THE ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS

The Ergonomic Conditions of Nekitas Computer Workstation

Jelissa Edwards
Nekita Linton
University of the West Indies Open Campus

THE ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS

The Ergonomic Conditions of Nekitas Computer Workstation

According to Nekita (2015), ergonomics is the study of the interface between the
worker, work methods, equipment and the working environment (p. 27), while ergonomic
hazards refer to any of the aforementioned factors that have the potential to cause harm in the
workplace. Nekitas computer workstation (including the equipment and working environment)
poses a threat to her health because it is not ergonomically friendly. Thus, it is considered an
ergonomic hazard; which explains her recent complaints regarding wrist pain, back pain, sore
eyes, headaches, and shoulder and neck pain. There are several possible medical diagnoses for
Nekitas symptoms that would be threatening not only to her health but also to the organization.
She could be experiencing several repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), such as carpel tunnel in the
wrist caused by a non-ergonomically friendly keyboard, long hourly use of a computer mouse, or
a poorly positioned keyboard/mouse. Furthermore, another RSI Nekita may be experiencing is
lumbar back strain or sprain caused by a non-ergonomically friendly chair that doesnt support
the lower back, a poorly positioned desk that forces bending or slouching, or poor posture while
sitting. She might also be experiencing eyestrain caused by improper lighting (dim or bright
light), glare from the computer monitor, or a poorly positioned monitor not at eye level.
Additionally, eyestrain can often lead to temple headaches; however, the constant ringing noise
from a telephone could also be a cause of this. In addition, she could be affected by inflammation
of the shoulders and neck caused by constantly holding a telephone between her shoulders and
neck or by a poorly positioned desk and computer monitor that forces bad posture.
Understanding the definition of ergonomics and ergonomic hazards such as those currently
present in Nekitas workplace and the importance for much-needed improvements based on
Nekeitas health complaints is self-explanatory. Ergonomics in the workplace are important

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because they aid in the protection of employees, staff, and customers. Thus,I recommend
rearranging Nekitas computer workstation.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Computers have changed the way organizations do business today, and their use
continues to rise. Kahn (2003) indicated that the use of computer technology increased from 25%
in 1984 to nearly 45% in 1993, and since then the percentage has continued to increase in the
United States. Although computer technology has its benefits, its also important to consider its
disadvantages, such as those noted by Kahn (2003) as reports of adverse health effects to
computer operators (p. 93). One adverse health effect to which computer operators are prone is
repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), defined by Scott (2015) in his article as a cumulative trauma
disorder (CTD) stemming from prolonged repetitive, forceful, or awkward hand movements
resulting in damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves of the neck, shoulder, forearm, and hand
(para. 36) . An RSI, which refers to a family of medical diagnoses, can affect more than just
these areas, including the back and the eyes.
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Carpel tunnel syndrome, as illustrated by Kahn (2003), is a member of the RSI family
and is defined as a chronic condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the
thumb, index, and middle fingers (p. 68). It is a result of pressure being applied to the median
nerve, which passes through the carpel tunnel syndrome, understood to be a ligament located at
the front of the wrist (Kahn, 2003). Additionally, Kahn (2003) explained that carpel tunnel
syndrome occurs when the wrist is subjected to constant stress and strains such as gripping or
pinching with the wrist held flexed (p. 68) . Computer operators like Nekita may experience
constant stress on the wrist due to non-ergonomically friendly keyboards (those with a wrist rest

THE ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS

to be more precise). According to Hedge (2014), based on a study done by Dr. David Rampell, a
wrist rest can actually increase pressure inside the carpal tunnel by compressing the undersurface
of the wrist (para. 10). The research stated the applied pressure beneath the wrist (intracarpel
pressure) that enters the carpel tunnel via the transverse carpel ligament is doubled with the use
of a wrist rest. Another thing that could be the cause of stress on Nekitas wrists is her constant
use of a computer mouse. The constant clicking, scrolling, holding, and moving of the mouse can
cause fatigue and strain. Furthermore, a poorly positioned keyboard/mouse tray that is either too
low or too high forces stretching and awkward positioning of the hands and bending of the
wrists, which may also lead to strains or sprains.
Solutions. There are a few solutions that can reduce carpel tunnel strain. According to the
website Carpel Tunnel Headquarters, it is important to consider a few objectives for providing a
computer workstation thats ergonomically friendly. One suggestion is the selection of what is
described as a proper keyboard. Carpel Tunnel Headquarters has suggested an ergonomic, Vshaped keyboard that is affixed to the natural human form when typing (para. 10). Although
the websites has also stated that using a V-shaped keyboard takes some getting used to, it is also
considered beneficial, and one without a wrist rest is considered best. The reason for this is, as
mentioned earlier, that studies have proved wrist rests can also cause carpel tunnel injury with
improper use. Nonetheless, Hedge (2014) explained that, if using a wrist rest, the palms (not the
wrists) should be placed on the wrist rest.
Rest breaks are another considered solution for persons that use the computer for
prolonged hours. Prolonged use of a computer mouse can eventually become stressful on the
wrists, which is part of the reason Hedge (2014) suggested rest breaks every 30 to 60
minutes (para. 10).

THE ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS

Additionally, an adjustable keyboard/mouse tray that is capable of a negative tilt was

considered by Hedge (2014) to be highly recommended. An adjustable keyboard/mouse tray
allows the mouse to be used with the upper arms relaxed and close to the body and the wrist in a
comfortable and neutral position (para. 3).
Asthenopia (Eyestrain)
Apart from carpel tunnel syndrome, asthenopia (eyestrain) is also an RSI. As Kahn
(2003) noted, Eyestrain and eye irritation are among the most frequent complaints of computer
operators (p. 94). Asthenopia, as illustrated by Dahl (2014), is caused by concentrating the eyes
on a visual such as a computer monitor for long periods, straining to see in very dim light, and
exposure to extreme brightness or glare (para. 4). As such, regarding Nekitas complaints of
sore eyes, asthenopia (eyestrain) may be what shes experiencing. Based on the information
given earlier, this could be due to exposure to bright lighting coming from her computer monitor
or dim lighting thats forcing Nekita to squint for a better visual. Glare from the computer screen
that causes squinting, long hours at the computer that exert fatigue, and the positioning of the
computer monitor are all factors at her workstation that could contribute to the stress and strain
being placed on her eyes. Dahl (2014) noted in his article a few of the symptoms that his patients
diagnosed with asthenopia experienced. Similar to those that Kahn (2003) listed, these symptoms
include sore eyes, blurred or doubled vision, and, the most common, temple headaches. Nekita is
also experiencing headaches, which could be triggered by noise (such as the loud, continuous
ringing of a telephone); however, eyestrain or asthenopia, which she may have, could also be a
contribution.
Solutions. Carpel Tunnel Headquarters and Hedge (2014) suggested throughout their
articles avoiding bright lighting and glare from computer monitors by using anti-glare screens

THE ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS

and a reasonable level of lighting on personal computers (PCs). Computer monitors in front of
windows sometimes cause a washed-out appearance on the display screen, making it difficult to
see; as a solution Hedge (2014) suggested either covering windows with drapes or using a shade
for regulation.
Apart from bright lighting, dim lighting too low to see clearly can also be regulated by
changing the lighting, usually available in a computers settings, to one thats more appropriate
for the computer operator.
Taking one-minute eye breaks every fifteen minutes is also another solution for
asthenopia (eyestrains). According to Hedge (2014) staring at the computer screen for too long
alters the eyes natural functionality, forcing them to blink less often, and in doing so, the eyes
are exposed to excessive amounts of air. Hedge (2014) also recommended looking at an object
that is at least twenty feet away and blinking rapidly during breaks; this allows the eye muscles
to relax, refreshes the tear film, and clears dust from the eyes. Since headaches are associated
with eyestrain, eye breaks can also reduce headaches.
However, loud noises, which can also be the cause of headaches, can either be measured
and reduced to a more acceptable level or masked with white noise. Hedge (2014) recommended
low-volume music such as light classical tunes to mask the hum of any fans or other sound
sources (para. 10).
Tendinitis (Neck and Shoulders)
Another member of the RSI family is tendinitis. It is defined by Kahn (2003) as an
inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone or muscle
to muscle. Therefore, tendinitis can affect any area of the human body that contains muscles and
bones. Kahn (2003) continued to explain that its symptoms may include but arent limited to

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pain and swelling, numbness and tingling (hands falling asleep), loss of strength, and reduced
range of motion (p. 94). Computer operators can be victims of tendinitisas in Nekitas case
within the neck and/or the shoulders. Inflammation of the neck and shoulders can occur due to
constantly holding a telephone between the shoulders and neck in a pinching motion or having a
desk that is to low, causing Nekita to tense and clinch her shoulders while bending her neck to
get a better visual of the computer monitor. Additionally, a poorly positioned monitor (whether
on the right desk height or not) could also be causing Nekita to tense her shoulders and bend her
neck for the same purpose.
Solutions. The use of handheld telephones in the workplace can be difficult for
receptionists. They need their hands to jot things down or search information as they accept
incoming calls from customers requesting information or callers leaving messages. In most
cases, both hands are needed, and thus, receptionists tend to hold the telephone between their
shoulders and neck in a pinching position that can eventually cause injury. To avoid holding the
telephone in such an awkward position, Carpel Tunnel Headquarters suggested the use of
telephone headsets, which allow computer operators to keep their heads upright and their
shoulders relaxed.
Another solution for avoiding tendinitis of the shoulders and neck is to adjust the
computer desk and monitor to an appropriate height. According to Hedge (2014), a computer
desk should be a flat surface between 2830 above the floor (suitable for most adults) (para.
3). This allows receptionists to use the surface for writing as well. As for the computer monitor,
which can also place strain on the neck and shoulders, Hedge (2014) suggested it be placed at a
height that prevents users from tilting their head and or craning their necks forward. The
computer monitor should be in line with a point on the screen about 23 below the top of the

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monitor casing (not the screen) (Hedge, 2014, para. 6). A technique used to indicate if ones
screen is in the correct position is to sit around 100110 degrees back in a chair with one hand
stretched out and the middle finger pointed horizontally at the screen. According to Hedge
(2014), the middle finger should be within the center of the screenthats 1718 degrees below
horizontal for optimal viewing (para. 6). He also indicated that one should make suitable
adjustments when this isnt the case.
Lumbar Back Sprains and Strains (Lower Back Pain)
Kahn (2003) shared research done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that indicated
more than 1 million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one of
every five workplace injuries or illnesses (p. 37). Back injuries such as lumbar back sprains or
strains are RSIs caused by overuse or overstretching. The American Association of Neurological
Surgeons (2005) indicated that patients diagnosed with lumbar back sprains and/or strains
experience symptoms such as pain of the lower back, stiffness, lack of mobility, and muscle
spasms .
Nekita is experiencing back pains that could possibly be a strain or sprain of the lower
(lumbar) back. This could be due to a non-ergonomic chair that doesnt support the lower back or
other areas where support is needed. Another reason for her back pain could be an improperly
positioned desk that forces her to bend and slouch in a manner commonly described as sitting
with a hunched back. In fact, most, if not all, RSIs are simply the result of poor posture at a
computer workstation. In some cases, poor posture is habitual, while in other cases, it is a
deliberate behavior. Either can cause injuries that arent necessarily connected to or the result of
a non-ergonomic computer workstation or workplace. In fact, poor posture is one of the largest
contributors to RSIs such as the lumbar back strain/sprain in this case. Habitual and deliberate

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poor posture is viewed as a self-inflicted injury that may result in loss of work hours,
jeopardizing and altering an organizations management of its resources.
Solutions. One of the solutions to tendinitis of the shoulders and the neck is to adjust
desks to a suitable height to avoid craning the neck forward and/or tilting the head. Additionally,
a poorly positioned desk thats too high or too low can also cause a person to arch his/her back to
cope with the desks height. Arching the back can cause repetitive strain injuries to the lower
back, as indicated earlier.
Providing a chair that supports the lower back can also help prevent RSI lumbar sprains
and strains. According to Hedge (2014), studies have shown that the best seated posture is a
reclined posture of 100110 degrees NOT the upright 90 degree posture that is often portrayed
(para. 4). Therefore, when purchasing a chair one should consider ergonomic features that
incorporate a 100110-degree sitting posture.
Speaking of posture, Hedge (2014) stressed that good posture is the basis of good
workstation ergonomics (para. 7). As such, Hedge (2014) strongly recommended watching a
computer operators posture and:
Make sure that the user can reach the keyboard keys with their wrists as flat as possible
(not bent up or down) and straight (not bent left or right).Make sure that the user's elbow
angle (the angle between the inner surface of the upper arm and the forearm) is at or
greater than 90 degrees to avoid nerve compression at the elbow. Make sure that the
upper arm and elbow are as close to the body and as relaxed as possible for mouse use avoid overreaching. Also make sure that the wrist is as straight as possible when the
mouse is being used. Make sure the user sits back in the chair and has good back support.
Also check that the feet can be placed flat on the floor or on a footrest. Make sure the

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10

head and neck are as straight as possible .Make sure the posture feels relaxed for the
user.. (para. 7)
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nekita may be experiencing repetitive strain injuries (RSI), which are
understood to be injuries that occur due to recurrent, constant, improper positioning of the body.
RSI is a name for a particular set of injuries. These include injuries such as carpel tunnel
syndrome, asthenopia (eyestrain), tendinitis, and lumbar back sprain and strain, all of which
could be possible diagnoses to explain Nekitas complaints, including: wrist pains (associated
with carpel tunnel syndrome), sore eyes (associated with eyestrain), neck and shoulder pains
(associated with tendinitis), and lower back pains (associated with lumbar back sprain or strain).
Nekitas RSIs could be due to a workstation that is not ergonomically friendly. Several things
could possibly be wrong with Nekitas workstation. For instance, carpel tunnel syndrome could
be due to excessive use of a computer mouse or improper use of the keyboard; asthenopia, also
known as eyestrain, could be due to improper lighting; tendinitis of the neck and shoulders could
be due to a poorly positioned desk at an improper height; and lumbar back strain or sprain could
be due to habitual or deliberate poor posture.
Regardless of Nekitas injuries being current, her organization could still take a reactive
approach and rearrange her computer workstation to one thats ergonomically friendly. In doing
so, the organization must ensure solutions that aid in the improvement of Nekitas health,
including those that focus on the type of furniture (desk and chair), computer equipment
(keyboard, mouse, and monitor), the amount of hours spent at the computer, lighting, noise, other
ergonomic devices (telephone headset and glare filter), and most importantly, her posture.

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11
References

American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2005, September). Low back strain and sprain.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/rCk6Pk
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Headquarters. (N.d.). What are some ergonomic solutions for carpal
tunnel relief? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Headquarters. Retrieved from
Dahl, A. (2014, January 5). Eye strain.MedicineNet. Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/eye_strain/article.htm
Hedge, A. (2014, December 15). Ergonomic guidelines for arranging a computer workstation
10 steps for users. Cornell University Ergonomics Web. Retrieved from
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ergoguide.html
Kahn, P. A., & Meyer, H. D. (2003). The encyclopedia of work-related illnesses, injuries, and
health issues. New York, NY: Facts on File.
Linton, N. (2015, March 2). Unit 3 assessment and control of safety and health hazards and risks
PDF File. Retrieved from
http://2014.tle.courses.open.uwi.edu/mod/resource/view.php?id=30936

Scott, C. (2015, February 13). Repetitive strain injury. Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science University of Michigan. Retrieved from
http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html##symptoms