Computer-related injuries

The computer is a vital tool in many different occupations. However, long periods of working at a computer can increase the chance of developing an injury. Muscle and joint pain, overuse injuries of the upper limbs and eyestrain can result from inappropriate computer use. The risks can be reduced or eliminated with proper work space design, improved posture and good working habits.

Posture-related injuries
Back and neck pain, headaches, and shoulder and arm pain are common computer-related injuries. Such muscle and joint problems can be caused or made worse by poor workstation design, bad posture and sitting for extended periods of time.

Although sitting requires less muscular effort, it still causes fatigue and requires parts of the body to be held steady for long periods of time. This reduces circulation to the muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments and can result in stiffness and pain. If a workstation is not set up properly, these steady positions can put even greater stress on muscles and joints.

Prevention tips – muscle and joint injuries
Suggestions to reduce the risk of muscle and joint problems include:

• Use an adjustable desk designed for use with computers; position the monitor so that it is either at eye level or slightly lower.
• Position your keyboard at a height that allows your elbows to rest comfortably at your side. Forearms should be roughly parallel with the floor and level with your keyboard.
• Adjust your chair so that your feet rest flat on the floor.
• Use a footstool (if your feet do not rest on the floor when the chair is adjusted for good arm position).
• Switch to an ergonomic chair, which helps your spine to naturally hold its curve while sitting.
• Use an ergonomic keyboard to offer your hands and wrists a more natural holding position.
• Take frequent short breaks and go for a walk or perform stretching exercises at your desk. Stand often.

• Keep your mouse at the same height as your correctly positioned keyboard.
• Position the mouse as close as possible to the side of the keyboard.
• Use your whole arm, not just your wrist, when using the mouse.
• Type lightly and gently.
• Mix your tasks to avoid long, uninterrupted stretches of typing.
• Remove the hands from the keyboard when not actively typing, to allow the arms to relax.

• Make sure your primary light source (such as a window) is not shining into your face or directly onto the monitor.
• Tilt the monitor slightly to eliminate reflections or glare.
• Make sure your computer screen is not too close to your face.
• Position the screen so that it is either at eye level or slightly lower.
• Reduce the contrast and brightness of your screen by adjusting the controls on the monitor.
• Frequently look away from the screen and focus on faraway objects.
• Have regular eye examinations to check that blurring, headaches and other associated problems are not caused by any underlying disorders.

• Set up the computer, desk, chair and keyboard to suit your child.
• Install a smaller mouse that contours to the child’s hand.
• Show your child how to use the keyboard and mouse properly and safely.
• Encourage frequent breaks.
• Reasonably limit your child’s game-playing time.
• Make sure your child has enough time for other activities, such as sport.

• Use peripheral equipment whenever possible such as a docking station, separate keyboard, mouse and laptop stands.
• Have frequent breaks.
• Use a well set up desktop computer instead of a laptop where appropriate.
• Carry your laptop in a backpack or in wheel-along luggage.

• Your doctor
• Physiotherapist
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Tel. (03) 9534 9400
• Health and safety officer
• Victorian WorkCover Authority Tel. (03) 9641 1555 or 1800 136 089

• Working at a computer can cause back, neck and shoulder pains, headache, eyestrain and overuse injuries of the upper limbs.
• The risks can be reduced or eliminated with proper workstation design, improved posture and good working habits.

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