The document discusses various topics related to ergonomics and computer usage including computer related syndromes, treatments, and guidelines for proper ergonomic setup. It defines conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury, and computer vision syndrome. It provides tips to prevent these issues such as taking breaks, ensuring proper posture and lighting, and using ergonomic equipment. Treatments discussed include splints, surgery, massage, and lifestyle changes. Overall guidelines provided for a healthy ergonomic workstation.

1. Isuru Dilshan
Nisitha Manukulasuriya
Rajith Pemabandu

2.  Overview
 Introduction
 Ergonomics of a workstation
 Computer Related Syndromes
 Treatments
 Summary
 References
2

3.  Ergonomics of a workstation
 Computer related syndromes
 Treatments for syndromes
3

4.  Life is computerized
 Workers have a right to be safe
 Employers must ensure workers safety
 This is enforceable in law
4

5.  Maximizing efficiency while maximizing comfort
 Not all ergonomic products are ergonomic
 Why bother ergonomics?
5

6.  A chair should be
 Adjustable
 Covering built with a breathable material
 Seat pan with waterfall front edge
 Backrest with adjustable lumbar support
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7.  What is better ?
7
BetterBad Best

8.  If you can’t get a new one, change the posture
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100 - 110

9. 9

10.  Should be priority to the people who use mouse
more
 Watch your arm
 Should fit your hand
 Buttons should be located to avoid awkward finger
and hand postures
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11.  Wrists should be straight
 Should be inline with hands
 Never use lifts of the keyboard
 Do not punch the keys
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12. 12

13.  Best is to use a split level table
 Table with fixed height will fit with other ergonomic
things
 Must be deep enough for monitor and keyboard
 Sufficient leg room
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14.  Top of the screen to operators eye level
 Viewing distance should be 40 to 74 cms
 Should be directly in front
14

15.  Often enter information from source documents
 Locate Beside the screen, same plane
 Use an adjustable document holder
15

16. 1. Monitor at eye level
2. Elbows 90 degrees and hanging naturally
3. Hands inline with forearms
4. Thighs roughly parallel to floor
5. If necessary use footrest
6. Adjustable chair
7. Enough space to move mouse
8. Adjustable document holder
16

17.  Lighting levels 300 to 500 lux is appropriate
 In case of more light requirements, use task lighting
 Exclusive light levels may cause glare
 Three types of glare
 Direct
 Indirect
 Masking
 Use light absorbing curtains
 No option ? Use anti-glare screens
17

18.  Get an external mouse and keyboard
 Use a laptop stand
 Angle the screen
 For short periods of time keeping on the lap is fine
 Lift legs a bit
18

19.  What is ergonomics
 Picking an office chair
 Wrong Postures
 Using a mouse and a keyboard
 Desks
 Placing the monitor
 Document Holders
 Lighting
 Tips for Laptop users 19

20.  What is Computer Related Syndromes?
 A group of symptoms that characterize particular
disease due to Computer use.

21.  CarpalTunnel Syndrome
 Repetitive Strain Injury
 ComputerVision Syndrome
 Computer Related Postural Stress Syndrome
 Internet And Game Addiction

23.  CarpalTunnel
 The carpal tunnel is the passageway on
the palmer side of the wrist that connects the forearm
to the middle compartment of the deep plane of the
palm.

24.  The tunnel is narrow.
 When any of the tendons passing through it swells
or degenerates, the narrowing of the tunnel often
results in the median nerve becoming compressed,
a medical condition known as carpal tunnel
syndrome.

25.  Median Nerve

26.  Symptoms
 Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or
three fingers.
 Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand.
 Pain extending to the elbow.
 Pain in wrist or hand.
 Problems with fine finger movements.
 Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags.

27.  Area of Pain and Numbness

28.  What Causes CarpalTunnel Syndrome ?
 Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in
people who perform repetitive motions of
the hand and wrist.
 Typing on a computer keyboard is
probably the most common cause of
carpal tunnel syndromes.

30.  RSI is a condition where pain and other symptoms
occur in an area of the body which has done
repetitive tasks.
 It is often the result of overusing the nerves and
muscles in your hands and forearms.

31.  What Causes Repetitive Strain Injuries?
 Typing and using a computer mouse a lot.
 Poor posture.
 Using excessive force.
 Not having enough breaks from the task.

32.  Symptoms depend on what the repetitive actions
are.
 In most cases the symptoms develop in an arm,
wrist or elbow.

33.  Symptoms
 Pain, numbness and tingling on the back of the hand.
 Dull pain, usually in the forearms .
 Inability to lift heavy objects because of hand fatigue.

35.  Many computer users complain of pain in the eyes
when using the computer for an extended period of
time.
 Primarily a result of overworking the muscles of the
eyes.

36.  What Causes ComputerVision Syndrome?
 Poor lighting in the room.
 Incorrect distance from the computer screen.
 Glare on the screen.
 Improper seating posture.
 Incorrect angle of your head when watching screen.

37.  Symptoms
 Eyestrain
 Headaches
 Blurred vision
 Dry eyes
 Neck and shoulder pain
 Slowly refocusing when looking from screen to
distant objects

39.  CRPSS can result from any one or combination of:
 Poor Seating Conditions
 Incorrect Monitor Placement
 Incorrect Keyboard Placement
 Over-reaching for the Mouse

40.  Symptoms
 Neck pain
 Shoulder pain
 Back pain
 Arm pain
 Chronic tension headaches

42.  Symptoms
 Losing track of time online.
 Having trouble completing tasks at work or home.
 Isolation from family and friends.
 Feeling guilty or defensive about your Internet use.

43.  Ergonomics of aWorkstation
 CarpalTunnel Syndrome
 Repetitive Strain Injury
 ComputerVision Syndrome
 Computer Related Postural Stress Syndrome
 Internet And Game Addiction

44.  Repetitive Strain Injury
 CarpalTunnel Syndrome
 ComputerVision Syndrome
 Computer related postural stress syndrome
 Internet & Game Addiction
44

45.  Placing the input device directly in your immediate reach zone.
 Place your wrist flexed slightly downward when operating mouse
and keyboard .
 Place the upper arm and elbow close to the body.
 Hold the mouse lightly.
 Take frequent breaks from the keyboard.
 Give your arms, hands, wrists, and fingers a workout. 45

46.  Try wearing the splint during the night.
 Avoid sleeping on your wrists.
 Hot and cold compresses are recommended.
 Take proposed Medications to help prevent carpal tunnel
syndrome.
▪ Omega -3 fatty acids
▪ B vitamins
▪ Steroid injections
46

47.  Carpal tunnel release surgery.
 Regular massage therapy treatments.
 Use tools and equipment that are properly designed to reduce the
risk of wrist injury.
▪ split keyboards
▪ keyboard trays
▪ typing pads
▪ wrist braces
 Take frequent breaks when typing. 47

48.  Make sure the lighting in the room is comfortable on the eyes.
 Reduce brightness, contrast of the screen and use screen filters if
possible.
 Usage of Specific occupational lenses prescribed to meet the
unique demands ofVDT work.
 Take a few minutes breaks away from the computer.
▪ Follow 20-20-20 rule
 Blink as much as possible so that eyes are lubricated sufficiently by
tears.
 Be ware of the computer radiation. 48

49.  Take vitamin A rich foods.
▪ Broccoli
▪ Spinach
▪ Carrots
▪ Yellow vegetables and fruits
 Attend to Routine eye checkup .
 Have a good sleep.
49

50.  Maintaining a proper posture.
 Take frequent breaks to relax the spine from the strain of
prolonged sitting.
 Take Steam bath or warm water bath.
 Take calcium and vitamin D rich foods for healthy bones.
▪ Milk and milk products
▪ Beans
 Regular exercises will strengthen the muscles. 50

51.  Some CRPSS Preventive exercises
51
Neck flexion ,extension & side stretches
Shoulder Roll

52. SpinalTwist
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Back Stretch & bend

53. Tips for dealing with Internet addiction
 Recognize any underlying problems that may support your
Internet addiction.
 Strengthen your support network.
 Replace your Internet usage with healthy activities.
 Alter your routine to break your usage patterns.
 Therapy and counselling for Internet addiction 53

54. Tips for dealing with Computer game addiction
 Set sensible time limits on computer game playing.
 Take regular breaks during the game.
 Ensure enough time is spent each day for physical activities.
 Encourage to pursue other hobbies ,interests & sports. 54

55.  What is Ergonomics ?
 Guidelines in selecting Ergonomics equipment.
 Ergonomics of a workstation.
 Computer Related Syndromes.
 Treatments.
 Tips to prevent Computer Related Syndromes.
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56. Carpal tunnel syndrome
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001469/
Accessed on 19/02/2012
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome
Accessed on 20/02/2012
http://www.medicinenet.com/carpal_tunnel_syndrome/page2.htm
Accessed on 19/02/2012
ComputerVision Syndrome
http://www.bausch.com/en/Eye-concerns/Eye-infections-irritations/Computer-
Vision-Syndrome
Accessed on 19/02/2012
http://www.aoa.org/x5374.xml
Accessed on 19/02/2012
http://mashable.com/2011/08/06/eyestrain-infographic/
Accessed on 19/02/2012 56

57. Back ace
http://www.computerandhealth.net
Accessed on 19/02/2012
http://www.computerandhealth.net/index_files/preventionofbackache.htm
Accessed on 19/02/2012
http://www.computerandhealth.net/index_files/backache.htm
Accessed on 19/02/2012
Computer Addiction
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Computer_
games_health_issues?open
Accessed on 19/02/2012
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm
Accessed on 19/02/2012
http://www.mytechsupport.ca/forums/index.php?topic=942.0;wap2
Accessed on 19/02/2012
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