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Page
4
Risk Factors
In computer tasks there are certain conditions or risk factors that can
contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) when
computer users are exposed frequently to these risk factors, or for long
periods of time. The conditions for exposing a user to the risk of MSDs
associated with computer use are as follows:
• Keying for long periods of time without breaks or rest
• Using force when striking the keyboard or when gripping the
pointing device (e.g. mouse, trackball)
• Working with awkward neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or back
postures
• Remaining in the same position for a long time with little
or no movement (e.g. sitting, holding the mouse)
• Continuous pressure against (leaning on) the wrist rest, work
surface edge, or armrest with the wrists, forearms, or elbows; or
against the front edge of the chair with the back of the legs.
Do not wait until you feel pain or discomfort. Learn to change the
way you work. If you understand your body posture in relationship to
your computer equipment and furniture, you may, in fact, be able to
prevent this kind of injury.
If you are exposed to any of these risk factors repeatedly or for long
periods, you might experience pain or discomfort. If you do, refer to
the pages below for improvement options. If you continue to have pain
or discomfort, let your immediate supervisor know.
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If you are having pain or
discomfort here...
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It may be related to... |
Refer to these pages...
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| LOWER BACK |
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Chair adjustment |
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| •
Organization of the work station |
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| UPPER BACK |
•
Chair adjustment |
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| •
Keyboard height |
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| •
Location of the pointing device |
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| •
Organization of the work station |
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| •
Monitor height and distance |
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| •
Placement of the document |
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| NECK |
•
Organization of the work station |
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| •
Monitor height and distance |
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| •
Placement of the document |
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| ARMS / SHOULDERS |
•
Chair adjustment |
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| •
Keyboard height |
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| •
Location of the pointing device |
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| •
Organization of the work station |
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| FOREARMS |
•
Keyboard height |
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| •
Location of the pointing device |
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| •
Organization of the work station |
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| WRISTS / HANDS |
•
Keyboard height |
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| •
Location of the pointing device |
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| •
Organization of the work station |
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VISION
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• Monitor
height and distance
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27-28
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| •
Monitor glare |
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| •
Placement of the document |
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