The document discusses ergonomics and proper setup of a computer workstation to prevent injury. It defines ergonomics as focusing on optimizing human well-being and system performance through understanding human interaction. Correct posture and positioning of equipment like chairs, desks, monitors and keyboards are described to reduce eye strain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other issues. Taking regular breaks is also emphasized.

1. ERGONOMICS
The word ergonomics is the coupling of two (2) Greek words, “ergon” which
means work and “nomoi” the meaning of which is natural law. According to the
international Ergonomics Association , Ergonomics “is the scientific discipline
concerned with the understanding of interactions among Humans and other
elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and
method to designs in order to optimize human well being and overall system
performance.”(Wikipedia)
Ergonomics seek to find the perfect fit between people, equipment and the
environment. It takes into consideration the arrangement of equipment, so that
the interaction between user and the equipment is one which is healthy,
comfortable and efficient.
As students nurses were taught proper positioning and body mechanics to prevent
injury when lifting and moving immobilized patients, as the workplace in
cooperates information technology into nursing system , so must we learn the
proper usage or ergonomics involved to reduce or prevent work related injury or
accidents.
COMPUTER WORKSTATION
Workstation Environment
Whenever possible workstation should be located in an area, in with
minimal interference from light and glare from the sun or other light
sources
There should proper ventilation and air circulation
Equipment in the workstation must be positioned in a way to allow one to sit in a
neutral position.
The used of body mechanics and good posture is an essential part of ergonomics
and paramount to reduce the incidents of musculoskeletal injury.

2. Keep hands, wrist and forearms in line, straight and parallel or slightly
below the level of the floor.
Keep head level, or slightly bent, facing forward.
Position yourself so that hips are slightly higher than the knees and with
feet on the floor
Lean back slightly when seated, to open up the hips and reduce pressure on
the pelvis
Do not sit in a rigid or upright position
Do range of motion exercises whiles seated.
Do not cross legs or ankles
Take frequent breaks, every ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes.
Stretch during the breaks
Change position frequently
Desk: a proper desk must have adequate leg space and enough space for proper
placement of computer and its accessories.
Desk should be large enough to place monitor directly in front you, within
good viewing distance .Do not place higher than your head.
Desk top should be able to accommodate frequently used equipment
without the need to over reach.
As much as possible do not store equipment under the desk
Chairs: a good should provide support for the back, legs, buttock and arms.
Use armrest if available
Armrest should be soft, the allows arms to be close to the body
Position the seat of the chair, so feet rest comfortable on the floor
Backrest should follow the natural curvature of the spine and allow lumbar
support; if not place lumbar support just below the waist
Allow one(1) to three(3) inches between your knee and the back of your
knee

3. Monitors: placement of monitor to prevent eye strain and over reaching
Place monitor at right angle to light source or window
Monitor should be placed at least twenty(20) inches away from user
Align monitor, keyboard and mouse
Lightening:
Moderately bright light, which is a mixture of incandescent and
fluorescent lightening.
Keyboard: When choosing a keyboard, keep in mind how and where it is going to
be place
Place the keyboard slightly below the elbow
Do not raise the back or tilt the keyboard so that the back is higher than
the front.
Keep wrist straight and at the same level as your elbow
Mouse or Pointer
Place the mouse /pointer at the same level as the keyboard; next to the
keyboard if possible
Alternate the hand which is used for the mouse
Telephone
Use headphone or speaker phone for long conversations
Place phone within close distance

4. HEALTH PROBLEMS WHICH CAN ARISE FROM IMPROPER COMPUTER USED
Eye Strain
Eye strain is basically tiredness of the eyes. This can lead to headaches and other
complications. Symptoms include:
Sore , irritated eyes
Difficulty focusing
Dry ,watery eyes
Blurred vision
Sensitivety to light
Head, neck and back pain.
Prevention and treatment of eye Strain
Take frequent breaks
Look away from the computer every twenty minutes
Do eye strengthening exercises
Apply warm wash cloth to dry, tired eyes
Change lights to reduce glare and harsh lighting
Use a glare filter on computer screen
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel Syndrome is pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the fingers and
hand, cause by pressure on the median nerve. One of the causes is repetitive
movements of the hand. It can occur if the hands are held lower than the wrist or
by making the same movement repeatedly. Treatment includes:
Maintain wrist health by using range of motion exercises
Keep hand in the neutral position as much as possible
Wear wrist splint to immobilize the wrist

5. Use the entire hand when holing items
When at the computer, keep wrist straight, with hand slightly higher than
your wrists.
Shift hand usage when frequently when making repeated movement
Rest between activity
Apply cold compresses to relieve pain and reduce swelling
Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by:
Poor posture
Pressure on spinal nerve
Overuse ,muscle strain, injury
Treatment includes the following:
Heat pad or ice pack
Exercise
Physical therapy
Rest
Practice good posture/ body mechanics
Learn ways to relieve stress
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation or presence of a blood clot within
the vascular system. (Taber’s 1993) The clot can block circulation or get lodged in
a blood vessel in any of the organs of the body. DVT can be a result of:
Sitting or inactivity for long periods of time
Long rides
Surgery
Varicose vein
Leg injury

6. Treatment
Take frequent breaks
Perform range or motion exercises
Do not cross legs and ankles
Blood thinners(medication)
Surgery
References
Human Factors and Ergonomics. Wikipedia
En.wikipedia,org/wiki/Ergonomics
Safety and Health Topic/Ergonomics
www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics
What is Ergonomics – Ergonomics Basics
ergonomics.about.com/od/ergonomicbasics/a/ergo101.htm
WebMD