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Annotated Reference List

Ergonomics

Many people suffer various types of avoidable injuries from using a computer. The graphic at the right is from the Website http://www.sorehand.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome.htm

Many people suffer various types of injuries from using a computer. This section points to some of the relevant literature. The emphasis is on preventative measures that can be taken to substantially reduce the risk of injury.

References

Computer Ergonomics for Elementary School. Accessed 11/45/02: http://www.orosha.org/cergos/. Quoting from the Website:

Computer Ergonomics is about things that you can do to make working on a computer more comfortable and better for your body. For example, wearing a bike helmet when riding a bike and a seatbelt when riding in a car are two simple things that you do to be safe. The Computer Ergonomics for Elementary School Students (CergoS) Web site will show you some simple and affordable ways to make sure that your body is safe and comfortable while using a computer.

This project was supported by a grant from the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon OSHA. All material at this Web site is free to everyone and can be reproduced.

Computer Ergonomics for Students: University of California (Berkley) Health Services, Accessed 11/5/02: http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/Students/Ergonomics/. Topics covered include:

  • A User Friendly Workstation
  • Personal Workstation Checklist
  • Choosing a Chair that Fits
  • Healthy Tips for Computer Users

Daniels, Charles. Computer Ergonomics: The Human Interface. Accessed 11/4/02: http://www.klis.com/computers+health/#The Human Interface. This Website contains sections on:

  1. Introduction
  2. The Human Interface - the ergonomics of computer use
  3. Osteoarthritis - how to avoid joint wear and tear
  4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - prevention of hand and wrist troubles
  5. Computer Electromagnetic Radiation and Its Health Effects
  6. Exercises - Some easy things you can do to feel good and prevent fatigue
  7. Stress - coping with computer generated stress
  8. Special Computer Concerns for Women
  9. Special Computer Concerns for Children
  10. How to Register -My favorite section.
  11. Related books to read
  12. Referral Directory Chiropractors near you who have a special interest in computer related health problems.
  13. My Office A brief description of my practice facilities.

Dean, Katie May 2003). Making Johnny Sit Up Straight. Accessed 5/15/03: http://www.wired.com/news/school/
0,1383,58826,00.html . Quoting from the Website:

Ergonomics experts have long bemoaned the lack of attention paid to proper computer workstations in schools.

But this month, one state has decided to address the issue. New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey recently signed a bill that establishes the Ergonomics in Education Study Commission.

Ergonomic Concerns for Classroom Computer Use: Seattle Public Schools. Accessed 11/5/02: Quoting from the website:

When introducing technology into the classroom it is often easy to overlook ergonomic concerns. It is important that some time is taken to address the health needs of students who use computers in our schools. Here are a few sites that provide information on the hazards and fixes for the most common concerns. (Please note that some sites are sponsored by businesses that may have a conflict of interest).

Office Ergonomics: Office Setup Tips. Accessed 11/5/02: http://www.seattleschools.org/area/it/ergonomics.xml.

This Website discusses eight different aspects of a healthy setup of a computer system. For example, here is what they have to say about the keyboard:
There are a number of ailments that can come from using your keyboard incorrectly-from short-term issues like sore wrists to long-term problems like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These ailments can take years to develop, and once present, can be difficult or even impossible to reverse. That's why it's so important - even if you're not currently feeling pain-to position and use your keyboard properly to avoid future problems. To learn more after reading these tips, feel free to browse the related links to the right.

Too Much Screen Time Can Make Computer Users Sick. Reuters, November 05, 2002. Accessed 11/9/02. http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?
type=healthnews&StoryID=1684171 Quoting from the Website:

 Office workers stuck in front of a computer most commonly complained of headache, eyestrain, joint pain and stiff shoulders.

Mental symptoms such as lethargy, anxiety and "reluctance to go to work," as well as sleep-related problems including insomnia and fatigue, were most common among workers who spent more than 5 hours a day glued to their computer screen.

"This result suggested that the effect of duration of daily VDT use on these scores has a threshold effect, and the prevention of mental disorder and sleep disorder requires the restriction of VDT use to less than 5 hours per day," the researchers write.

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