1. Computers are becoming increasingly more common in the workplace.
Although there are many benefits with computer usage, there are also health issues
that can arise with the constant use. Workers need adopt good ergonomic practices
in the workplace to reduce injury from computer use. Ergonomics is the applied
practice to minimize injury and improve productivity in the workplace.
There are many things a computer user should do to prevent health problems
from computer usage. One of the most common problems are musculoskeletal,
once the computer user starts to feel any pain or discomfort he/she should act on it.
It is important to take short breaks during computer use. That short break could be
in a form of bathroom break or a snack break. It is recommended that computer
users should take a break every thirty minutes to an hour.
The chair should be adjustable so that the user can place can feet firmly
against the floor and back should be straight. Poor chair adjustment can cause back
and neck pains. Both feet should be comfortable on the floor in front of you or on
the foot rest. The chair should be one that will allow the user to keep his or her
natural spine curvature while seated.
It is essential to position the computer monitor at eye level to minimize eye
and neck strain. No computer user should have to tilt her head to view a computer
monitor. It is recommended that the computer should be an arm’s length from the
user. The monitor resolution may be too bright or too dim for the computer use;
this can be problematic and cause eye strain. Staff members should always adjust
the monitor resolution before using it especially if it used by multiple persons. If a
user is having difficult reading the characters on the monitor this is a clear
indication that the monitor settings should be adjusted or the user needs to correct
his or her vision. Person who frequently read from papers and books should invest
in a document holder; it should be sturdy and positioned next to the monitor. This
will greatly decrease the chances of developing musculoskeletal problems.
The keyboard should also be positioned properly; it should be at low height
at the same level with the elbows. The keyboard should be flat and the wrist
relatively straight. One indicator that the keyboard is positioned properly is when
the user’s arms are resting comfortably at his or her arms.

2. Microsoft has invented a user friendly keyboard that has shown to reduce
pain in the hand and wrist. It is essential to identify the best user friendly mouse,
keyboards etc to ensure staff safety and optimal productivity.
Having to continuously reach for the mouse can cause shoulder pain. The
mouse should be of easy reach from the keyboard. There should be plenty of room
to manoeuvre the mouse. Not everyone can tolerate using a mouse therefore one
can try using a trackball. It is important that computer users learn how to make
mouse adjustments for themselves, as people who set up the computers or other
users of shared computers may have different settings for themselves. The User
should alternate hands with which you operate the pointer/mouse to reduce muscle
overuse. Using keyboard short cuts can significantly reduce extended use of the
hand muscles. It is recommended that the entire arm be moved instead of just the
wrist when using the mouse.
When setting a computer area or work area all items that are used frequently
should be within reach. These items include scanners, printers and phones. This
will eliminate constantly stretching for these items and thus reduces the risk of
developing musculoskeletal problems.
Persons tend to slouch while seated at the computer; this can cause bad
posture and back problems. When one is slouched their bones are not aligned
properly. Muscles Joints and tendons are under strain. It is important to seat
upright while at the computer to maintain good posture.
Another problem health problem of prolonged computer use is Eye strain.
Blinking regularly while on the computer minimizes eye strain. The computer’s
bright light can cause the eyes to burn and feel dry. By blinking, the eye muscles
are being used and the tears lubricate the eyes.
Computer users need to ensure that the work station has proper lighting.
Bright lights in the work area can cause discomfort glare on the computer screen.
An acceptable amount of lighting means good computer screen visibility and
minimal glare and reflections from the computer monitor. There should be a good
balance of lighting for the user to perform his or her task.

3. Mixing task can help prevent muscle over use. Typing or reading for long
periods without interruptions can be problematic. Computer users can organize the
work in a way to alternate task. For instance a user may type for twenty minutes
and then shift to making call.
There are series of health problems that can arise with improper computer
use, these include Carpal tunnel syndrome, Computer Vision Syndrome, tendonitis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is under pressure
from constant use it is characterized by pain and tingling in the wrist and hand.
Prolong use of the keyboard/mouse without rest periods can cause Carpel tunnel
Syndrome. Taking frequent rest breaks (20 minutes) and stretching techniques are
the recommended treatment for Carpal Tunnel syndrome. The use of wrist splints
has shown to stabilize the wrist during computer use. Rotating the wrist and
flexing it is a good form of exercise. One who has already developed the problem
may have to receive analgesia and physical therapy.
Computer Vision syndrome is the most common problem for improper
computer use. It is cause by long periods of uninterrupted focusing on the
computer screen. Some of the symptoms include eye dryness, eye redness, teary
eyes and headaches. This can be alleviated by blinking frequently during computer
use, eye rest and ensuring that one’s vision is corrected. Using eye lubricant can
also alleviate eye dryness.
Tendonitis is another problem that can occur from poor computer use.
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that can be resulted from the tendons
being overused. As mentioned before good posturing and frequent breaks during
computer use will minimize the risk of developing Tendonitis.
Back pain is contributed from poor posture when seated at the desk. It may
result from seating at the desk for long periods. Taking short breaks and the use or
ergonomic chairs can reduce the chances of getting back pains.
Generally Practicing good Computer Ergonomics will reduce the risks of
developing health problems mentioned. In cases where the problem exist persons
may be physical therapy, cold /warm compress, analgesia and a course on
Computer Ergonomics.

4. Refences:
1. Ellahi, A., Khalil, M.S., & Akram, S. (2011). Computer Users at Risk:
Health disorders associated with prolong computer use. Journal of Business
Management and Economics. Retrieved from:
http://www.e3journals.org/cms/articles/1330776576_Abida%20et%20al.pdf
2. Mvangi, V. P., Mcharo, J., Mmbuji, M. E., Mgonja, L.E, & Kitua, A. Y.
(2009). Health Hazards related to Computer use: Experience of the National
Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania. International Journal of Human
and Social Sciences 4:1. Retrieved from:
http://www.waset.org/journals/ijhss/v4/v4-1-10.pdf
3. University of California. Ergonomics(2010). Retrieved from:
http://ergo.berkeley.edu/services/computer_use.php