shoulders and keep your wrists straight. This is easier when your key- board can be positioned right under your hands while bending your elbows at 90¼. 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.

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