Health Problems of Computing Works
A number of risk factors are associated with prolonged computer users. Each of the risk factors can cause health problems or discomfort. Usually, computer users are exposed to more than one risk factor at a time. The risk factors that may cause most of the injuries and discomfort to computer operators include:
• Awkward Sitting Posture
• Awkward Arms/Hands/Wrists Posture
• Forceful Hand Motions
• Repetition Motions
• Long Task Duration without Rest Break
• Poor Job Design and Heavy Workload
• Uncomfortable Work Environment
• Unsatisfactory Organization of Work
• Work Stress
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The following are the most common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for computer users.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
is a painful condition of the hands and wrists. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the shoulder, down the arm, to the hand. In addition to the pain, the suffer may feel numbness and tingling in the hands. In the advanced conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome can make the simplest chore and activity impossible, such as folding laundry, lifting a baby or even holding a frying pan.
DeQuervain’s Disease:
the tendons at the side of the wrist and the base of the thumb are affected, causing pain and inflammation. These tendons are connected to the muscles on the back of the forearm. When these muscles tighten, the thumb is pulled back away from the hand. DeQuervain’s Disese develops with too much friction of the tendons in the thumb and the sheath. The sheath gets thicker because of the friction, which in turn constricts the tendons and caused inflammation.
Back and Neck Pain:
Computer user commonly feels pain in the lower back and this is often the result of sitting for long periods in a chair that does not provide enough support to the lower back lumbar region. If the chair is not supporting to maintain the lower back in an upright position, the back muscles must do more work to support the body, causing fatigue. Inappropriate chairs also contribute to slouching and other awkward postures that put extra pressure on the spine.
Appropriate computer setup is very important. Tilting the head backward causes a pain in the neck and shoulders. This commonly happens when the monitor is positioned too high. In addition, improper placement of work materials is also a common cause of neck problems. When typing or reading document, officer employees may repeatedly bending the head downward to look at a paper flat on a desk and then tilting the neck backwards to see the computer screen can cause pain and stiffness in the neck.
Eye and Vision Problems:
Computer users usual symptoms on eye and vision problems include:
- Eye fatigue or eye strain
- Blurred vision
- Burning, itching or tearing eyes and
- Headache
Work Stress:
Stress can increase the risk of being injured on the job and weaken the body’s resistance to diseases. The work environment, work design, organization of work may cause stress to the employees. Environmental factors that lead to stress include: (a) uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, and poor air quality; (b) improper lighting; (c) noise; and (d) equipment and furniture that are not fitted to the users or task requirements.
Contact us now for enquiry about the office ergonomics services at telephone number 852 – 3625 2024 852 – 3625 2024 or via e-mail to: enquiry@my-ergonomics.com for enquiry.
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