Health Risk Caused by Computer Works
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), also known as median neuritis, 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 advanced cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can make the simplest chore or activity impossible, such as holding a frying pan, folding laundry, or lifting an infant.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in one wrist, or both (bilateral carpal tunnel). It affects workers in many industries such as meatpacking, grocery checkout, and assembly work. AFSCME members, especially among those who work with computers, are also victims of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms:
In addition to pain, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling in the hands. These symptoms are usually felt in the first three fingers and the base of the thumb. Often the pain and other symptoms are worse at night or during sleep.
The figure below shows the parts of the hand and wrist that are involved. Tendons of the fingers, blood vessels, and the median nerve all pass through what is called the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal ligament in the wrist. Swelling and steady irritation of the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel create pressure on the median nerve.
Risk factors:
The major causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
Prevention:
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be prevented by controlling the risk factors that cause the injury. This is done through the application of ergonomics. Ergonomics means changing the work to fit the worker, rather than making the worker try to fit the work. A comprehensive ergonomics program includes the following elements:
Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in one wrist, or both (bilateral carpal tunnel). It affects workers in many industries such as meatpacking, grocery checkout, and assembly work. AFSCME members, especially among those who work with computers, are also victims of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms:
In addition to pain, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling in the hands. These symptoms are usually felt in the first three fingers and the base of the thumb. Often the pain and other symptoms are worse at night or during sleep.
The figure below shows the parts of the hand and wrist that are involved. Tendons of the fingers, blood vessels, and the median nerve all pass through what is called the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal ligament in the wrist. Swelling and steady irritation of the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel create pressure on the median nerve.
Risk factors:
The major causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
- working with bent wrists;
- a high rate of repetition using the hands;
- a lack of rest for the hands and wrists; and
- forceful hand motions.
Prevention:
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be prevented by controlling the risk factors that cause the injury. This is done through the application of ergonomics. Ergonomics means changing the work to fit the worker, rather than making the worker try to fit the work. A comprehensive ergonomics program includes the following elements:
- Engineering controls: This means providing equipment to reduce exposure to risk factors. For example, computer operators need to be able to adjust the height of their chair and/or keyboard in order to avoid having to bend their wrists while keying. Other examples include ergonomically designed hand tools that have angled handles that allow workers to keep their wrists straight while using the tools.
- Administrative controls: This refers to the pace of work, breaks, other tasks that do not require repetitious hand and wrist movements, and other factors about work organization.
- Medical management: The management of CTS requires that a correct diagnosis is made and proper medical treatment and follow-up is provided. Working conditions that expose workers to risk factors need to be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Without such changes, injured workers will still be exposed to the very conditions that caused the problems in the first place, and will likely cause the workers to be injured again. Having injured workers wear wrist braces and then continue to work under the same conditions that caused their injuries is not acceptable or appropriate medical management.
- Training: Workers and their managers need training about engineering controls, administrative measures, and medical management. Workers should know: how to recognize the signs and symptoms of CTS; who to report them to; how to adjust equipment; when to give their hands and wrists a rest from repetitious and/or forceful motions; and take other steps to prevent getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Program Evaluation: The ergonomics program needs to be evaluated to find out if the number and severity of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have been reduced. Accurate and complete records need to be kept in order to measure the effectiveness of the program.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as Digital Eye Strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.
The most common symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain are
Treatment for Computer Vision SyndromeWith these simple practices, you can reduce, or even prevent the effects of computer vision syndrome:
The most common symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain are
- eyestrain
- headaches
- blurred vision
- dry eyes
- neck and shoulder pain
- poor lighting
- glare on a digital screen
- improper viewing distances
- poor seating posture
- uncorrected vision problems
- a combination of these factors
Treatment for Computer Vision SyndromeWith these simple practices, you can reduce, or even prevent the effects of computer vision syndrome:
- Make sure the lighting in the room is comfortable on the eyes, and prevents you from staring into glare on the computer screen
- Position the computer screen so that your head is in a naturally comfortable position while working
- Take breaks. A few minutes away from the computer can go a long way when it comes to your eyes. Think of it similarly to the way you take stretch breaks for your arms and back.
- Make sure your seat is comfortable. A comfortable chair with support for your neck and back will help you avoid neck and shoulder strain commonly associated with computer vision syndrome.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is a condition that affects the part of the body that is subjected to repeated stress, strain or both. The musculoskeletal system is an organ system that enables the body to move through the use of the muscle and skeletal systems in combination.
MSD occurs when a part of the musculoskeletal system is called on to work harder, stretch farther, impact more directly or otherwise function at a greater level then it is prepared for. The initial impact to the affected area may be minute, but it can easily cause damage and great discomfort if it occurs repeatedly. It is the build up of this trauma that causes the disorder.
Work-related Musculoskeletal disorders (computer injuries) develop from repeated stress and strain to the body's muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves. The back, shoulders, neck, arms and hands are most commonly affected.
How Are MSDs CausedAreas that can create a risk include:
The most common causes of MSDs in the office include:
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal disorder
MSD occurs when a part of the musculoskeletal system is called on to work harder, stretch farther, impact more directly or otherwise function at a greater level then it is prepared for. The initial impact to the affected area may be minute, but it can easily cause damage and great discomfort if it occurs repeatedly. It is the build up of this trauma that causes the disorder.
Work-related Musculoskeletal disorders (computer injuries) develop from repeated stress and strain to the body's muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves. The back, shoulders, neck, arms and hands are most commonly affected.
How Are MSDs CausedAreas that can create a risk include:
- repetitive and heavy lifting
- bending and twisting repeating an action too frequently
- uncomfortable working position
- posture disorders
- exerting too much force
- vibrations
- working too long without breaks
- adverse working environment (e.g. hot, cold)
- psychosocial factors (e.g. high job demands, time pressures and lack of control)
- not receiving and acting upon reports of symptoms quick enough
The most common causes of MSDs in the office include:
- Extended periods of unnatural posture while using the computer
- Inadequate lower back support
- Sitting in the same position for extended periods
- Poor ergonomic work station setup
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal disorder
- Arrangement of desk, desk chair, computer in relation to the body
- Using comfort equipment such as footrests, wrist/palm rests, and document holders if required
- Keep the mouse and keyboard at ergonomic levels to the body
- Ergonomic technologies eg. Keyboards, mouse, etc
- Regular break intervals between tasks
- Regular stretching to relax the body
- Avoid prolonged exposure to one task
- Look for conditions that contribute to MSDs