Dont overdo the mouse.Overuse injuries in IT use.

Increasingly we are using computers for long periods of time in non ergonomic conditions and environments .On many occasions we are totally unaware of the risks to our body and minds that such inoquious equipment poses.there aere many implications as a result in workplaces.

"Intensive mouse use is harmful to health

Intensive computer use appears to be associated with hand, arm, neck and
shoulder symptoms, with mouse work worse for health then general computer use. A
review of the occupational health literature by Dutch researchers found nine
relevant articles, of which six were rated as high quality. On the basis of the
evidence presented in these papers, the researchers concluded there was moderate
evidence linking mouse use and hand-arm symptoms, with the likelihood of
symptoms increasing with use in a 'dose-response' relationship. The evidence was
less strong for neck and shoulder symptoms and for total computer and keyboard
use. The study, published online last month in the journal Occupational and
Environmental Medicine, concludes more research is needed 'to improve our
understanding of safe levels of computer use by measuring the duration of
computer use in a more objective way, differentiating between total computer
use, mouse use and keyboard use, attaining sufficient exposure contrast, and
collecting data on disability caused by symptoms.'
Stefan IJmker and others.
Should office workers spend fewer hours at their computer? A systematic review
of the literature, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, published
online 9 November 2006. doi:10.1136/oem.2006.026468 [abstract].

More information on computers
and workstation. Source: Risks 285"

Issue 105 - SafetyNet Journal

Fri 15 Dec 2006