Ergonomics
Preventing Multiple-Strain Injuries
The following guidelines can prevent Multiple-Strain Injuries and improve worksites.
- Use an ergonomically appropriate chair that fits the person to his/her workstation.
- Use supplemental equipment to reduce musculoskeletal strain (i.e., wrist rests, copy stands, lumbar rolls).
- Position equipment properly (i.e., lower keyboards, position terminals to reduce glare, provide adequate work space to perform the task required by the job).
- Recommended appropriate VDT terminal placement is:
- 24 inches average distance face to screen and all sides regardless of partitions.
- Top of VDT screen should be at eye level.
- Encourage employees to use a mouse or trackball instead of a light pen.
- Provide noise insulation - Recommend printers and other noise generating equipment (i.e., copiers) be placed away from immediate work areas. Purchase "quiet" printers/copiers or printer hoods.
- Recommend employees get regular (annual) eye exams. UVA allows use of sick time for exams. Expenses are the responsibility of employees.
- Prevent glare - close blinds, use soft lighting and task lighting, provide anti-glare screens.
- Adopt a policy within the department which encourages employees to take "computer breaks", examples below.
- Non-computer related work tasks - nature of task(s) is different from computer tasks and can be performed as a "rest job" away from VDT
- Deskside exercises - changing posture and eye focus approximately 1-2 minutes/hour while remaining at workstation (i.e., stretching muscles, blinking eyes, and looking into distances)
- 15 minute rest break after 2 hours of continuous VDT work for operators under moderate visual demands (i.e.- reading reports, data entry)
- 15 minute rest break after 1 hour of continuous VDT work where there is high visual demand or repetitive work tasks (i.e.- reading raw data, strings of numbers)
You may reproduce or adapt this information provided the original meaning is preserved and copies are not offered for sale. The University of Virginia shall be acknowledged in the copies.