Ergonomic Sciences FAQ

Ergonomic Sciences Corporation has had to find answers to many "frequently asked questions" over the last nine plus years regarding ergonomic issues in the workplace. The following are the answers to many of those questions.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Because your safety and comfort is our primary concern, we strongly recommend that your equipment be used in accordance with ergonomic standards and recommendations. Recent studies suggests that there is a relationship between injury to soft tissues, especially in the hands and arms, and the prolonged use of keyboards or other equipment requiring repeated motions of the hands and forearms. It has long been known that prolonged sitting and static postures increase the risk of developing lower back and neck pain. Literature also suggests that there are many other risk factors which may increase the chance of such soft-tissue injury. These factors are commonly known as Repetitive Strain Injury.

What is RSI?

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI -- also known as cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive motion injury) is a type of injury where soft tissue in the body, such as muscles, nerves, or tendons, and joints become irritated or inflamed. In extreme cases, these irritations can lead to permanent tissue damage. RSI has long been a reported problem for workers performing specific tasks such as assembly work, carpentry, meatpacking, sports activities, lifting children and playing musical instruments. The correlation between computer use and RSI is now being studied and understood.

Why is it important for me to exercise care in how I set up and work in my work place?

Some people who work in office settings experience physical discomfort as a result of their work. Sometimes this discomfort leads to a repetitive strain injury. Setting up and using equipment properly can help to minimize this discomfort. Use your equipment in an appropriate way. Well-designed and adjusted equipment will help, but is not completely sufficient to eliminate all potential problems. A multifaceted care preventive care program like that provided by RSI Guard 2.0 is needed.

What causes a RSI?

An RSI can be caused by any demanding activity that exceeds the ability of the body to do work. Common factors that are associated with RSI include too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion, performing an activity in an awkward or unnatural posture, maintaining static posture for prolonged periods, failing to take frequent short breaks, and stress. Also, certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes may contribute to RSI.

What should I do if I start to experience RSI symptoms or discomfort?

By following the recommendations on proper equipment and work environment set up and using monitoring and exercise software, the risk of developing RSI can be minimized. However, if you are experiencing any discomfort, report it to your supervisor and seek professional medical advice immediately. Typically, the earlier a problem is treated the easier it may be to resolve.

Summary Recommendations

• The following recommendations are drawn from the latest available international ergonomic standards and recommendations and generally accepted standards of care. These standards nclude ISO 9241 and ANSI/HFS 100-1988. More detailed information may be provided in the sections that follow.
  
• Sit up and sit back in your chair. Good postures while you work is the single most important component towards the reduction of work-related injuries.
  
• Place your monitor so that the top line of the characters on screen is at or slightly below eye level (but no more than 30° below). Keep your head up, but look down if necessary.
  
• Do not turn your head toward one side or the other. Position your monitor directly in front of you or if you are looking at copy all the time, make sure it is in front of you as well, perhaps below the monitor, but above your keyboard.
  
• If a wrist or palm support is used, the height should be about even with the front edge of the space bar on your keyboard. The surface of the pad should be soft and pliant, not hard and stiff. Never rest on it while typing. It is only there to keep your hands and palms elevated in relation to your keyboard so you have a more natural, neutral surface to rest on, instead of a sharp-edged desk surface.
  
• Make sure there is sufficient room under the work surface for your legs.
  
• If after adjusting your chair, you cannot rest your feet comfortably on the ground, use a footrest that allows adjustment in height and angle.
  
• Make sure frequently used equipment is within easy reaching distance from your body. For example, if you are primarily using the keyboard, place it directly in front of you, not to the side. If you are primarily using the mouse or input device, place it in front of your hand or arm. If you are using both a touchpad and keyboard, make sure both reside on the same surface and elevation.
  
• If possible, adjust your work surface so that it is positioned at approximately elbow height when you are in a seated posture. If you are standing, the same standard holds true.
  
• Remember to occasionally shift position and move your body. Keeping your body locked in one position for a long period of time is unnatural and stressful.
  
• Keep your forearms and hands approximately parallel with the floor. (Elbows bent between 90 and 115°).
  
• Make sure your arms and elbows are relaxed and loose, with your upper arm perpendicular to the floor or slightly forward (no more than 30°).
  
• Keep your elbows close to your sides (less that 20° away from your body).
  
• Have your eyes checked on a regular basis and ensure your eyeglass prescription is suitable for working on a monitor screen.
  
• Look away from the screen from time to time to help reduce eye strain. Focus on distant objects briefly. Frequent blinking will help lubricate your eyes.
  
• Avoid holding your muscles tensed for long periods of time. Keep your fingers and bodyrelaxed. Stretch frequently. Exercise whenever possible.
  
• Changing tasks frequently will help prevent muscle stiffness. For example: alternating between keyboarding, reading, writing, filing, and moving around in your work environment helps keep muscles loose and pliant.
  
• When prolonged screen work is required, take frequent micro-breaks. Short and frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer, less frequent breaks. Data shows that people who work for long lengths of time without a break are more prone to injury.

Discomfort, if any, may be alleviated by use of alternative ergonomic designs and accessories such as: fully adjustable ergonomic chairs, wrist/palm supports, articulating keyboard platforms, alternative input devices, anti-glare optical filters, lighting treatments, and even eye glasses set to read your monitor at a particular focal length. Seek additional information from the sources available to you, including your employer, doctor and Ergonomic Sciences Corporation (650) 940.9800.

If you experience any discomfort related to the tasks you perform, bring it to your supervisor's attention immediately and call your doctor. The sooner the issues are addressed, the less pain you will suffer, and the sooner you will recover. Also, read everything you can about the science of workstation design as it may relate to your particular symptoms.

Ergonomic Sciences Corporation
415 Clyde Avenue, Suite 105
Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: (650) 940-9800 Fax: (650) 940-9977
Email: steve@ergosci.com