What is RSI?

As more and more work, education and recreation involves computers, everyone needs to be aware of the hazard of Repetitive Strain Injury to the hands and arms resulting from the use of computer keyboards and mice. This can be a serious and very painful condition that is far easier to prevent than to cure once contracted, and can occur even in young physically fit individuals. It is not uncommon for people to have to leave computer-dependent careers as a result, or even to be permanently disabled and unable to perform tasks such as driving or dressing themselves.

Repetitive Strain Injuries occur from repeated physical movements doing damage to tendons, nerves, muscles, and other soft body tissues.  The rise of computer use and flat, light-touch keyboards that permit high speed typing have resulted in an epidemic of injuries of the hands, arms, and shoulders. Use of pointing devices like mice and trackballs are as much a cause, if not more so.. This can happen even more quickly as a result of typing technique and body positions that place unnecessary stress on the tendons and nerves in the hand, wrist, arms, and even the shoulders and neck.

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Illumination

The ideal work site environment for computer use is different from that of the conventional office. Too often computers have been incorporated into offices where the illumination level was designed for work with hard copy. This has resulted in high contrast, glare, and reflections that may produce eye and vision problems.

The level and type of illumination should vary with the task being performed. It is very important to eliminate reflections and control glare and contrast.

Glare can be a major source of irritation to operators of computer monitors. At its worst, glare may totally obscure the image ...

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