Computer Ergonomics

Alex Alexandre

What is Computer Ergonomic?

Computer ergonomics- is the discipline of matching the task to the worker using the most appropriate equipment to optimize human

well being and overall performance.

“Modify the workplace, not the individual"

Computer Ergonomic Checklist 

• Chair must be comfortable and adjustable• Chair should be on rollers to allow for proper positioning, and re-positioning• Chair should not have arms, or should have arms that fold down• Computer monitor should be right in front of chair, not to the side• Keyboard should be in keyboard tray so that arms are level when typing• Monitor should be large, a flat screen monitor is preferred over a CRT• Monitor should not have glare, install curtains or a glare screen if necessary• Arm should not rest on a sharp corner or edge of desk• Lighting should be plentiful, sunlight and florescent light is preferred over

incandescent• Work area should not be cluttered• A foot rest should be used by persons whose legs do not adequately reach

the ground• Noise should be kept to a minimum• An ergonomically designed keyboard and mouse should be considered• Use a phone headset to free up hands and prevent cradling the phone with

the neck

Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal Tunnel Syndrome is a pinched nerve in the wrist. (CTS) is the inflammatory disorder that is caused due to repetitive stress, physical injury or any other condition that causes the tissues around the median nerve to inflated. Actually carpal tunnel is a small canal or tunnel runs from the forearm through the wrist. Bones form three walls of the tunnel, which are bridged by strong, broad ligament. The median nerve passes through this tunnel, which actually supplies feeling to the thumb, index, and ring fingers, the nine tendons that flex the fingers and also provides function for the thenar muscles, which are actually the muscles at the base of the thumb.  When the protective lining of the tendons within the carpal tunnel inflamed and swell or when the ligament that forms the roof becomes thicker and broader leads to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The result is compression on median nerve fibers due to the swollen tendons and thickened ligaments; there will be slow down in the transmission of the nerve signals through this carpal tunnel. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Pinch nerve • Inflamation• Pain

Hump Back

Slouching can cause tension and back pain.Excessive slouching can also cause a hump back.

Using computers for extended periods can cause visual discomfort, headaches and vision challenges. It is very unlikely that you will suffer permanent changes or damage to your eyes. Rather, you may experience these symptoms whenever you use a computer intensively for periods of a couple of hours or longer; the symptoms will diminish soon after you stop working on the computer. Typical symptoms of vision challenges include:  Eye strain refers to ocular fatigue, eye discomfort and headaches associated from intensive use of the eyes. Common causes include: • glare on the computer screen• poor visual correction (out of date eyeglass prescription)• reading small character sizes on the screen• poor contrast between text and background on the monitor• noticeable screen flicker• dry eyes

Blurred Vision & Dry, Irritated Eyes

Computer Vision Syndrome

Products that can help!

Special Keyboards

Mouse

Chair

Work Cited

Web Sites • http://www.cpaadvisor.us/sub/2_ergonomics.htm• http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/

index.html• http://www.safecomputingtips.com/carpal-tunnel-

syndrome.html