6 Keys to Alleviating Ergonomic-Related Strain
Computer use has become a key component of many jobs. As you use computers for longer hours every day, you may notice increasing aches and pains in parts of your bodies. The problems can range from minor muscle aches that last less than a few hours to persistent tendon problems that can last for years.
There is a good article on Ergonomics, as it relates to safe computer use, from the Mechanical Engineering Department at U.C. Berkeley. They list six ways to alleviate ergonomic-related strain.
- When working on the computer for long hours, pay attention to tension, discomfort or pain you feel and take immediate action to relieve it.
- Make sure you move away from your computer regularly. Just move around for a few minutes, stretch, and relax. This should be done at least once per hour.
- Adjust your chair so your feet and back are firmly supported by the floor and seat back. You should lean back in your chair a little. Arm rests can be a nuisance; they can press on the elbow or prevent you from pulling your chair forward.
- Position the monitor so the top is about at the level of your eyes and it is straight in front of you. It should be about an arm length away.
- The keyboard should usually be at a low height, near the height of your elbows and the mouse should be right next to the keyboard. They can be higher if you have a padded surface to rest your forearms on.
- Try different keyboards and mice – there are many designs on the market. Find the one that works best for you.
Read the entire article: ERGONOMICS: Safe Computer Use Tips
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Hey Ian, I’m definately linking this up at blogs4God.com for geek reasons … but also I have to comment I found this article a bit amusing in that many of the techniques mentioned I had already learned … while training/studying for an opera singing career.
Though less focus on my hands and more about keeping from blowing out the voice by keeping relaxed while singing my brains out !-)