A-2 Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment

Prolonged o r improper us e of a computer
workstati o n may pose a risk of serious inju r y. To reduce yo u r risk of injur y ,
set up and use your com puter in t he manner d escribed in this append ix.
Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning,
cramping, stiffness, throbbing, weakness, soreness, tingling and/or
numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and/or legs.
Making Your Computer Work for You
Computers are everywher e. More and more people si t at computers for
longer periods of time. This appendix explains how to set up your
computer to fit your physical needs. This information is based on
ergonomics — the scien ce of making the workplace fit th e needs of the
worker.
Some nerve, tendon, and muscle disorders (musculoskeletal disorders)
may be associated with repetitive activities, improper work environments,
and incorrect work habits. Examples of musculoskeletal disorders that
may be associated with certain forms of repetitive activities include:
carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, de Quervain’s
tenosynovitis, and trigger finger, as well as other nerve, tendon, and
muscle disorders.
Although some studies have shown an association between increasing
hours of keyboa rd use and th e development of s ome musculosk eletal
disorders, it is stil l un clear whether working at a comp u t er causes such
disorder s. Some doctors bel ieve that us in g the keyboar d and mouse may
aggravate existing musculoskeletal disorders.
Some people are more susceptible to developing these disorders due to
preexisting condi ti on s or psychosocial factor s (see “Preexisting
Conditions and Psychosocial Factors” later in the appendix).
To reduce your risk of developing these disorders, follow the instructions
in this appendix. If you experience discomfort while working at your
computer or afterwards , even at night, contact a doctor as s oon as
possible. S i gns of discomf or t might inc lu de pain, tend e r ness, swell i n g,
burning, cra mping, stiffn ess, throbbi ng, weakne s s , soreness, ti n gling
and/or numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, n eck, back, and/or
legs.