NEC 2000 User Manual

Contents

A-2 Setting Up a Healthy Work EnvironmentProlonged or improper use of a computerworkstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury,set up and use your computer in the manner described in this appendix.Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning,cramping, stiffness, throbbing, weakness, soreness, tingling and/ornumbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and/or legs.Making Your Computer Work for YouComputers are everywhere. More and more people sit at computers forlonger periods of time. This appendix explains how to set up yourcomputer to fit your physical needs. This information is based onergonomics ó the science of making the workplace fit the needs of theworker.Some nerve, tendon, and muscle disorders (musculoskeletal disorders)may be associated with repetitive activities, improper work environments,and incorrect work habits. Examples of musculoskeletal disorders thatmay be associated with certain forms of repetitive activities include:carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, de Quervainístenosynovitis, and trigger finger, as well as other nerve, tendon, andmuscle disorders.Although some studies have shown an association between increasinghours of keyboard use and the development of some musculoskeletaldisorders, it is still unclear whether working at a computer causes suchdisorders. Some doctors believe that using the keyboard and mouse mayaggravate existing musculoskeletal disorders.Some people are more susceptible to developing these disorders due topreexisting conditions or psychosocial factors (see ìPreexistingConditions and Psychosocial Factorsî later in the appendix).To reduce your risk of developing these disorders, follow the instructionsin this appendix. If you experience discomfort while working at yourcomputer or afterwards, even at night, contact a doctor as soon aspossible. Signs of discomfort might include pain, tenderness, swelling,burning, cramping, stiffness, throbbing, weakness, soreness, tinglingand/or numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and/orlegs.